Kakamega Karate Club Launches Junior Division for Young Enthusiasts

Kakamega – the local Karate Club has launched a junior division, aiming to train and nurture the talents of children interested in the martial art. The new initiative focuses on young enthusiasts from the age of 5 years and above, offering training sessions during school holidays for 30 minutes to an hour, Monday to Friday at 5 p.m.

According to Kenya News Agency, Wilson Mutende, Chairman of the Kakamega Karate Club, explained that the club is collaborating with parents and educational institutions to develop young karatekas who can compete at both national and international levels. Plans are underway to introduce karate clinics in primary and secondary schools, TVET institutions, colleges, and universities starting next year, as part of efforts to popularize the sport.

Christopher Ouma, Secretary-General of the Kakamega Karate Association, revealed that by December next year, they aim to hold the first-ever Junior Karate Competitions, targeting a significant number of young karatekas in training. The junior participants are being trained by qualified and seasoned coaches to impart basic skills.

Musungu Ngaira, a coach with the Kakamega Karate Club, pointed out that their training aligns with the Competency-Based Curriculum in the sports category. He detailed the three aspects of karate training: Kihon (technique execution), Kata (shadow fighting movements), and Kumite (sparring with a physical opponent).

Parent James Nganga Maina, who enrolled his three daughters in the club, expressed optimism that the training would not only impart skills but also promote physical fitness.