The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
MORE than 100 karatekas turned up for a three-day grassroots seminar which was conducted by former renowned Samson Muripo, at Raylton Club, Mutare, recently.
The training’s major thrust was equipping grassroots karatekas with the new knowledge and skills.
Muripo said the response was impressive and plans are afoot to embark on a nationwide tour to spread the sport to all parts of Zimbabwe.
“We started off well with over 100 karatekas from around the country. A lot of girls were also participating. I am impressed with the turn out and the passion that most of the young karatekas showcased. It was a success and I hope that I will continue to tour other provinces because grassroots is where it all begins.
He said he managed to spot talented karatekas who clearly needed guidance for them to turn professionally. Manicaland Karate Technical Director who is also the Kyokushin Chief Instructor Sensei Allen Makufeni said the seminar was a success .He added that karate is slowly gathering momentum.
“We are very grateful to Muripo for helping us conduct such a seminar, especially at a time when we are moving towards the introduction of karate in schools. We want it to be administered properly so that we adopt the bottom-up approach to development. It was open to everyone else including the new comers. The most interesting part was having 40 ladies taking part which is quite impressive.
“The major thrust of grassroots karate is to take the sport to all schools ensuring that they are nurtured in the best ways possible through the guidance of coach educators, not only to become professional karatekas.
“In a world where many youths are not employed, karate has provided an escape route from poverty and substance abuse, therefore, we want to escalate the levels of youths who are saved from illicit ways through introducing them to organised grassroots karate,” said Makufeni.
Meanwhile, Muripo came first in the Young Master Kumite (36-46 years) Open Weight at the World So-Kyokushin All Japan Karate Tournament held over the weekend. He walked away with a certificate and a trophy for emerging the winner.
