Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation are not leaving anything to chance and have up-scaled preparations for the successful hosting of the Guardian Girls Karate Instructors Course, the 18th World Karate Federation Youth Camp and Karate 1 — Youth League.
The instructors’ course, which is a World Karate Federation-led programme in partnership with UNFPA is scheduled for November 19 and 20.
It is focused on equipping female instructors with skills to run self-defence and anti-gender-based violence programmes.
Participants will be drawn from African Karate Federation member countries.
The Youth Camp and Karate 1 — Youth League is scheduled for March 27 to 29 next year. ZNKF president Joe Rugwete is excited about the prospects of Zimbabwe delivering some fine events. Rugwete said they have already sent out invitations to a number of countries for the course.
“The Guardian Girls Karate Instructors’ Course is a World Karate Federation and UNFPA initiative aimed at equipping female Karate instructors with self-defence and empowerment skills to combat Gender Based Violence. “The course combines technical karate training with modules on psychological aspects of violence, prevention, self-protection measures, and social resources.
“Upon completion, instructors receive the WKF Guardian Girls Instructor Diploma, enabling them to roll out women’s self-defence activities in their own countries.
“The course targets all Southern African and other UFAK member nations.
“We have already invited national federations from Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana, Malawi and beyond to send one female instructor each,” said Rugwete.
Each national federation in Africa may nominate one female candidate for the course.
Participants should be over 18, second dan black belt holder, with a valid national federation licence and have experience in women’s self-defence training.
“The ultimate goal is to create a continental network of certified instructors who can run mid-to-long-term self-defence and empowerment programmes under the WKF umbrella.”
Rugwete added that hosting the course and the youth camp and league is a major endorsement of their capacity and ability to organise high-level events at regional level.
“Zimbabwe was chosen because of its active engagement with WKF programmes and our proven ability to organise high-level events at Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 level.
“Hosting is a major endorsement of our capacity and positions Zimbabwe as a regional leader in women’s empowerment through sport.” The ZNKF president is positive the programme will make a difference in dealing with gender-based violence, which remains a concern in different countries.
“I strongly believe it will.
“It is not just about teaching self-defence techniques; it’s about building confidence, awareness and networks of women leaders who can cascade these skills to communities.
“This is a practical contribution to fighting GBV while also expanding female participation in Karate,” Rugwete said. After the course, they will shift their focus to the youth camp and league competition. The three-day training programme to be led by World and Olympic champions focuses on skill development, mentorship and cultural exchange. It is run alongside the Karate 1 — Youth League, a WKF sanctioned competition awarding international ranking points.
“Participants range from under-14 to under-21 — covering all junior age categories in line with WKF global competition standards.
“The camp covers technical and tactical training, sportsmanship, mental preparation, and inspirational talks by elite athletes. It’s designed to develop the next generation of champions. “The Youth League is a series of competitions under the WKF banner. Young athletes accumulate points to-wards their international ranking. Competing at home gives our athletes a valuable opportunity to score points without the expense of travelling abroad,” said Rugwete. ZNKF are finalising their selection for the event and are looking forward to fielding a big team across all categories on offer.
They are working with their affiliated styles and provincial structures to ensure they come up with a strong team.
