Local athlete represents SA in Japan for championships
"From now on we no longer grade but we get honoury achievements. It took me seven years from 2015.”
Mark Strydom recently competed in Japan where he represented the country in the Gichin Funakoshi Cup.
In April, he traveled to Okinawa in Japan for his seventh dan grading, which he passed.
He was soon selected to represent the SA JKA in the Funakoshi Gichin Cup 16th Karate World Championship, in Japan, in the age category 55-59, veterans section for kata and kumite.
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Strydom runs Mark Strydom SA JKA Karate dojo in Lambton, Germiston.
He said obtaining his seventh dan is the highlight of his career as it is the final grading.
“From now on we no longer grade but we get honoury achievements. It took me seven years from 2015 to grade again.
“My father did karate and motivated me to join.
“My late instructor, sensei Derek Geyser, encouraged me to start teaching in 1997. Teaching is exciting, seeing your students grow and excel,” said Strydom.
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“You also get to deal with different personalities and have to keep students motivated.
“Karate starts with kion, kata, kumite, the basics, and they are very important. Mental preparation comes with regular training.
“You need to be able to switch on quick during competitions. That comes with continuous training, too,” said Strydom.
“Karate helps with character building and discipline. When the training is hard and you feel like giving up, and you push through the pain and tiredness, this brings out your character. Just as in life when things get tough you don’t give up.
“Women have always been a big part of karate, much more now. Karate has grown over the last years, locally and globally,” said Strydom.
