A Time to Shine

Karate began for Maison de la Gare four years ago. The very first classes were offered to talibés who did not know the sport, or the language in which it was taught, or the thirteen year old Canadian boy teaching them. But, it looked fun, and it did not require shoes (which they did not have), and they got to wear clean white uniforms, so dozens of talibés decided to give it a try.

Today karate is respected and adored at Maison de la Gare. For some of the many dozens of talibé karateka karate has become a burning passion. For a few, they say karate has become to them life itself. The young Canadian who brought karate here has now been four times, and he is well known and his arrivals are highly anticipated. And, all the karateka now understand the language of karate, taking their instructions in the Japanese universally known in the karate world. 

The karate students knew a tournament  would be hosted for them at Maison de la Gare. This would be the third in two years, so they had an idea of what was in store. They were preparing at the centre during morning karate classes and also at the dojo during evening classes long before tournament day. A few days before the competition Sensei gave a motivational speech to the competitors, giving them advice on how to focus and comport themselves during the event, as well as to congratulate them on their perseverance, dedication and accomplishments to date.

The morning of the tournament, the kids began putting the mat together. But, unfortunately, as they began piecing the mat together from all four corners, it did not come together in the middle as expected (as could have been expected). As the WKF referees began to arrive, one directed the boys to take the mat apart and begin again from one side only. They were very appreciative of how neatly the mat pieces fit together after using this method. 

Before long the prizes, medals, and the Douvris Cup were displayed as motivation. The five referees were present and ready. Sensei was standing by, and the competitors were dressed, lined up and ready to go. Maison de la Gare was packed with talibés, staff and visitors anxious for the competition to begin.

The first division was kihon, for the younger group of students who train at the centre in the mornings. Over twenty competitors performed as requested. Or, what they thought was requested (the instructions were in Japanese after all). After each pair performed, a winner was chosen. Then the winners competed again. And again, until only the gold, silver bronze and runner up remained. The process was repeated for kata. Then medals were awarded, and prizes for the winners. Candy sticks were given to all the competitors. But it seemed that all of them felt like winners.

At 1:00pm the tournament was suspended so the invitees and referees could break for lunch and to pray. Some of the competitors returned to their daaras, some went out to the streets to beg, and some remained to hang out at Maison de la Gare. The tournament was scheduled to resume at 4:00pm.  

At 4:30pm the group began to assemble again. By 4:45 the dojo talibés, and the older kids who train in the mornings were dressed, lined up, and ready to compete. A surprise: The President of the WKF Senegalese Karate Federation was attending, a great honour! He was seated at the head table beside Sensei Ignety Ba The referees turned to salut him. Then they bowed to the karateka. The boys nervously bowed back to them. The afternoon battle for the Douvris Cup was ready to begin.

First Kihon, for the morning older kids. This was the first time competing, ever, for these boys, all white belts. They seemed surprised and delighted by the audience's applause.

Then, kata, for the dojo kids. Some white belts, some who has passed for yellow, but not yet been granted their belts (that would happen later during the competition), several orange belts, and a few greens. For the tournament however, they were all equal, wearing blue or red. One competitor, in particular, orange belt, Ahmadou Diallo, performed a particularly spectacular kata. The crowd burst into loud, sustained shouting and applause, astonished at his skill, much to Ahmadou's obvious joy.

Finally, kumite, As the boys were paired off and donned their protective gear, the anticipation in the air was palpable. What is it about competitive fighting that excites people this way? The referee started the first pair. As they began to spar, the crowd grew louder. At first laughing as punches missed or were blocked, then clapping and cheering as hits were made and points called. As the fights progressed, with the winners moving on to fight the winners, the skill displayed increased. The noise from the crowd grew ever louder with each successive pair. Finally, the fight for gold. Veteran competitor Souleymane won the match, his roundhouse kick to the head his special weapon. But, one more fight remained, Ahmadou was fighting for third place. Although he did not realize it, he was fighting for the Grand Championship. If he placed third, he would win the Douvris Cup, having won Gold in kata. As the clock ticked down, Ahmadou received a blow to the face that required a call for the medic. After the all clear, he insisted on continuing. One more point was scored: Ahmadou!

