Weaponless but deadly: Karatekas graded after successful training at Zahra Sign Systems gym

By Oscar Pilipili

From left (standing), Lucy Karobia, James Okello, Peter Koigi and Kaizer Karimbhai with other karatekas during a past event. [PHOTO: CORRESPONDENT/STANDARD]

After hard work of training, some of the staff of Zahra Sign Systems in Nairobi were graded from white (K10) to yellow (K9) belt following successful displays in karate.

The grading was conducted under the guidance of martial art guru and instructor Kaizer Karimbhai and expert Lucy Karobia.

Nelly Amukobu, general manager of the company was one of the karate exponents who attended the training that was held at the company’s gym in Nairobi last month.

On her experience in karate, she said: “I joined karate not because it was offered free of charge by Zahra Sign Systems but upon seeing the benefits that the martial art sport has given in terms of discipline, confidence and improved energy levels.”

Amukobu recommends that every woman should learn the art of self-defense especially in the society where one can be in imminent danger at any time.

“Women are very vulnerable as they are targeted as prey. So it’s crucial to know how to defend themselves from sexual attackers and confrontation by street boys,” she said during training.

“It’s just a matter of knowing how and where to hit with all your energy and you shall be free,” she remarked with a chuckle.

Amukobu said, however, that karate forbids wilful violence, seeks character perfection, and encourages general harmony and respect for law and order.

“Karate promotes courtesy and cultivates self-esteem,” she said.

good health

 According to the martial art practitioner, many women join the gym to keep their body in shape and be in good health. “Many women join the gym not for the purpose of competing in championships but for self-defense and healthy lifestyle,” she said.

“With martial arts, you exercise all your muscles, get the good figure, become 20 years younger and acquire the art of self-defense which nobody can take away from you,” she said.

“A good figure comes and goes but martial arts remains,” she summed.

Ten karate exponents graded from white to yellow belt among them nine women and one man.

 Karate may be defined as a weaponless means of self- defense.  It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques using all parts of the body to their maximum advantage. Karate is one of the most dynamic of all the martial arts.

A trained karateka is able to coordinate mind and body perfectly, thereby allowing the unleashing of tremendous physical power at will.

Therefore, it is not the possession of great physical strength that makes a strong karateka; rather it is the ability to coordinate mind and body.

Upon developing this ability, even the smallest person finds that he or she has within himself or herself the power to deliver a devastating blow to any would-be attacker.

The best example was Bruce Lee who ruled the world of karate in 1980s. He was of small body frame.

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