Q&A with Wits Tang Soo Do’s Nasiphi Mkatshane
- Tshepiso Mametela
A raging fire deep inside the bowels of Wits Alchemy Dojang in Braamfontein has unleashed a scorching heat derived from the ember of the wooden pillars holding up the rigid structure of the University’s Tang Soo Do (TSD) club.
Final-year Pharmacy student, Nasiphi Mkatshane, as one part of the TSD force which graces the passages of Wits University, has come to possess this same fire in her belly after taking up the sport a little over two years ago as a fresh-faced sophomore who packed only a semblance of the confidence which she now carries.
Her burning passion has since drawn notice from even the master himself, and given rise to a fiery praise. “I met Nasiphi two years ago when she joined Wits Tang Soo Do. What has stood her in good stead is her determination and grit,” said Wits TSD instructor, Master Gregory Hart, 7th Dan Tang Soo Do and 2nd Dan Haedong Kumdo.
“Tang Soo Do at Wits is physically demanding and the members work hard; and are encouraged to be fit and strong.
“Nasiphi has had to work hard to get her fitness up and has done this by being very consistent in her attendance and adding extra workouts at home. She also has a positive outlook and a ready smile, even when the training is tough.”
Anything but the shy and timid then-20-year-old who strode out onto the martial arts mat for the first time, Mkatshane sat down with Wits Sport to briefly discuss her TSD pursuits and how she one day hopes to give back to the sport, which has seen her on her way in some style.
WS: When did you first develop an interest in the sport?
NM: I knew I was interested in martial arts in my first-year when I heard from a second-year student that Wits has martial arts clubs. However, my problem was my weight; so, I thought that since I am a big girl and had never participated in a sport before, that I could never do it.
It was [not] until I spoke to someone else, who is in TSD, when I was in my second-year that I was convinced that I could do it. He told me that some people in TSD weigh the same as me and some even bigger. I attended one of their training sessions and enjoyed it so much that I decided to join.
WS: Any notable misconceptions about Tang Soo Do that are out there?
NM: The main misconception is that weight matters. Now I know that dedication is more important — where you are willing to try repeatedly.
WS: What do you enjoy most about this form of martial arts?
NM: I enjoy learning new kicks, forms and techniques. I also love the military part of the sport; how it teaches us respect, authority, teamwork and discipline. And from TSD, I learnt a lot of self-defense techniques which I think are very important.
I also love the club because our members are supportive. I, honestly, doubt that I would have continued with the sport if I did not have people around me who were willing to cheer me on until I was able to do some techniques that took forever to learn.
WS: How do you see yourself one day giving back?
NM: I want to be a TSD Master so that I can make a club where I come from, a rural area in a small town. A club that will give its members the same amount of support that I got and is willing to go the extra mile.
I also think that martial arts clubs are important in small towns, especially since there is so much violence but little response to help people.
Nasiphi Mkatshane getting her Half Blue Colours at the 2020 Wits Sports Awards