Karatekas impress Australian instructor

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday August 27, 2015 15:53

 

impressed: Sensei Con Kassis (left) takes karatekas through their paces. PIC: KABO MPAETONA

Kassis was in the country to train the national team as it prepares for the All Africa games scheduled for Congo, Brazzaville in September.

Kassis told Mmegi Sport this week that the athletes have shown growth. He said he came to Botswana to train the team on kata and also share some skills with local referees. He said athletes should know what should be done to impress the referees.

“Referees are the decision makers and athletes must impress. My job here is to make sure that athletes have the technical aspect of getting results. On the other hand, we must have referees who would protect athletes. We do not want to see broken bones and blood on the mat. The sport is all about power and speed,” he said.

Kassis said he has been involved with educating referees for more than 30 years. The eighth Dan black belt holder from Kassis Karate Academy in Australia said karate rules are complex hence referees must always improve their knowledge.  Kassis said athletes should not train hard, but smart. He said the training should be technical and productive.

He pointed out that athletes should know how to use their bodies during tournaments. Kassis said the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) must expose athletes to competitions outside Africa as part of the development. He said there is a lot of potential.

He however, expressed concern about fewer females involved in the sport.

He said the association should come up with ways to encourage girls to join karate.

Kassis said karate is not only a sport, but moulds a person to become a better citizen. He said karatekas should have respect not only in the dojo, but also in public. The Australian said people must realise that being a sportsperson is not all about winning championships.

Kassis left for his home country yesterday after spending a week in Botswana. During his stay, he also had the opportunity to train Shitoryu-do karatekas at Lady Olebile Masire Youth Centre.

Meanwhile, national team coach, Sensei George Tshikare said Kassis has assisted the team a lot.

He explained that the coach introduced the athletes to some new techniques expected to assist them during competitions.

Tshikare said getting training assistance from someone like Kassis, who sits on the World Karate Federation (WKF) board, which makes the rules, is important.

“The team has been responding well to training. BOKA leadership has set a target of eight medals and that is possible with the talent that we have,” he said.  The national team departs for the games next Tuesday.