The medals were awarded. Then, it was time for the Douvris Cup winner to be revealed. All the competitors who placed made sure their medals were visible to the judges, thinking to influence the decision. Then,,,"Et le Grand Champion de la Coupe Douvris est Ahmadou Diallo!" The crown went wild for him, he lept up, beaming with happiness and pride as he accepted his prizes and congratulations. 

Then, a ceremony to award the yellow belts earned the previous week. The President of the Federation awarded the first yellow belt, a wonderful honour, and an important recognition and vote of confidence in the Maison de la Gare talibé karate initiative. The founder of the program, Robbie Hughes, tied the belts on each successful grader, in turn. Many of the karateka thanked him, bowed, hugged him, and wanted their pictures taken with the young Canadian, crediting him with their opportunity to practice karate, make it their own. If only these boys could truly know how their strength, passion, and perseverance in the face of unimaginable obstacles, in turn, inspires Robbie.

This glorious day for the talibés, competitors and guests alike, will not be forgotten. As for the medalists, heroes forever!

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Tournament Day - the Only Thing Better than Grading Day

 

   

Last weekend five dojo talibes travelled to the region of Kaolack with Sensei Ignety Ba for their first National karate tournament. This was made possible by a donation from Douvris Martial Arts Barrhaven and Brigitte Pellerin's pledge to the Maison de la Gare karate program from sales of her book, Not Just for Kicks, Dublin 2016. The eager competitors and their Sensei left in the early hours of the morning,  meeting to catch the bus at 4am, after we trained together at the dojo the night before. The WKF tournament was Saturday and Sunday morning. Not yet ready to perform kata at a National level, the boys were there to fight. And, for kumite. 

Bouaro and Omar both won their first fights. But, neither moved on from the second, and therefore they did not place this time. The kumite competition was strong as well, and no one went home with medals.

 Omar in the red belt at Kaolack National Tournament

 The drive home across much of Senegal Sunday afternoon lasted through the night. The competitors had not slept for several days and were exhausted Monday when I saw them at the Maison de la Gare centre. They also seemed somewhat despondent about not bringing home any hardware. But I could not have been prouder of each of them. Sensei Ignety Ba also was proud, and reminded them of the importance of competition.  He pointed out they were lucky to be able to attend a National competition, as most in their dojo, even the regular members, had never been, due to the prohibitive cost. Ignety told them defeat makes you train harder, and to focus on what needs improving, and it helps you to be humble as all the best competitors must be. He  reminded the young men it can take years of training and competing to begin to win consistently, and that no competition is ever wasted.  I have heard these same words from our own Master John Douvris, coach of the Douvris Tournament Team and the WKC Canadian Karate Team. Wisdom.

Robbie and I had hoped to run a tournament at the centre for the young karate kids who attend day classes. We were delighted to discover that Issa Kouyate, President of Maison de la Gare had forseen such a day and had purchased a stock of karate medals as prizes. Robbie had also brought many Douvris tee-shirts from home to use as prizes and others had been donated by Douvris members. Inspired by the dojo tournament team, the first in-house Maison de la Gare tournament would be on!

 

Admirers gather around the prize table

We kept the mats that were rented for the Grading Ceremony until Friday, the day of the tournament (and of our departure). Friday morning dawned. The mats were layed out, a prize table arranged, and as the karate kids began to arrive they put on their gi's and mulled around, not knowing what to expect, but sensing that something was about to happen that would put them in the spotlight. Djembe drums were pulled out, and music began. Crowds gathered around the prize table, admiring the medals, the tee-shirts, and the juice drinks, envious of the karate kids who would be competing for these rewards.

the kata scoresheet

 

Sensei Gora Seck, a WKF referee who generously volunteered to help us, arranged a score sheet for kata and another for kihon. There were 18 competitors, 18 medals, with the winning four of each group receiving a yellow ribbon for their medals, a Douvris shirt, and a juice. The competitors who did not place would receive medals with a red ribbon and juice. The grand champion, kata was presented with a special medal and Robbie's 2014 WKC World Championship sweater from Dublin (where he had competed with the Canadian Karate Team).

