While others were enjoying a well-deserved long weekend, 38 athletes from Parkrand’s Goju Karate Academy made a bow at the World Union of Karate Federations (WUKF) SA National Championships and Afro-Asia Open, in Gqeberha.

Hosting more than 1000 athletes from across SA, as well as Scotland, Reunion, Mauritius, Namibia and the USA, the event featured a high level of competition from the onset.

However, hard work and dedication ensured that athletes from the dojo claimed 59 medals, which included 25 gold, 18 silver and 16 bronze.

Participating in individual kata, team kata, individual kumite, rotational team kumite, ippon kumite and kobudo short and long weapons, the team proved their mettle.

Their participation further ensured that they earned WUKF SA Gauteng colours.

With competition season in full swing, the dojo now has its eyes set firmly on the 14th WUKF World Championships, which will be held in Romania in July.

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