Locals ready for Japan
The preparations have been intense with the karatekas saying that they have had two training sessions per day since they qualified for the world championships.
The eight members of Brakpan’s Dan Triangle Club are upbeat ahead of the KWF Karate World Championships in Japan. The local karatekas leave for Asia this weekend for the tournament that starts on November 10.
“We’re excited and nervous,” said Sharike Anthony.
With seven of the eight martial artists going to the tournament for the first time there is bound to be some nerves.
The one fighter who knows what the competition is all about is reigning veteran champion Christopher Anthony.
“I’m expecting tough competition this year,” he said.
Also read: Karate club grades to higher honours
“Obviously everyone wants to win. You are seen as a target this time. So it’s going to be tough.”
Anthony won the kumite event two years ago.
“It’s a good feeling (to win the championship). At first it’s unreal but it’s a good feeling to know that you’ve won it,” he told the Herald.
Aubrey Shai is looking forward to competing at the global event for the first time.
“It’s going to be a lifetime experience. The knowledge of being on that international stage and have the feel of it. I’ll try my best. Hoping I can do well,” said Aubrey Shai.
“We are giving it our all in training so that when we get there we are jacked up,” said Christopher Thela.
The preparations have been intense with the karatekas saying that they have had two training sessions per day since they qualified for the world championships after impressing at various national events.
“I think the spirit is very high and the guys are willing to do what it takes to win it and the sensei (Christopher Anthony) has shown us how to do it,” said Shai.
The experience Anthony has shared with the other club members seems to be invaluable.
“He builds up the spirit and makes us confident in training and helps us a lot during the training, so that we could win it,” said Jason Coulson.
Also read: Karatekas triumph at nationals
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