Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
YOUTHS of various ages are undergoing martial arts training with discipline at the heart of their lessons, thanks to Hibha Wing Chun Kung-Fu Academy, where 12 students graduated with Level One certificates last Saturday.
After obtaining a Master’s in Wing Chun Kung Fu in 2024, which marked the beginning of Hebert Kasava’s journey as a martial artist training young and older people in Odzi.
Kasava is the founder and owner of Hibha Wing Chun Kung-Fu Academy.
He said the main aim is to fight drug abuse and violence.
“I started with four students and the number has grown. Now, 12 students have completed their Level One Siu Nim Tao form. This is the foundation, where you learn stances, posture and basic hand positions. Stances and footwork, the basic horse stance, forward and backward movements and balance are some of the lessons taught at this stage, along with basic strikes and blocks and straight punches.
“It also includes Tan Sau, Bong Sau, Pak Sau and an introduction to Chi Sau basic sensitivity drills with a partner. Self-defence basics, such as defending against straight punches and grabs, are also covered. This course takes about three to six months to complete Level One grading, or more, depending on attendance. By the end of Level One, we usually conduct a practical test showing forms, footwork and basic applications. Passing the test earns a certificate to move on to Level Two – Chum Kiu, as we did for the first 12 students who graduated on Saturday at Odzi Primary School,” he said.
The students, including senior students, are Tichakunda Kasava, Emmanuel Kasava, Clementina Kasava, Kiven Mabika, Kudzwai Machucha, Trust Tadira, Iquebal Musai, Iqueela Musai, Milton Madzinga, Haruwed Dirwai, Nigel Gangazha and Wayne Chinda.
On the aims of the academy, Kasava said: “Apart from our well-avowed determination to thwart substance and drug abuse and instil discipline, as an institution we aim to achieve three things: building a solid foundation by developing correct structure, posture and body mechanics from day one. “Proper stance and balance should also be achieved so that one does not waste energy on fast movements instead of relying on muscle strength.
“We also teach practical self-defence. Wing Chun aims to help one handle basic attacks quickly. We also seek to develop sensitivity and reflexes so that reactions become automatic and one does not have to think about every move in a real situation. We also want to thank one of the parents, Sheikh Kumbirai Musai, for providing a place for us in his yard free of charge. We are happy that we have elders like Gogo Gladys Muzowerenga, who testifies to the discipline she now sees in her child.” Kasava thanked stakeholders who helped achieve this dream.
“Lastly, we humbly appreciate the presence of the president of Wing Chun Kung Fu Association Mozambique, Sifu Simial Florencial Paial, Sifelani Mabika, Sempai Kennedy Machemedze, and the parents and guardians of the students. We thank them for being there; their presence shows they believe in the values their children or students are gaining,” he said.
