PHOTOS: The Vision Karate Academy crowned champions in Youth anti-Drug campaign

The Vision Karate Academy emerged overall winners of the second edition of the International Karate Technical Seminar and Championship for Children, collecting 28 medals at a competition that used sport to promote drug prevention and raise awareness about teenage pregnancy.

The academy, based in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, Kigali, secured the overall title after winning 11 gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals.

Unity Karate Club finished second, while The Talents Karate and Sports Academy claimed third place.

Held at Kimisagara Youth Centre in Kigali on October 17^th, the competition attracted 250 young karatekas representing 24 clubs from across Rwanda.

Participants competed in two main disciplines: Kata, which involves demonstrating karate techniques and movements, and Kumite, the sport’s fighting discipline.

Athletes also competed in team kata, allowing clubs to showcase their technical coordination and collective performance.

Organised by The Vision Karate Academy in partnership with the Rwanda Karate Federation (FERWAKA), the event sought to use martial arts as a platform for promoting discipline, responsible behaviour and positive choices among young people.

The academy’s CEO, Eric Nizeyimana, said the initiative was inspired by concerns about alcohol and drug use among young people, as well as pregnancies among teenage girls.

“Given that young people make up a significant proportion of Rwanda’s population, it is concerning that some are turning to drugs and alcohol, putting their future and potential at risk,” Nizeyimana said.

He added that teenage pregnancies also posed a challenge to young people’s prospects and the country’s future, arguing that sport could help address these concerns.

Nizeyimana, a professional karate practitioner and a doctor at King Faisal Hospital, said karate was particularly suitable for the initiative because it teaches discipline, respect and tolerance.

He believes these values can help young athletes make responsible decisions and spread positive messages within their communities.

Nizeyimana also called on parents and other stakeholders to support efforts to discourage excessive alcohol consumption among young people, saying collective action and sport could strengthen prevention campaigns.

Flying Eagle Sports Academy won the inaugural edition in 2025, finishing with five gold medals.

The wider role of karate in youth development has also been highlighted at other competitions in Rwanda.

In March 2026, the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda said the Ambassador’s Karate Cup showcased the martial art’s contribution to sportsmanship, character-building and discipline among young people.

Organisers expect the children’s championship to return for its third edition on December 26–27, 2027.

Photos

The academy’s CEO, Eric Nizeyimana