MEET the first African female shihan, Masedisa "Mas" Mojaki.
Shihan is a term for a senior instructor in Japanese martial arts.
Masedisa from Maphanga section in Katlehong in Ekurhuleni has made history by becoming the first woman shihan in Africa.
She is a member of WKO Shinkyokushin Karate under Shihan Isaac "Tiger" Mashinini.
She participated in the 13th WKO Shinkyokushin Karate Seminar in Japan held from 11 to 18 October 2023, where she achieved her Godan (fifth black belt)
"Being a shihan has been one of my biggest goals in karate."
The day's test was not an easy journey as it required mental and physical fitness, adrenaline and stamina.
ALSO READ - Charges against Omotoso and co-accused dismissed!
"During the assessment, I was tested on my stamina, in which both men and women participated. I had to fight with all genders in bouts of more than 20 where fitness is tested. In one fight with a Polland participant, who gave me a Hiza Geri (kick to the stomach with the knee), I almost fell. I felt like I could just run away," she said.
The 41-year-old karateka said she had to be strong and endure the pain.
"I knew that reaching grade 5 would not be a walk in the park and to my amazement, my opponent encouraged me to try harder. So I kept making it and finished all my fights without any mistakes," Masedisa said.
She also recounted her best moments at the tournament, which included a fight with a 63-year-old karateka who had just attained her fourth black belt.
Masedisa remembered another moment during the tournament when she fought a fighter who seemed to have underestimated her.
"When I gave him a gedan mawashi (lower kick), he looked at me confused and started to fight back, which ended up being the best fight with him," she said.
Masedisa already has two dojos (a venue for her training), one at Ekurhuleni School for the Deaf in Katlehong and another in Darsley, Benoni called Mas se Dojo.
She encourages young people to pursue their goals in all areas, academically and in sports.
"In this world of opportunities, the youth should never underestimate themselves. Everyone has the qualities that can make them achieve their goals," she said.
