“I initially joined after my sister persuaded me. She would invite me to go to training but I was not interested in karate at the time. Only after I observed her progress did I consult my husband and he then encouraged me,” said an enthusiastic Lisa in a recent interview.
“In the beginning training was quite strenuous, but I was determined to carry on and I still train regularly. I belong to Raylton Sports Club where my husband is the karate trainer. I aim to become a professional and to win titles. I very much want to achieve my black belt and eventually be a female karateka.”
She has great admiration for her husband’s success and credits him with encouraging her to raise the bar. “My husband has proven to me that if I am determined, I can achieve my goal. I hope to participate in local tournaments very soon and am training very hard to achieve my goal,” she added.
Gold medal
Samson Muripo won gold in Japan at the International Karate Organisation Kyokushinkaikan First World Karate Tournament held in Tokyo in 2009. On top of this, he has won several local, regional and international titles.
Lisa encouraged other women to take up karate, urging them to break away from the belief that the sport is reserved for men. She sees karate as a profession from which women can earn a living.
“Many people, but especially men, earn a living from karate and women are able to do so as well. Before I joined the sport, I too was hesitant, thinking that karate was better suited to men. Now I believe that women can actually achieve a lot by joining a karate club. Sport is just like any other profession that you can used to earn a living,” said Lisa.
Women have what it takes
She encouraged men to support women who venture into various sporting disciplines.
“Like their male counterparts, women have great, untapped talents and possibilities. I believe that women should be given equal opportunities. Also, women should be more proactive. They should explore their own potential rather than wait to be given opportunities.
“I wish to pay tribute to my husband who has been a pillar of support and strength to me and other women. I would like to urge more men out there to support women in sport especially in those disciplines that are still considered the preserve of men. Women can do it as well as men and all they need is the necessary support,” said Lisa.
Post published in: Analysis