No-Michi grades three black belts
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday August 16, 2017 15:54
The trio, Aobakwe Gare, Panaki Tlhoolebe and Tlotlang Theetso, passed the grading examination that was held over the weekend.
The examination was conducted by Karate No-Michi chief instructor, Sensei Tshepho Bathai. The federation also conducted Karate No-Michi national technical seminar for all dojos on Sunday.
Meanwhile, No-Michi also held their annual open championships on Saturday at Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) hall. Bathai told Mmegi Sport that the championships was open to other styles. He said the competition was used as preparations for the World Cup.
“The tournament was well attended and we had other athletes from Kofukan, Ryushinkan, Shukokai Shitoryu, Mabuni, Japan Karate Association (JKA) and Goju,” he said.
Bathai said each affiliate has its own international championships. Ryushinkan was in Cape Town, Haya-Shi was in Spain while JKA Botswana would be travelling to Ireland. He said the trips are partly sponsored by BOKA.
He said in the calendar of BOKA, more local tournaments that are meant to increase the visibility of karate would be included. He said as one of the codes included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, it is important for the athletes to be active all the time. He said preparing for Olympics demands a lot of work and financial backing. He said even the selection of the team is not going to be an easy process.
Futhermore, Bathai who is also BOKA president, said two names were submitted by Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) to the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology for finalisation and inclusion into the Zebra fund.
Some of the weekend results: Kata (18 and above women) 1. Lame Hetanang (Rising Stars) 2. Panakie Thoolebe (Jwaneng Karate Academy). Men: 1. Botshelo Labane (Baitirele Club), 2. Setso Seikano (Baitirele Club), 3. David Supping (Baitirele Club).
Kumite: Men (67kg): 1. Thebe Duna (SSKB) 2. Dan Batlhomile (SSKB), 3. Ernest Rantsho (BW Champs). Senior men’s team kumite: 1. Sir Seretse Khama Barracks club 2. Special Support Group Club.
Women: (53kg) 1. Gorata Keraang (SSG) 2. Neo Molapong (BW Champs).