By: Lesley Tjiueza The Annual Karate Championship, which took place over the weekend, delivered insight for those who held misconceptions about the sport code. At the event, the Karate Union urged parents to introduce their kids to the sport, saying it is entirely non-violent. Karate is widely known as the art of self-defense, but there are still many people who believe that karate is dominated by violence and even evil. The true endeavor of karate in modern practice, however, is to develop a spiritual awareness that is only found by exploring the complete functions of the mind, body, and spirit. The traditional self-defense art was also further described by the President of the Namibian Karate Union Cornelius D’Alton as a disciplined sport and non-violent. “I would like to urdge Parents to take their kids to the nearest Dojo to them because it’s a discipline that teaches you to be protective and not violent.” Said D’Alton Various winners in the different categories also echoed the sentiments of their President. Gabriel Nangolo Senior Men Kumite winner “Karate is a good sport and I think that it can be beneficial for women especially so that they can defend themselves” Monique Jooste Junior girls Kata winner “Karate is a fun sport, keeps you disciplined and when you are attacked it’s a tool you can use to defend yourself.” Ombili Haukongo Women Kaumite Champions “With the current crime rate and violence against women. I think that Karate can come in handy” Overall, it became clear during the event that karate is a great tool for self-defense and in most instances shields from violence, as opposed to perpetuating it.