A joint karate course between WAZA United Karate Club and Busumbala Karate Club concluded on Sunday. The course was meant to elevate the quality of the sport and the skills of trainers and athletes in both clubs.
The three-day training began on Friday with a specialized referee course at WAZA United’s training center in Old Yundum. Led by renowned Senegalese karate instructor, Ibrahima Mbaye, the course was attended by senior members from both clubs, including the internationally recognized Chief Instructor for Shotokan Karate in The Gambia, Sensei Alhusain Trawally.
“This course is vital for improving the quality of refereeing in local competitions,” said Sensei Pateh Jobe, WAZA United’s Technical Director. “It will provide greater opportunities for our athletes to grow in the sport”, he noted.
On Saturday, the focus shifted to kata, a fundamental aspect of karate involving pre-arranged sequences of movements. “Kata helps develop strength, flexibility, and endurance,” explained Sensei Trawally, Technical Director of Busumbala Karate Club.
He explained that the training targeted both trainers and athletes most of who are children who turned in their large numbers.
On Sunday, the course delved into kumite, the controlled practice of combat techniques against an opponent. This aspect of the course prepares athletes for real-world self-defense situations and helps develop quick reaction times.
The course instructor, Ibrahima Mbaye praised the high level of integration between Senegal and The Gambia in terms of karate. “Both athletes and referees need to be developed in a balanced manner to ensure the quality of the sport,” he emphasized.
He added that karate is a disciplined sport that promotes peace, security, and athlete health.