The two teams were lined up, salutes were exchanged, and the competition was on. Sensei Gora Seck was assisted by Bouaro, calling each pair of competitors up in turn, starting with kata. Each boy was given either a red or a blue belt to wear during his performance, just as in WKF sanctioned tournaments. Some of the belts were so big and the boys so small that they dragged on the ground. But, the boys were clearly proud to be wearing them. After bowing to the judge and to each other, each performed his kata. There was a wide variety of skill level, but each competitor seemed equally nervous, excited and proud to be on the mat, laying down his best performance, wearing a red or blue belt. They lined up again and Sensei indicated his decision with the referrees flags, red or blue.

 

With each win, a competitor was eliminated. Eventually a final set of four remained for kata and for kihon, the finalists. A few performances stood out from the rest, earning  prolonged applause from the appreciative audience. 

 Amadou Diallo's performing his winning kihon's

For kihon the clear winner was Amadou Diallo, an eight year old (he thinks) who has been coming to karate classes for over a year. 

It is fitting that this boy's participation in karate has been sponsoured by Martina Couture and her dojo Douvris MA Barrhaven, because she contributed to making this tournamnet possible. The kata winner was Samba Diouf. Pride beamed from his face as Robbie presented him with his well deserved medal and his world championship sweater. 

 Robbie with Samba, kata champion

After the medals had been presented the kids again lined up for a final bow and a further round of extended applause. We heard many little talibes who had gathered to watch telling each other and anyone who would listen that they too were going to join karate. Our objective had been to reward the kids who have been working so hard against such terrible odds, coming to classes as diligently as possible, developing real skill and building a true passon. And, to motivate and inspire them to continue to do so. Mission accomplished, and more! And, I have no doubt we will need to bring even more karate gi's on our next visit to Maison de la Gare.

Robbie and Sensei Gora Seck congratulate the competitors 

Grading Day!

 

The yellow belt candidates

They waited  together nervously outside the dojo, in the night, for their turns to enter, salute their Sensei, and begin the test to advance to yellow belts. One by one they were called in. The waiting students could not see what transpired inside, adding to thier growing anxiety. First the salute.  Then, Sensei Ignety Ba began to call out various blocks and strikes in Japonese. The kids were expected to respond immediately, and acurately. 

Thirteen Maison de la Gare dojo talibes had been invited to grade for yellow, along with five non-MDG students of Sor-karate Club.. Before the test began, Sensei Ignety Ba explained to the candidates that belts are earned, not gifted. Months of dedication is required. Forms must be not only memorized, but performed correctly. Japonese terms for each block  and strike must be known intimately enough to respond accurately and without hesitation when called upon. Kumites must be precise and forceful. Salutes and kiayes must never be missed at the right moments.

 

The candidates grading at the dojo

As each candidate entered in turn Robbie and I watched in silence, seated beside Sensei Ignety Ba as they saluted their Sensei and awaited instructions. Many were sweating with anxiety. I was nearly shaking myself, my own nerves getting the better of me as I imagined myself in their shoes. I wanted so much for each and every one to pass. But, I began to sense from Ignety a premonition in his subtle demonstrations of disapproval, impatience, or pride in students who's gradings were progressing well or not as well. A few were asked to leave before having performed Kumite, a bad sign.

Arouna and Ismaila performing Kumite during grading 

It took several hours to grade the 18 candidates, then Sensei gathered the candidates again. He again reminded them that belts must be earned by demonstrated hard work, respect and skill, then called upon the boys one by one. My heart sank as the first candidate, my beloved Arouna Kande was not passed. Then the second, Ismaila also not passed. But then, the first pass, for Amadou Sadio Diallo! Dijibi Balde, pass! Oumar Sane, pass! Mamadou Balde, pass! Souleymane Ba, pass! Boybacar Ndiaye, pass! Issa Ba, pass! But then, Moussa Ba, not passed. Then Yaya not only passed, but was praised as excellent, the star of the dojo! Amadou Sadio Camara and Abdoulaye Diallo sadly also did not pass. None of the five non MDG candidates passed either. In the end, eight earned their yellow belts, all from Maison de la Gare. Sensei informed the MDG candidates who had not passed that they were close, so they would be given the opportunity to test again in only another month, much shorter than the usual wait.

As we later walked away together from the dojo the atmosphere was a mixture of quiet disappointment and elated celebration. My own feelings were just as mixed.

