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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 42744, member: 636"]
Shepherd Ziwira grew up as a quiet teenager on Glen Norah's rough streets during the 1980s. He watched bullies pick on women and children around his neighborhood. The shy boy decided to learn karate as a way to protect others from harm. His martial arts journey started at age 16 under teacher Jimmy Mageza back during 1988. Ziwira practiced different karate styles before settling on Shotokan after moving to Kwekwe.

The 53-year-old man earned his fifth dan black belt through years of hard training. He competed for Zimbabwe at Zone VI Games and became a national coach. Ziwira uses karate to help young people avoid drugs and alcohol problems. He teaches children proper discipline through martial arts programs around Midlands province. His goal involves building a large martial arts school to train future masters.

Ziwira's wife Vanessa holds a first dan black belt rank. His three children Tinashe, Tamuka and Tanyaradzwa all earned black belts at young ages. The family members represent Zimbabwe on the national karate team. They win medals at competitions across the region. Ziwira believes sports can give young people direction and purpose during difficult times.
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