SENSEI ABDUL’S INNOVATIVE TRAINING THRIVES ON POSITIVITY

MBABANE – Excuses are for the fainthearted.

Sensei Abdul Khaaliq Dlamini speaks positivity amid the wreckage caused by the outbreak of COVID-19. 

Positivity means thinking in an optimistic way, looking for solutions, expecting good results and success, focusing and making life happier. 

It is a happy and worry-free state of mind, which looks at the bright side of life. 

This is the kind of mindset that Dlamini is preaching. While some people make excuses of not being able to uphold their training due to COVID-19, this karate trainer came up with innovative means of exercising despite his sport having been put on ice for over 10 months now, since the initial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown that was implemented in mid-March last year. 

inspiration

Brace yourselves for motivation and inspiration as Dlamini shares his individual training tactics under the partial lockdown period. This is what he had to say:

How do you ensure that your body is fit enough to fight illnesses?

“Since the start of the pandemic, training has intensified in all aspects. Our training is divided into five: Cardio, which is running, stamina from hiking every Sunday morning and uphill sprints, strength training in mostly weights training in the gym four times a week, conditioning and toning:- which is daily after each workout and karate which is a lifestyle, daily routine which compromises of basics, kata (form), combination, heavy bag work.

 I keep a well-planned week schedule for training, eating well, adhering to the COVID-19 rules and regulations: keeping social distancing, wearing of a mask, and washing of hands or the use of sanitiser constantly has been the core fundamental in ensuring that one is safe from the pandemic.” 

Do you have someone who has recovered from the virus and how do you support them, mentally and otherwise?

“Yes, I have a number of family members, students and some of our students’ parents that have recovered from the pandemic. 

“Luckily, most of them recovered because they were physically involved in different sport codes or activities as we have introduced a parent-student workout and social family hikes. 

“That has helped a lot in keeping everyone fit. 

“Those that were affected by the pandemic, we created a support group, wherein we provided the necessary medication for them, food for the 10 plus days of seclusion and Zoom classes for distractions. 

“Therefore, they felt they were still part of us, despite being indoors. Also, we requested a report of their experiences during the tough time, with recommendations to better the outreach programme which we now extended to others outside karate. The major issue was not to discriminate.” 

How often do you exercise and what type of exercises do you do?

“Because of the continuous suspension, I exercise twice; before work from 5am to 6:30am and in the afternoon from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. 

“In the morning, it’s weights or running sessions and in the afternoon, it’s mostly a short run to warmup and conditioning with karate. 

“Training is daily as I am also a personal trainer. It’s like plus or minus four hours of training every day.” 

How has the outbreak of COVID-19 affected your life in general?

“Not really, not me personally because I am a positive thinker. One needs to make the best out of everything.  

“Complaints and excuses are for the weak and those who lack of focus.  Obstacles are what we live for and are what makes us. 

“Except that I only miss the face-to-face interactions with the students, the grading and tournaments. I miss my clubs or schools, as I teach karate for a living.” 

What message can you share with people to give hope for a better world?

“No situation is permanent. Every situation is a test, therefore, take victory as you take defeat. Think positive, associate yourself with positive people. 

The greatest enemy is you, if you conquer your negative thoughts and you see yourself as victorious, you will be unstoppable. 

“Take what belongs to you, and leave a legacy behind, have your name written next to the late Nelson Mandela and the heroes of the past. You are a winner.

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