A day after the celebration and heartbreak of the yellow belt grading a presentation ceremony was held for all the dojo talibe yellow belt candidates at Maison de la Gare. I rented mats, which the boys transported by taxi and set up at Maison de la Gare. Tables were carried out from classrooms and set up as a head table. All the candidates, passed or otherwise put on their gi's and lined up, respectfully awaiting their Sensei. 

 

Sensei Ignety Ba with the new yellow belts, before the presentation

First Sensei Ignety Ba invited Noel Coly of Maison de la Gare to address the crowd. Then he himself spoke of the importance of service, referencing Douvris MA, Robbie, my Dad and I and Maison de la Gare. He spoke of perseverance, referencing the hard work of the talibes in pursuing their passion for karate.  I could only marvel at the echo of his words. The Douvris MA word of the monh this month is Service. Last month it was: Perserverance. Then Sensei Ignety Ba, assisted by Sensei Seck, called upon members of Maison de la Gare, Dad, Robbie and myself to present certificates of grading to each candidate in turn. Even those who did not pass received two stripes on their white belts and certificates, as Sensei was confident they would soon earn them. As the successful candidates were called up to receive their belts, the abundant joy and pride could not be contained. 

 

Boubacar Ndiaye being congratulated by Ignety Ba

 

Issa Kouyate presenting Robbie a certificate of honour on behalf 

of Master John Douvris

Then a surprise, I was called upon to receive a certificate of honour on behalf of Sensei Martina Couture, of Douvris MA Barrhaven. It was granted for her precious contribution to sport and the social good in Saint Louis and to the advancement of Maison de la Gare. Robbie was called up to receive a similar certificate of honour on behalf of Master John Douvris of Douvris Martial Arts. Then Dad received a certificate, then Robbie, and then so did I, accompanied by lasting applause. It was an overwhelmingly proud, emotional moment for all of us.

 

Sonia presenting belt and grading certificate to Issa Ba

As we all proudly gathered together for a photo opportunity, I was reminded again that when practicing karate, these boys are no longer talibes. They are martial artists.

Souleymane - A Child at Heart Becomes a Leader of Children

 

During this visit to Senegal I have been lucky to spend much time with Souleymane. He has taught karate classes with me at the centre. He has helped me orient more talibes into the Maison de la Gare karate program. We have played Monopoly Deal and spent time just hanging out. This week my Facebook account was disabled without cause or warning. Facebook has been an important means of communication while I am in Africa - a link to home as well as to Senegalese friends. Souleymane's always cheerful attitude and positive and playful disposition has helped remind me that it is good to just be present, and for a few days not to worry about my links to the outside world.The following history about Souleymane is from an article I wrote to be published on the Maison de la Gare Global Giving web page, and on Maison de la Gare's own web site, www.mdgsl.com later this year. Enjoy...

 

 

Souleymane first arrived at Maison de la Gare in 2010 when he was about 14 years old.  After receiving help from Maison de la Gare when he was sick, he became a familiar figure at the centre. It soon became apparent that Souleymane, sent from his home in The Gambia to a marabout and forced to beg for quotas of money at an early age, had been cheated of his childhood. At Maison de la Gare he made up for lost time. As a teenager, he learned to play, And, he discovered education. Now, as an older talibe in transition with responsibilities at the centre, and freed from his marabout, Souleymane is helping other talibes find their ways to better lives.

Souleymane had initially heard about the centre by word of mouth from other talibes. He would appear from time to time for food and respite from his daily begging. He was also curious about the classes. Then, in 2011 Souleymane began to have trouble in his daara. He became sick and his marabout failed to provide any care. Maison de la Gare took responsibility for his healthcare and Souleymane was hospitalized until he was well again. He was required to submit 600 CFA of begging proceeds  (about $US1) every day to his marabout. Even when he was in hospital, his daily quota accumulated. Maison de la Gare intervened to assist Souleymane through these troubles.

Once Souleymane's health was restored, he began to attend classes at Maison de la Gare on a regular basis. It was his hope to be able to go to school some day.

