Tsakani – Hirokazo Dojo, a karate club based in Tsakani under the leadership of sensei James Guliwe, is celebrating an impressive medal haul after its young athletes competed at the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) National Championships in Pretoria.

The club, which has more than 15 students and is affiliated with the ISKF, was invited to compete at the prestigious national event after its students qualified to participate.

The team delivered a strong performance, with athletes winning medals across their respective age divisions.

Ofentse ‘Mas Oyama’ Makgalemele (10), claimed three gold medals in kata, kumite and sambon kumite, making him a national champion.

Other medal winners included:

Akina Kubayi (7), who won two gold medals and a bronze, while Hlelo Kubayi (8) claimed gold and bronze.

Hlompho Skabate (9) also impressed with two gold medals and a bronze. Omuhle Caleni (10) won two silver medals, while 11-year-old Nkosingiphile Mbageni secured silver and bronze.

Rorisang Masole (13) won two bronze medals. In the 16-year-old division, Amukelani Makhubela won two gold medals and a silver, while Zenande Thusi claimed two silver medals.

Tshepo Guliwe (19) added a silver and bronze to the club’s medal tally. The club also highlighted Hlompho Nhlapho, who competed in the U11 division and won two gold medals and one silver.

For Hirokazo Dojo, the achievements are particularly significant given the challenges faced by athletes who lack sufficient sponsorship and resources.

Guliwe said his team is not adequately equipped, but its members continue to support one another and make the most of what they have.

“Having a team spirit helps us overcome every challenge,” he said.

He expressed pride in his students, saying success at national level is not easy to achieve and that its performances have demonstrated that Hirokazo Dojo has the ability to compete at provincial and international championships.

He also credited experienced coaches, families and community members for playing an important role in the athletes’ success.

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“Their support has helped develop disciplined and confident young people who can serve as an inspiration to others. The national championship was not the team’s first success this year,” he cited.

Hirokazo Dojo also competed at the Budo Championship Tournament on May 16, where its athletes won medals, as well as the Soweto Games Karate Championships on July 11, where the team again secured medals.

The club is now encouraging young people in Tsakani who are interested in karate to join the team and become part of its growing success.

“You are all welcome to join this winning team,” he added.

He thanked parents and community members who continue to support and attend events with them.

The club’s journey demonstrates that with dedication, teamwork and community support, young athletes can overcome limited resources and compete on some of the biggest stages in karate.