Tension, kiai and osu will echo through Mzinyathi Hall in Inanda on Saturday morning as young and seasoned karatekas from the Shoman Academy line up for grading.
Shihan Sihle Nojiyeza-Nyanda, manager of the Kyokushinkai-style academy, said around 100 karatekas are expected, with dojos travelling from across Durban and beyond. Standards are set to be high, with senior figures including Shihan Jacob Motsuga (Pretoria), Sensei Tommy (Cape Town) and Shihan Nxumalo (Mandeni) confirmed to attend.
Participating dojos include Matikwe (Inanda), Tongaat, Verulam, Umlazi, Maphephetheni and the Durban YMCA.
“We will be assessing students progressing from white to brown belt,” said Nojiyeza-Nyanda. “We chose a rural venue because talented youngsters in these areas are often overlooked, as most events are held in urban centres. This is about bringing opportunity closer to them and inspiring growth.”
Shihan Sihle Nojiyeza-Nyanda, the Africa president of the school founded by Masutatsu Oyama, considred the first and most influential style of full contact karate, continues to play a key role in developing the sport on the continent.
The Inanda-born Shihan, a teacher by profession, has travelled to Japan on several occasions to deepen his expertise. He is now channeling that experience into nurturing talent through the dojos he has established across South Africa.
The academy has also invited KZN Sports and Arts MEC Mntomuhle Khawula to witness the talent on display. Should he attend, organisers hope to highlight challenges facing karate in the province—while reinforcing the sport’s role in instilling discipline and respect among young people.
Though often overshadowed by mainstream sports, karate practitioners pride themselves on upholding strong values and staying clear of negative headlines, positioning the discipline as a powerful tool for youth development.
