Dr Petra Smit (60), the Deputy Director for Finance in the Group Corporate and Shared Services department, is a force to be reckoned with not just on the work front but also in the dojo (martial arts gym). Soon she will jet off to Dundee, Scotland, to participate in the World Karate Championships from 13 to 16 July 2023. Teams were selected based on their performance at different competitions. “I’m excited and looking forward to represent my country,” she says.
This follows her victory, winning gold at the national championships in March 2023 in Gqeberha.
Petra is a 5th Dan karate sensei and has her own karate dojo, the Roodekrans Karate and Self Defence Centre. She has over 60 students, the oldest being over 60 and the youngest being four years old.
“It’s amazing to see my students grow. One student is heading to the World Championships in Scotland, and 12 are nominated to participate in the World Championships in Mexico next year.”
She started karate at 25 years old and trained with seasoned instructors like Stan Schmidt, Keith Geyer, Derrick Geyer, Malcolm Dorfman, and Ian Duncan.
Eleven years ago, she survived a motorcycle accident, and was told she would never walk again. She did karate on a wheelchair and spent a year on crutches.
Shortly after recovering, she became a world champion by winning five medals in Italy. She also boasts gold and silver medals from the European Championships, where she competed during the early stages of Covid-19.
Over the years, she collected a box full of medals and trophies, of which a few are displayed in her dojo.
“My karate journey made me a strong person. It made me believe that it’s possible to stand up and go on even when your mind and body tell you that you can’t. Nothing is impossible.”
She says karate is a lifestyle. “You can do it forever. Karate is not an aggressive sport. The first move in every kata is blocking. Karateka’s character improves. Kids’ discipline and focus improve.”
Although she is petite, two thieves once tasted her wrath when they tried to snatch her cellphone through her car window.
Petra punched one in the nose a few times, and the two fled the scene immediately.
Petra is also a second Dan in Krav Maga. She has explored different martial arts over the years to broaden her knowledge. She believes “the more you know, the more you can teach other people”.
She loves the outdoors. Her family shares her love of martial arts. Her husband is a Krav Maga instructor. Her children are aged 30, 26, and 27. All of them did karate. Her three-year-old grandson is also a karateka.
Petra hails from Krugersdorp and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of the Free State Business School. She started working for the City as a temp in Development Planning before being appointed Operations Manager in Revenue Accounting.
She moved to Joshco, where she was Senior Bookkeeper and then became its Financial Manager before being appointed to her current position.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
23/06/2023