Local resident James Kupferberg won a gold medal in kumite and a silver medal in kata at the JKA South African Championships, recently.
Kupferberg said his extra training sessions with his sensei, Warren Bainton, helped him win the medals.
“I’m happy with my overall results in the tournament. My intense training paid off. I trained five days a week – with my sensei for three days and two days by myself.
“There were seven competitors that I fought in kumite and four in kata. I tried my best to defeat them all, which I did in kumite, but in kata it didn’t go as planned. However, I will try to do better in kata next time.
“It is not easy fighting at this level, and that’s why I’m proud of myself.
“This tournament is held annually and I’m going to participate in next year’s tournament, if the opportunity arises.
“We all fought in a round robin system in kumite and kata. Karate is my first love and I want to be the best at it.
“I have moved up the ranks in karate having obtained my purple belt. I will work hard towards obtaining a black belt.
“I look up to my sensei Warren Bainton who has been in the karate fraternity for a long time. He has taught me how to be disciplined and respectful,” said Kupferberg.
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