National colours for karate duo
Laura Beamish and Christopher Anthony (both 23), of the Dan Triangle Karate Club, were recently awarded their Protea national colours for all styles kumite (fighting).
The karate duo has trained under instructor sensei Chris Anthony for many years and will now fly the flag for South Africa at the Zone Six Sub-Saharan Africa Tournament, in Lusaka, Zambia, from June 25 to 30.
Beamish will take part in the women’s senior u-50kg division, while Anthony will compete in the men’s senior u-84kg division.
In order to gain selection for the national team, the pair had to go through the qualifying paces, which they managed to do well.
After initially making the Ekurhuleni team, the karatekas then went through to the Gauteng trials, where they had to place in the top four of their respective categories, in order to qualify for the South African All Styles National Championships, in Bloemfontein.
Here, they again had to place in the top four to earn their national colours.
It is the first time they have achieved colours for all styles and they are ready for the tournament.
“I am just going to do my best and enjoy the experience,” said Beamish.
Anthony, however, is aiming for gold in Zambia.
“It is the biggest tournament I will be taking part in for all styles, so I am really looking forward to it,” he said.
Beamish and Anthony said they have worked long and hard to achieve their colours and have fought in many competitions in the lead up to achieving their ultimate long-term goal, of reaching this tournament.
When asked why karate is a good sport to take up, Beamish said: “It is good for everything, from fitness, mental strength and focus, to discipline.
“You learn how to accept losing, appreciate winning and also make lifelong friends.”
Both fighters thanked their instructor for the hard work he has put in to get them to where they are today in the sport.
