Refiloe Doro once again flew the flag for the Dojo New World Shotokan (NWS), claiming a silver medal in kata at the annual World Union of Karate-do Federations (WUKF) South African National Championships and Africa-Asia Open in Gqeberha.

Representing Gauteng, Doro spearheaded the charge for NWS Boksburg, Brakpan, Kempton Park and Benoni, securing the club’s only medal at the prestigious event and repeating last year’s silver-medal success.

“Everyone competed with heart and determination,” said NWS Boksburg head instructor sensei Takis Chaniotakos.

Chaniotakos said the head instructors of the Benoni, Boksburg, Kempton Park and Brakpan dojos – senseis John Barnett, Janien Potgieter, Chris Martin and Thanduxolo Doro – were proud of the efforts displayed by their karateka throughout the competition.

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“We were very pleased with their performances after coaching the members for four months in preparation for this event. By competing at these championships, all the karateka mentioned in this report earned their WUKF Gauteng colours for 2026,” he said.

The four-day tournament, held from April 30 to May 4, attracted more than 1 100 competitors from across Africa and other parts of the world.

South Africa dominated the medal standings with 236 gold, 240 silver and 227 bronze medals. Reunion finished second with 14 gold, 12 silver and nine bronze medals.

“Our students gained valuable experience from competing at such a high-level national event, and we hope The Dojo NWS can field an even bigger team next year.

“The standard was exceptionally high, with competitors from across South Africa as well as Scotland, the USA, Mauritius, Mozambique, Reunion and Namibia.

“We sincerely hope the event continues to grow and that more clubs and organisations from around the country join WUKF South Africa in the future,” Chaniotakos added.

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