I never planned to do karate.
In fact, choosing a club during Pre-Service Training felt harder than I expected. During CorpsAfrica Pre-Service Training, we volunteers were introduced to various activities designed to help us develop skills, discover hidden capacities, and prepare for meaningful community service. The training was not only about learning, it was about growing as a person, a leader, and a community member.
After our daily sessions, every volunteer was free to choose a club to explore their interests. This was where I faced my first challenge: choosing a club that fit me. I kept telling myself, “I can’t do traditional activities,” and karate felt far outside my comfort zone. I initially decided to join the theatre club because it seemed safer and more familiar. However, theatre rehearsals were held after dinner, and the time between the end of the day’s sessions and dinner was free. Most days, I chose to rest during that break.
Little did I know, that free-time slot was exactly when the karate team trained.
At first, I ignored them, until a friend encouraged me to join. I immediately refused. Karate was not part of my plan. But my friend persisted and said, “Just come and observe.” Reluctantly, I agreed, thinking it would only be once.
Standing on the side of the mat, I saw something that changed me. I saw discipline, respect, and teamwork in action. I saw volunteers pushing through fatigue, encouraging one another, and striving to improve. Slowly, curiosity replaced fear. Observation turned into participation.
As the days passed, karate became part of my routine during CorpsAfrica Pre-Service Training. Beyond learning self-defense, it taught me discipline, focus, teamwork, and time management. More importantly, it revealed capacities within me that I had not realized before: confidence, resilience, and courage.
Then came pass-out day.
That morning, doubt overwhelmed me. I kept telling myself, “I can’t do this.” I felt unprepared and considered stepping back. But my teammates, fellow CorpsAfrica trainees, encouraged me, saying, “Just come and try your best. Even if you don’t pass today, you will pass next time and earn the belt.”
I went there just to try.
To my surprise, I passed. That day, during CorpsAfrica Pre-Service Training, I earned my yellow belt.
This experience taught me a powerful lesson. Growth does not always begin with confidence, it begins with courage, support, and the willingness to show up.
After my deployment to Nyamagabe District as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, I chose to continue my karate journey. I joined the E.P. Jenda Karate Team, guided by discipline, love, and kindness. Training with them strengthened my resilience, confidence, and sense of community, qualities that are essential in my volunteer work, where I strive to make a positive impact every day.
Today, every kick, stance, and lesson reminds me of how CorpsAfrica helped me discover hidden capacities I did not realize I had. Karate shaped not only my physical strength, but also my character, empowering me to serve my community in Nyamagabe District with purpose, discipline, and heart.
Sometimes, the journey that transforms us most is the one we almost refuse to take. What began as uncertainty during CorpsAfrica Pre-Service Training became a powerful reminder: when we explore, try, and push through doubt, we uncover strengths that prepare us to create meaningful impact, both on the mat and in the communities we serve.
