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FEARLESS FEMALE

KARATE CHAMP GOES FOR GOLD

By: Mncedisi Mvinjelwa

A woman can be many things, including tough as nails. And a tough attitude is exactly what local businesswoman, Warda Mallick, displays in the physical and competitive sport of karate.

Warda is no pushover, not in business nor in life, as she holds a 4th Dan Black Belt. She is a multiple gold medal winner, having the privilege of representing Nelson Mandela Bay and the country in karate championships all over the world. She started her career in karate as far back as 1992. Last year, she graduated to 4th Dan Black Belt under the guidance of her grand master Japan Seiko-Shih an – Goshi Yamaguchi.

She also teaches karate and takes up the role of being a referee ever so often. She

has represented the South African team in all styles of karate, and recently collected fve gold medals at the South African Championships in Stellenbosch. Here she was also voted the most outstanding person in the senior category.

Her other achievements include representing the country at the World Championships in Holland in 2005, in Cape Town in 2009, at the Zone 6 games in Zimbabwe in 2007, where she came second and third.

Warda said that karate has helped to build her self confdence, and strength, and improved her health and mental growth. It has also taught her the important skill of self-defence.

“There have been positive changes in my character since I started karate, and I have

become sharper. My discipline has improved and my concentration is more focused. I love to push myself to perfect my technique, and I am pleased with the progress and dedication I have shown in my training,” she says.

Warda has some good advice for women, who she believes must rise above the gender inequalities still evident in today’s society.

“Women should not see gender as a barrier, but regard themselves as equal to men. I would love for the youth to become more positive in life. Believe in yourself, and tell yourself that nothing is impossible. Our youth needs to stay away from drugs and bad habits,” said Warda.