A master martial artist
HONEYDEW - Nine-year-old Jordyn Pretorius takes silver in international karate championship
Karate student Jordyn Pretorious was one of 13 members of the Russell Sim Dojo who represented South Africa at the Goju Kai Karate World Championships held in Mumbai, India in December.
Pretorius received two silver medals for kata and kumite in the competition which saw more than 30 countries participating.
The nine-year-old martial artist trained three to four times a week to prepare for the event, and attributes his success to his trainer, Sensei Russel Sim. Sim has been training Pretorius for the last three years.
“India is culturally and socially different to South Africa,” the young Pretorius said of his experience oversees, which he regarded as an eye-opener and an opportunity to learn about other countries and their challenges.
“The food was very different. Poverty is quite rife – it is a common sight to see entire families sleeping on the street.”
According to Sensei Sim, the team was well prepared for the championships. He said the competition was tough as it only takes place every four years,”You are never sure of how strong your opponent is because you take so long to compete.
“Local tournaments, as well as the Karate South Africa National tournaments are some of the things that were used to prepare the 13 team members for the championships.”
South Africa won the tournament and returned home with 16 medals – four gold, five silver and seven bronze.
“This is a fantastic result. We were competing against the best from each country, and I’m glad that my students did so well.”
Following South Africa was Iran in second place and India in third.
Details: Sensei Russel Sim 083 601 3464.
