Oakdene teen goes to KSI Karate World Tournament in Finland
A young karateka from Oakdene competed in the KSI Karate World Tournament in Finland, representing SA against top international opponents.
Purple belt achiever Connor-Giles Venter (13) from Oakdene is making his mark.
A student at the Shukokai Karate Dojo (SKD), he is trained by sensei Warren Layzell (5th dan), who owns the SKD in Glenanda.
Venter was the only student from his dojo chosen to represent SA in the tournament. After extensive team training under the watchful eye of 7th, 8th and 9th dan instructors, he travelled to Helsinki, Finland.
He competed against higher belts and older international contestants. Being selected was an honour, and the tournament was livestreamed on YouTube, so his family and friends could watch him in action.
Venter began his karate career at the age of eight, progressing rapidly through belt gradings and championships over the past five years. He won the U12 kumite (fighting) title at the South African National Championships in 2024. He also performed well in Finland and is looking forward to many more years of competing, including a possible return to the world championships.
His mother, Kim Venter, said her son is following in his late uncle’s footsteps, Giles Thomas, who died in a car accident in October 1993. Thomas was awarded the 2nd dan black belt (sempai) at the age of 17, the youngest to achieve this at the time.
Thomas trained in the style of goju-kai karate from the age of five with sensei Johann van Niekerk, so Venter is continuing the legacy Giles left behind.
Venter the sportsman
He is also an avid soccer player, playing goalkeeper for the Robertsham Callies Football Club.
At school (Glenanda Primary), he received full colours under Coach Fourie, who led the team to the Discovery League Tournament. He has also earned half-colours for rugby and athletics.
In academics, he received merit awards in Grade Seven.
“I’m so proud of my son for conquering his encounters with dedication and determination to rise to the top. I thank sensei Warren Layzell, who has supported him and believed in him from the beginning, and for having the confidence in him to be a winning warrior. Soon, he will be going for his brown belt grading,” said Kim.
