By Clive Thabo Dube
When one thinks of martial arts, the name Mr. Miyagi comes to mind but within that cluster there is Taekwon-Do, the oldest form of martial arts which has its roots from Korea (between 37BC and 66 AD)
In Bulawayo, Tae Kwon Do through Sabumnim (Instructor) Vusumuzi Ncube who in 2007 solely founded the Panthers Academy seeks to take its combat to the streets in-order to kick and punch back the youths unto the right track. His mission is to groom the youths in the royal city and make them part of the family.
“You see when the youngsters finish their high school level, they start to misbehave and in that period it is when we most lose them…my wish is to clear everyone out there (in the street corners),” said the Panthers Academy founder.
He further added that,
“As we kick, we are bonding and become a family because we all come from different backgrounds. Everything we do here is to make sure that by the end of the day, we are a family that will take care of one another in times of need.”
The art of kicking and punching has mostly been regarded as one of the core causes for violence in the streets. Those who learn it are believed to misuse it and unleash havoc.
The Sabumnim however says the superior martial art only works as a defense mechanism against those who will be seeking to inflict harm.
“We only fight when it is necessary because according to the Taekwondo discipline, you do not just fight. But we do fight out there for defense purposes. You can not learn self- defense and not apply it when its needed…It is used with honour as it does not only develop the mind but even instills the spirit of humanism.
“Besides self- defence, you can deal with health issues through fitness especially depression. If you look at it today, alot of gender based violence (GBV) cases are caused by lack of meditation. During the process of training you will try a technique, that technique won’t be easy. Uyaqalisa usadlala ugcine ungena ngeheart but the more usitholisisa kahle you will realise ungene ule stress la. But the more you fight for that technique, you will ease up, and when you leave, you will be a changed person psychologically.”
The Panthers Academy president went on to state that everyone must partake in this art as there is a mental vacuum in all of us. Hence there is need for mental training to further ease GBV, depression. When one becomes strong physically and mentally, they can over come anything.
For Vusumuzi, the inspiration to open up the academy was spearheaded by the desire and passion to uplift the talented youths as not to waste their future away in drugs and alcohol. He even looks set to help those who can not afford to go to well established facilities which are located within the Central Business District.
“While i was training back in the days, i saw a lot of talent from people in the township. But they had a problem of getting into town daily due to finances. So this prompted me to start up my own academy for such individuals with the mindset that i will find a way to cover up their transportational fares and keep them in the right direction,” said the instructor.
Ncube quits his Job in 2012 to be a full time Sabumnim and in October, the academy celebrated its 15th Anniversary at Milton Junior. During the celebration a regional tournament was held under the theme “Panthers Academy Taekwondo Expo”.
Neighbouring countries who where invited are Swaziland, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique.