On August 31, 2024, 37 women and children gathered at the Norwood Recreation Centre to participate in a powerful self-defense class, hosted by International KenbuKai Karate. This event, made possible with the support of the City of Johannesburg, Sport and Recreation, aimed to empower participants by teaching them the importance of being aware of their surroundings and how to protect themselves confidently, without needing to compare strength with men. The message was clear: women don’t need to fight like men; they need to feel comfortable and powerful as women.
Under the expert guidance of Imtiaz Abdulla Shihan, an 8th Dan black belt, along with Sempai Cliff Agar, Sensei Sunil, Sensei Vusimuzi Ka Mzwakali, and self-defense instructors Sensei Zaahidah Lambat and Sempai Roxanne Cassim, the class focused on making self-defense second nature. Through practical demonstrations and hands-on training, participants learned that staying safe is not just about physical strength but also about awareness and understanding their environment.
“Our goal is not to fight men, but to feel confident and comfortable in our own skin,” said Sensei Zaahidah Lambat. “In a world where we often face unexpected challenges, self-defense should be a skill every woman knows. It’s about protecting your beauty, your strength, and your peace of mind.”
The class provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to learn essential techniques and understand how vital it is to be vigilant in today’s world. It wasn’t just about learning how to fight but knowing when and how to avoid dangerous situations, and above all, feeling empowered as women and children. As the team shared during the session, self-defense should become second nature in the harsh realities we face today. With crime rates on the rise, we never know when these skills might be needed, and events like this help ensure that women and children feel safer and more prepared.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Johannesburg, Sport and Recreation and Patterson Park Recreation Centre for their involvement and support in making this event possible. Their commitment to community safety and empowerment is helping us make a real difference.
For those interested in continuing their journey in self-defense or karate, classes are available through Sempai Cliff Agar at 071 232 4141 for karate, and for self-defense training, contact Roxanne Cassim at 082 841 6005. Follow their journey and stay updated with upcoming classes on social media at @ikkohonbusa.
