Junior karatekas gear for Lobatse battle
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday June 15, 2026 06:00
The academy is commemorating the Day of the African Child by hosting the youth tournament on June 20. Dojo Ken Academy chief instructor, Sensei Keone Kgorotlhe, told MmegiSport that it is important for karate to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
“When the uprising happened in South Africa, as residents of Lobatse, we felt the impact of that moment. That is why we found it necessary to have this event. Karate is about discipline, life skills, self-control and guidance. Instead of dancing in the streets, drinking alcohol and imbibing on drugs, we want the youth to be under one, competing,” he said.
Kgorotlhe said the tournament would attract karatekas from four to 18 years old. He said last year the tournament had about 200 entries, and by Wednesday this week, over 100 entries have been recorded, which is an indication that the 2025 number will be surpassed. The participants will be from Dojo Ken Academy, Kom Karate Club in Gaborone, Nayoth Karate Academy in Ramotswa, Baby Steps Academy, and Walker Karate Academy. He said some of the clubs are based in Bobonong, Serowe, Palapye, and Jwaneng. In terms of competition, Kgorotlhe, a former senior national team coach, said he expects athletes from Dojo Ken, Kom and Nayoth to dominate all categories. “Ngwana wa Mo Africa is a development tournament; categories have been made such that they suit all karatekas regardless of their skill, belt, or beginner status. They will be competing according to their level as a way of empowerment,” Kgorotlhe said. He said when seeding is conducted, they are going to make sure that they avoid matching inexperienced karatekas with experienced players to avoid pressure. Kgorotlhe said the previous edition they had invited clubs from South Africa, and they expect the same clubs to attend this year. Kgorotlhe said the tournament has received support from Lobatse Member of Parliament, Kamal Jacobs, and he has invited delegates, including some athletes from Mozambique. “We are staying in a community with street kids, drug addicts, crime, and alcohol abuse, and we will try to find a way to give some of the proceeds from the tournament to some organisations dealing with such cases. As an academy, the plan is to start training some of the street kids, so that we give them a purpose in life. In the past, we did that, and right now, those beneficiaries are back in school,” Kgorotlhe said.