Gen Mophuting preaches peace in karate
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday June 23, 2026 08:42
It also spurred those who take the events affecting the sport at heart to act in order to address the rot. One such individual is Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Commander, General Mpho Mophuting.
The head of military, who is also a highly respected Sensei, told Sport Monitor that when he learnt about the instability in karate, he took it upon himself to change all that.
Mophuting was speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural BDF Karate Open that was attended by over 400 participants over the weekend at University of Botswana (UB) Indoor Sport Arena.
“I started doing karate when I was 10 years old and I am still doing karate. When I returned from United States of America (USA), and found that things are bad in karate, I had to do something,” he said.
“I have been training with all styles because even in the past we used to train together in what was called Gashuku. But now karate instructors are fighting amongst themselves, that should come to an end.”
Mophuting said BDF Karate Open was meant to bring all karate styles under one roof, including a demonstration by veterans and kung fu.
He noted that the demonstrations by veterans were also meant to show youngsters that they can do karate for their entire lives.
Mophuting said next year, the plan is to invite other countries from the region to attend the event.
Regarding sponsorship, he said some companies have pledged to support the next edition.
Meanwhile, BOKA president, Shihan Mpho Bakwadi said having all karate styles in the same event was a proud and encouraging moment for karate in Botswana.
He explained that the arrangement showed that despite their different styles, they share the same valued, disciplines and passion for developing the sport.
When asked if that was the route that BOKA plans to undertake, Bakwadi said that was the way of doing things.
“Yes, unity and collaboration are important for the growth of the sport. BOKA remains committed to creating platforms where all stakeholders can work together for the benefit of athletes and the future of karate. “I commend Sensei Mophuting for taking an initiative that promotes dialogue, unity and harmony. Any effort that brings the karate community together and puts athletes development first is a positive step forward,” he said.
For his part, Shihan Thuto Thuto of Botswana All Budo Styles Association (BABUSA) said, having all karate styles in one event was not something new as they have been hosting such an event since 2018.
He explained that what was happening at the BDF Karate Open was not one style, it was the fact that karate and World Karate Federation (WKF) rules were applied.
“The only difference was that non-BOKA members like us, were allowed to be part of the event. BABUSA members who are doing Korean martial arts were allowed to demonstrate their art. But the event was dominated by Japanese karate under Shitoryu Karate Do because BDF is doing the style and they do not have Shotokan,” he said.
However, Thuto said all karate styles should be working together, unfortunately things are not in order. He mentioned that during the event, he met some instructors who were complaining about the state of affairs within karate.
“That is why Sensei Mophuting is pushing for us to be united and that is what we have been trying to say. We are one big family and one country and we are all doing martial arts,” Thuto said.