Elspark karateka shine at South African championships

Karateka from the Elspark Tenshinkan Dojo delivered an exceptional performance at the South African Ryukyu Martial Arts Federation (SARMAF) South African Championships, held at the Sasolburg Indoor Arena on July 27.

They brought home an impressive haul of medals across multiple disciplines.

The prestigious national championship attracted top martial artists from across South Africa, creating a highly competitive platform that showcased outstanding skill, discipline, and sportsmanship. Amid this strong competition, the Elspark team stood out, demonstrating the results of rigorous training and unwavering commitment.

ALSO READ: Tebbutt Academy karateka shine at Gauteng tournament, bring home multiple medals

Leading the medal tally for the dojo was Michelle Engelbrecht, who dominated her divisions by securing gold medals in both kata and kumite. Her remarkable performance set the tone for the team’s success.

Kemelo Kwele also delivered an outstanding showing, earning gold in kata and adding a silver medal in kumite.

Christine Engelbrecht contributed to the medal count with a silver in kumite and a bronze in kata, while Alex Marsau impressed judges with a gold medal performance in kata.

One of the tournament’s standout performers was Divan Uys, whose versatility and skill were evident across multiple categories. Uys claimed gold medals in both kata and wooden kobudo kata, and further secured a silver medal in kumite, capping off an exceptional championship campaign.

The team’s achievements reflect months of focused preparation, discipline, and dedication from both the students and their instructors. Throughout the competition, the Elspark karateka maintained a high standard of performance, consistently rising to the challenge against some of the country’s best martial artists.

ALSO READ: Tebbutt Academy honours karateka for outstanding 2025 achievements

Beyond the medals, the championship provided valuable experience for the competitors, offering them an opportunity to test their abilities on a national stage. The athletes represented Elspark with pride, embodying the core values of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

These achievements mark yet another milestone for the Elspark Tenshinkan Dojo, reinforcing its growing reputation as a centre of martial arts excellence. With several national champions now among its ranks, the future looks promising for the dojo and its talented athletes.

“These achievements are a testament to the hard work, discipline, and perseverance demonstrated by our students throughout the year,” said sensei Schalk.

“We are incredibly proud of every competitor who stepped onto the mat and represented Tenshinkan with honour.”