 

Even as a teenager, Souleymane had the heart of a child. At a series of celebrations organized for talibes at the centre, Souleymane spent hours colouring and drawing, alongside younger children half his age.  As I observed how this teenager was captivated by drawing in a colouring book, it broke my heart to realize this could only mean Souleymane was experiencing childhood for the first time. He would spend as much time as possible participating in every game, always with the younger 

 

kids. He loved the sack races, and learning to skip rope. The opportunity to play the djembe drums also captured his imagination. Souleymane loves a good joke and he is always quick to tease. Wherever there is fun, to this day Souleymane is sure to be on the scene. 

 

In 2015 when my son, then 13 year old Robbie, a karate black belt, arrived from Canada to help begin a karate program at Maison de la Gare, Souleymane was interested right away. Robbie and Souleymane became close friends. Robbie taught him to love karate, and Souleymane taught Robbie to play marbles and to make a perfect pot of attaya. 

 

 

Souleymane continued to study karate at the centre, and at the dojo Sor-karate. As his study of the sport progressed, his discipline and sense of responsibility increased. There was a time when Souleymane may have been as likely to be found napping behind a market stall, as to be at class on time. 

 

But now, the discipline of karate and the pride in responsibility seem to have had a transformative effect.  Souleymane leads the warm up for the karate class at the centre each week, and trains at the dojo most nights. He helps orient the newly registered "dojo talibes" into the karate program, ensuring they are on time. And, he helps the kids just starting karate to find a gi that fits. He now also competes in kata and combat for his dojo. Souleymane has found passion and leadership in karate.

 

As Souleymane transitions out of the talibe life, he continues to work with Maison de la Gare, not only leading karate classes, but working to support the hygiene and health care project. Most days he leads the talibes in brushing their teeth. And he assists with many other projects. Souleymane also leads a group of four other talibes in cultivating a garden plot of okra at Maison de la Gare's  cultivation lands. This week he proudly harvested the first crop ever. Meanwhile, Souleymane still yearns for an education, attending Maison de la Gare classes faithfully. And if fun is afoot, Souleymane will surely not be far away.

 

Maison de la Gare in Full Swing

A week has passed since I left Canada. Yet, it seems there is still so much to do: A report to complete on the medications we brought on our last visit (due to temporary confiscation by local customs officials the medications arrived after my departure), photos to take of the kids responsible for tending the garden plot at Bango, organizing a karate volunteer group trip for next year, a few more articles to write for the Global Giving and Maison de la Gare websites, and a meeting with Master Ignate Ba about advancing the karate program. This list pales compared to my father's own to-do list of reorganizing budgets and bank accounts, updating the accounting,  preparing and organizing the board meeting, and working with MDG staff to ensure the work being done relates properly to the budget so that grants can be renewed and objectives fulfilled.

 

At the centre, the list of activities for the talibes to enjoy and benefit from continues to expand. Since the month of May, Lala Sene, a member of the female Senegalese National soccer team has been volunteering with the talibes every Thursday afternoon - a great supplement to the regular tournaments. She organizes soccer games and coaches them to their full potential. Thank goodness my sister Karen sent a new soccer ball with me for the talibes. They have lost the others over the wall - the price to pay for over enthusiastic kicking.

 

The karate program is strong and growing, only limited by the number of available uniforms and dojo registration sponsorships. Young kids and older teenagers alike present themselves asking for karate. But, it is the teenagers who seem to feel the passion and the possibility. For them, registration at the dojo levels any discrimination they may experience in their day to day lives. Here, only skill, earned by perseverance and discipline matter. Every person who puts on a Gi has the same opportunity in the dojo. After three days of participating in the morning karate classes, and registering 8 more kids at the dojo, I am becoming known on the streets of Saint Louis as Sonia-karate. But I know, they would still rather have Robbie training with them.

 

The classes were very full this week. Abdou Soumare works with the youngest kids every morning, leading educational games, showing educational videos, and reading with the kids. He also had an overflowing class in the afternoon. Aida's class of older kids was also full of students who may imagine education could be a key to better times. 

 

 

Arouna is getting help from a past professor who agreed to intervene with authorities to help him obtain identification papers. If all goes according to plan, he will begin high school next week! This professor is prepared to help another 10 MDG talibes without papers find places in the public school system as well. For those fortunates the dream of education is a step closer now.

