Local karateka shines in Funakoshi Gichin World Cup

The Funakoshi Gichin World Cup of this year is the first shotocup since Covid and has made history as the first to feature jukarensha (veteran) divisions.

Karyn Smith, a seasoned South African karate expert, first entered the shotocup in 2000, competing in the open elite ladies division.

She earned silver medals in 2000 and 2004 for team kumite.

After retiring from the open elite divisions in 2010, Smith continued to compete in veteran divisions, expanding her role to coaching and refereeing.

According to Smith, in 2011, she acted as a junior team coach at the shotocup in Thailand and was a referee at the shotocup in Ireland in 2017.

In 2024, Smith made history as part of the inaugural jukarensha (veteran) divisions at the shotocup in Takasaki, Japan.

“I was scheduled to act as a referee again and also selected at trials to represent my age group in the ladies’ veteran kata and kumite.

“However, when I arrived in Japan, they advised me I could not do both,” explained Smith.

Because of competition rules, Smith focused on competing, placing third in a contentious semi-final in veteran ladies’ kumite.

“This event brought my journey full circle, from open elite competitor to coach, referee, and now a veteran competitor with a bronze medal to round it all up,” Smith reflected.

Throughout her career, Smith has demonstrated dedication, resilience, and adaptability.

Her students, who accompanied her to the tournament, witnessed her remarkable achievement firsthand.

The 2024 shotocup marked a triumphant return for her after a break because of surgery and the Covid-19 pandemic’s cancellation of the 2020 event.

Her bronze medal serves as a testament to her enduring passion and skill. As Smith looks to the future, her legacy extends beyond her accomplishments. She inspires generations of karate experts, proving that age is not a barrier to excellence.