More than 400 Rwandan juniors have vowed to keep working hard, and acquiring more skills, with a view to represent the country on global stage following a five-week intensive training. The group, predominantly made of young girls, was selected within an age bracket of 12-16. The training, part of a new Martial Arts Open School initiative, seeks to expand the access to karate in schools around the country. Some 305 girls and over 100 boys were introduced to skills in karate philosophies, cultural values and techniques in a quest to ignite their interest and passion for martial arts, and karate in particular. Benitha Berwa, one of the participants who spoke to Times Sport, said she chose Karate to break the barriers for her colleagues who still think it’s a complicated game. “I chose to play karate because I see it as an interesting game. It helps me to relax after my studies. It also teaches me about self-defense”. Berwa, who was also among the best girl performers, added that the training provides an opportunity to participate on bigger platforms besides the local scene. “It enabled me to dream of an opportunity to (in the future) participate in the Olympic Games, and give a great honour to my country.” Gaelle Umwali Ashimwe, another karate enthusiast, revealed that it is through the initiative that she was introduced to karate. “I did not tried karate before, but what I am seeing from this programme is that it teaches self-defense and discipline.” For Ashimwe, discipline is the biggest lesson she learned. “I would also like to train more so that I can represent my country on a global platform. That is my goal,” she said, noting that girls of her age have previously been ignored in the sport. The initiative is a brainchild of Rwanda Karate Federation (Ferwaka) in collaboration with the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement, under the auspices of UNESCO. As part of the training, the students had an opportunity to learn the Olympic values under the instruction of Jean de Dieu Mukundiyukuri, the Executive Director at the Rwanda National Olympic Committee. “We need those values and those skills so that the kids, or athletes, can learn how to use them in their daily life.” “They are very young; they can become Olympians in the future. It is very possible.” Jean-Claude Rugigana, the Project Manager, echoed similar sentiments, citing that the training would further facilitate the juniors to use martial arts for both their physical fitness and psychological development. “The programme improved the leadership skills and the community engagement of the participants, with a special focus on the women in sports,” he asserted. Chief Instructor Noel Nkuranyabahizi, who is also the head coach of the National Karate Team, said the training was timely, and was able to find talented girls who could be ‘future champions’.
