Tanzania Karate Federation (TKF) has awarded five senior karate instructors with Shihan title. Shihan is a formal karate title for someone who has mastered the basic and advanced techniques as well as the principles, concepts and theory of their respective style of the marshal art.
Speaking during Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Show in Dar es Salaam yesterday, TKF Secretary General Phillip Chikoko said they understand the role played by seniors in developing karate in the country.
Senior instructors who have been awarded with Shihan title are Dudley Mawalla, Daudi Magoma, Kheri Kivuli, Rumadhan Fundi and Edgar Kaliboti. Apart from the title, Mawalla and Magoma were awarded 7th black belt degrees in karate, while the rest were awarded 6th degrees.
Mawalla urged young upcoming karate trainees to make sure they do not use the art to harm others in the society. “Karate is not beating someone, it`s not about round kicks and all sorts of fighting. Karate stays in the heart, it’s about being patient in life and stay strong,” he said.
Sports officer from the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Rashidi Mijuza, urged all sportsmen especially those who are playing karate not to engage in bad manners and avoid illicit drugs. “I urge you, especially youths, to avoid using illicit drugs or even transporting them,” he said.
TKF organised the show to honour the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. More than 50 karate instructors and trainees participated in the show and demonstrated their skills.
Shotokan karate clubs which took part were Leopards, Serengeti, Amani, Ukombozi, Traditional and Dolphin from Dar es Salaam as well as Upendo Shotokan group of Morogoro.
Others were Gojuryu karate clubs represented by Jamhuri which is led by legend Kheri Kivuli, Gokukai Dar and Bagamoyo groups.
By FRANK KIMARO, Tanzania Daily News