Shihan Chris Seabelo Calls for Support to Boost Karate in South Africa

North West Shihan Chris Seabelo has issued a rallying cry to stakeholders, urging them to help elevate karate to its rightful place in the South African sporting landscape. His call comes after achieving the prestigious 7th Dan black belt in Okinawa (Budukhan), the birthplace of martial arts, making him a beacon of hope for karate practitioners nationwide.

Seabelo’s accomplishment has not gone unnoticed, with congratulatory messages pouring in for both him and Shihan Mark Strydom for their outstanding grading performances, which have brought pride to the South African Japan Karate Association (JKA).

In academic terms, the 7th Dan Black Belt is comparable to a doctorate qualification, requiring over 40 years of training and/or being older than 50 years. Seabelo met these rigorous criteria with his 42-year dedication to karate, becoming the first black South African to achieve the 7th Dan black belt in Japan.

However, Seabelo emphasizes that his achievement is not for personal gain but rather for the benefit of the country, the province, and disadvantaged communities, particularly in Rustenburg and the Royal Bafokeng nation.

Reflecting on his journey, Seabelo acknowledges the challenges he faced, including financial constraints due to a lack of sponsorship. He calls on stakeholders to support the sport and help it gain the recognition it deserves.

But financial limitations are not the only obstacle hindering the progress of karate. Seabelo also highlights the lack of community involvement and the scarcity of facilities as significant challenges.

To address these issues, Seabelo advocates for collaboration between the South African JKA and the North West Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Education to ensure the accessibility of training venues, such as school halls.

He believes that karate has numerous benefits beyond physical fitness, including its potential to combat crime, promote a gun-free society, and address bullying in schools. Seabelo envisions North West province leading the way in tackling these societal issues through karate.

Hailing from Kanana Village in Rustenburg, Seabelo sees his achievement as making a positive impact in his community. He extends his gratitude to his family, mentors, and various organizations for their support throughout his journey.

In conclusion, Seabelo hopes his success serves as inspiration for disadvantaged karate enthusiasts, emphasizing that achieving the 7th Dan black belt is not limited to certain individuals but requires passion and dedication.