We have learned there will be a ronde de nuit Sunday night. Will we join them late at night, in search of runaway talibes living on the street? Maybe it will depend on how far we have worked through our lists. I have done this ronde de nuit a few times. It is never easy to come face to face wth the the reality of such young kids alone and vulnerable,  knowing they feel safer exposed to the dangers of the streets than in their daaras. Thank God Maison de la Gare, at least, is there for them. The staff at our Dortoir d'Urgence will be ready and waiting to receive the runaways and, eventually, hopefully, escort them home.

 

I have tried to spend as much time as possible with the kids. This is what I love to do most when I am here, and what I know my Dad longs also to do, if only he ever had enough time.  After karate, and soccer, as kids lounge in the shade of the garden mid-day, I pull out the Monopoly Deal cards (also thanks to Karen). Or, we discuss the importance of education and the challenges of being talibes. Or, religion and spirituality. Or, why people in the world choose to do right and wrong. Or, how they will try to improve Senegal when they are older. Or, we just listen to music. One thing these kids don't do is really complain, other than the occasional admittance "oui, c'est dur" . Even after another night of heavy thunderstorms and wind, they comment on the beautiful morning sun, not on the deluge that stole their sleep the night before. My friend Tijan noted "morning is a wonderful blessing, either sunny 

 

or stormy. It stands for hope...giving us another start of what we call life". For the talibes, the storm is just a normal part of life, to be accepted along with forced begging and life in the daaras. But, the morning and new day are a gift from God, to be appreciated, something for which to be thankful. And, so is Maison de la Gare.

 

Karate Still Kicking at Maison de la Gare

 

 

Knowing this day there would be a karate class at the centre, I was apprehensive because it is so hot and humid. I don't do well in the heat. But I DO do well with inspiration. So, when the talibes put on their gi's so did I. Apparently the word got around that I would be helping with karate at the centre, and many extra talibes gathered along the walls to watch. There was much giggling and pointing when ever I kiayed. 

Two new students joined the morning class. They had been waiting to join since my previous visit, but none of the unclaimed  gi's at Maison de la Gare fit them. Happily, I had two more perfect for the job in my luggage.

 

Souleymane led the warm up before the Sensei from Sor-karate took over. Then, at the end of class Souleymane and I demonstrated a few intermediate katas for the class, to the delight of the little fan club. When my son, Robbie first began the karate program at Maison de la Gare, 18 months ago, Souleymane was shy but curious about this karate business. He and Robbie became great friends, and Robbie shared with Souleymane his love of karate. Today, Souleymane is a leader of the MDG karate program and he is competing for the Sor-karate dojo where 27 talibes are now registered. He warms up the class at the centre with confidence and skill. As we prepare to demonstrate his tournament kata together, his shyness returns, only to be replaced by pride as we complete the kata, nicely in sync. Robbie would also be proud to see this.

 

Souleymane helped me make a list of the morning students he felt were ready for the dojo, and who wanted to join, just as Robbie did a year ago. Many had been hopefully waiting since my previous visit for their chance to become a "dojo talibe".

 

As we gathered to walk to the dojo for the evening class, it became apparent the evening meal at Maison de la Gare would not be ready in time for the kids who needed to arrive early to be registered. I could see the concern build as stomachs growled, then the resolution settle in that this chance at becoming part of something wonderful would not be missed. So, off my Dad and I went with Souleymane, leading 5 hungry talibes. Souleymane helped get the new kids oriented at the dojo, then they lined up nervously for registration. I guaranteed payment of their fees, and for two others who could not come tonight,  knowing generous karate families back home at my own dojo would be willing to help.

 

As we watched the class progress, Dad was astonished at the dedication, commitment and skill being displayed by some he had thought of until now as relaxed and, shall we say, less than diligent in many matters. Karate has transformed these kids. Or, more likely, it has brought out their best selves. They are developing an important and respected skill. They belong to something not many people are part of. They feel special, they feel the opportunity.  Another  thing that struck me as I watched, was the equality in the room. Talibes practiced along side kids from regular families, families who could afford these fees. Everyone wears the same uniform in the dojo. There are no begging street kids in this class, just martial artists.

 

No wonder kids who beg to survive are willing to forgo a certain meal for this. For them, karate is a chance at really living.