Chatsworth karate kid earns black belt
Don’t mess with Chatsworth karate kid Kimberly Moonsamy.
The Welbedene Secondary Grade 8 pupil got her black belt on Sunday, November 24.
Kimberly is following in the footsteps of her father - and karate teacher - Sensei Denver Moonsamy, who teaches at Cobra Karate in Durban.
The excited karateka will try for her first Dan in 2025.
Over the years, Kimberly’s hard work has paid off. Her achievements include being graded to yellow belt in June 2014 under Chief Examiner Hanshi Eric Govender.
She has participated in many training courses and tournaments.
She was an outstanding Cobra Karate student at dojo level four years in a row (2020-2023); International Federation of Funakoshi Shotokan Karate (IFFSK) Student of the Year for six years in a row (2018-2023); was nominated to receive the Cobra Karate Sports Star of the Year in 2024 and is nominated to receive the IFFSK Student of the year Award in December 2024.
She will be participating in the World Union Karate Federation South Africa (WUKF-SA) National Championship to be held in Port Elizabeth in April 2025. Kimberly was also placed second for Kumite and second for Kata at the recent 40th IFFSK National Championship held in August 2024. She said she attended the IFFSK Referee Course in July 2024 and was one of the youngest judges to judge at the IFFSK National Championship.
“I was only three-years-old when I was introduced to karate by my dad. I enjoy it, it allows me to stay fit, meet new people and foster good friendships. With karate I can showcase my skills and talent. It has also taught me to be disciplined, focused and at the same time to have self-confidence. I want to assist others and stand up for them when they are being taken advantage of,” said Kimberly.
“I think learning the art of karate is important because we can defend ourselves from danger. It helps me with focus and concentration, especially with my school work. Karate also keeps children occupied so they don’t get into bad company and develop bad habits. It also enables children to boost their self esteem and confidence - like it did for me.”
Kimberly said receiving her first black belt was a tremendous achievement for her and she is now more determined to move on to her Dan Grading Examinations. She said her ultimate goal is to become an instructor and expand the Cobra Karate brand alongside her dad.
She said karateka’s can go up to 10th Dan but it does depend on their age. The minimum age for reaching a high rank is above 65 years. The typical time to reach 1st Dan is approximately nine to 10 years of training and you need to be constantly training to keep your optimum peak, Kimberly said.
Kimberly plans on studying medicine after she matriculates, as it is her dream to become a doctor. She wants to be a cardiologist and continue with karate.
“My mum, Kogie, and dad, Denver, are my inspiration. My mum is my biggest fan and is always at the ringside supporting me at my karate tournaments. She is also my make-up artist when I’m attending a function and my best friend when I need advice,” said Kimberly.
“My dad is my karate instructor and my hero. He trains me for my big tournaments. I want to be a great Sensei just like him. Those are big shoes to fill but I am determined to make both my parents proud and I wish to thank both of them for all they do for me.”
