Thela among elite karatekas
He expects that the new rankings will show him one spot up.
Karateka Christopher Thela, from the Dan Triangle Karate Club, has been in top form. He recently brought home a silver medal for kumite from the All Styles National Elite Championships in Durban.
“It was a very interesting tournament, the level of competition was high,” he said.
Thela has been competing in a series of tournaments that have him ranked among the top masters (over age 50) in the country. Before the tournament in Durban, he was ranked fourth in South Africa.
He expects the new rankings will show him one spot up when they are released. There are two more Elite Championships left this year. The local came close to winning gold in Durban.
“I was leading 4-1 (in the final) but I let it slip. I became a little complacent. It’s one of those lessons you learn in karate.”
Over the years, Thela has learned a lot in his sport, having also competed at the world championships in Japan in 2019.
“These competitions make you sharp. I have to move quickly. Attack the opponent before he attacks you so you can earn points. Hopefully, when the pandemic is over, we can get back to international competitions,” said Thela.
“I entered the Elite Championships to stay sharp.”
It is clear the man enjoys his sport and applies certain aspects of karate to his life.
“Karate is like a way of life,” he said.
“It teaches you perseverance and focus. It also teaches you to stay humble and respect people. I cannot willingly expose myself to danger, but I must stay alert as things can get worse, especially in our country.”
Thela is a veteran in the sport but his love for karate continues to grow.
“The older I get, the more I enjoy it and the more I understand it,” he said.
He is also grateful to mentors at the Dan Triangle Club.
“I always use the tactics sensei Christopher (Anthony) junior gives me and I would like to thank him and everyone at the club,” said Thela.
