25 Feb 2019

Thirty-year-old Steven Motlalepuo of Maun Traditional Martial Arts Club is expected to leave for China later in the year to feature in a Chinese Kung Fu movie, courtesy of the Chinese Embassy.

Motlalepuo is expected to leave for China in November where he will upgrade his skills and technique in martial arts.

His trip follows a visit to Wudang Daoist Martial Arts Academy in China last year, together with six children from his club, as he had the opportunity to meet the renowned martial art master, Cheng Shiyu, who admired his character, skill and strength during trainings.

The youthful Motlalepuo confirmed his trip in an interview, noting that he was eyeing it to help him to realise his dream of owning a school for martial arts in Botswana.

He explained that during the trip he would have an opportunity to negotiate more on his training, upgrade his skill, technique and also feature in a Chinese Kung Fu movie.

While in China, he said the Kung Fu master convinced him to consider featuring in their movie because he was impressed by his capability.

“I found it fit to grab the opportunity as I believe that it will enhance my character and skill,” he added.

He also improved his children’s skills as well as to attain his 4^th black belt.  He said the master welcomed him in his family where he enjoyed every session. He described traditional martial arts as a system of self-defence that can be used by anyone, saying it gives the smaller guy the tools to prevail against much larger and stronger assailants.

Motlalepuo pointed out that his intention was to leave a legacy in the field of martial arts, hence he aims to start a training school. He decried lack of financial assistance to realise his trip, together with his six club members, and appealed for support from the business community and the public at large.

He appreciated support from the Chinese Embassy, which is expected to take care of his transport fees.

Motlalepuo, who holds a degree in Information Technology and diploma in Law, said he fell in love with the martial arts and decided to follow his passion to start Maun Traditional Martial Arts club where he is an instructor.

Although he initially treated martial arts as a hobby, he said he later became passionate about it and started doing it full time.

He is now an instructor of Chinese Traditional Martial Art and Karate. Prior to martial arts, he worked as a temporary teacher and he is working hard to build his empire, Maun Traditional Martial Arts, which trains children aged 3–17 years.

The young man also said his club was growing, noting that currently he has 69 students up from 35.  He said this year he managed to register elderly people comprising of 10 males and five females. He has two affiliate clubs in Francistown and Gaborone. ENDS