A number of karatekas from the Horizon Karate Centre competed in the SA JKA Gauteng Championships in Johannesburg on 10 and 11 March. Fifty students qualified to represent Gauteng at the SA JKA National Championships being held in Johannesburg on 19 and 20 May. Horizon Karate Centre won a total of 59 medals – 30 gold, 11 silver and 18 bronze.
Front: Eugene du Toit, Gabo Namola, Abisha Pandey and Tiro Rampou.
The competition is divided into three sections – Special Needs, Novice Divisions (white to red belts), and Elite Divisions (brown and black belts). The Special Needs and Novice sections are divided into divisions according to age, belt and gender. The Elite section is divided into divisions according to age and gender. There are two separate categories in which students compete – kata (forms) and kumite (sparring).
Front: Wilmari Olivier, Tiya Naidoo, Aiden Marnewick, Zaakiyah Ismail, Taryn Quinn and Diyen Naaidoo.
Sensei Wendy Wannenberg said this is a particularly important year as Elite competitors will not only be competing for national glory and medals, but also a place in the SA JKA National Team.
Front: Matthew Martin, Bianca Jansen van Rensburg, Lindani Fani and Rianco Germishuizen.
“They will represent South Africa at the 14th Gichin Funakoshi Cup (JKA World Championships) being held in Ireland in August. This is a internationally prestigious event with karate of the highest level and it would be a wonderful accomplishment to be part of the SA JKA National Team.”
Sensei Wendy added that the competition against the other provinces at the Nationals in May will be very tough.
“Hard training always pays off and I am extremely proud of all my students. These results are exceptional. Students can only do their best, win or lose.”
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