Karate:
Why did you start doing karate?
Well I started doing Karate round about in 2009, because I was really impressed by cousins who did karate in the North. Whenever I visited, I was really enamored by all their medals and awards. So I told my Dad that I wanted to start doing Karate and so I did. Now after the determination, perseverance and continuity, I’m the first choice pick for the national team.
What type of karate do you do?
Within the sport there’s something called kata and kumite. I do both individualistic styles and I rank the highest in both categories.
Which countries have you traveled to, with regards to tournaments?
In SADC I’ve been to; Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Abroad I’ve only been to Spain. And this year I’m going to Morocco for the All African Games.
Karate is viewed as dangerous, what’s your say on that?
Martial Arts has a whole variety to it. What I do is semi-contact karate, which is kinda dangerous, but not nearly as dangerous as full-contact karate e.g kickboxing.
How do you think Namibia can better the Karate scene within the country?
The Government should become more involved with the sport and provide sponsorships for international tournaments. Because we as athletes really go out of our way to represent the country and it would be especially beneficial if the government could lesson the financial burden. Or have sponsors who are willing to provide sponsorships.
Why did you continue with Karate for as long as you did? From 2009 til now.
My coaches were and still are my biggest motivation. They always supported me and cheered me on because they saw potential in me. And eventually that potential grew into skill, which I now possess.
Which year did you go to Nationals?
2013 was when I first made it to nationals
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