Kempton Park martial artists win big at African Championship

Students from New Generation SA Tang Soo Do in Kempton Park made their club proud by winning nine medals at the Region 14 Championship held in Centurion from October 3 to 5.

The event, which featured 160 athletes, marked the 24th African Tang Soo Do Championship hosted in South Africa.

According to Mandlankosi Gobiyeza, chief instructor at New Generation SA Tang Soo Do, the tournament attracted participants from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and the Seychelles. Competitors took part across men’s and women’s categories, divided by age group – juniors, youth and adults – and by belt level, including colour and black belts.

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The championship also welcomed Senior International Master Johnny Williamson, a seventh-dan black belt and current chairperson of the World Tang Soo Do Association’s Business Committee in the United States.

In addition to the competition, coloured and black belt holders participated in specialised clinics presented by Masters, aimed at enhancing skills and sharing knowledge within the Tang Soo Do community.

“The event signified more than just winning for the competitors – it represented brotherhood and unity,” said Gobiyeza.

“World Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art that prides itself on family values, and this event truly showcased that spirit.”