Judokas off to championships
"I always remind them the person they have to beat is just another child just like them, they are not monsters."
Sixteen judokas from the KJK Judo Club have been chosen to participate in the annual South African Schools Judo Championships after performing exceptionally well at the South African Schools Judo trials.
For judokas to qualify for these championships they need to finish in the top three spots in their age and weight category. KJK entered both novice and advanced judokas who finished within these qualification ranks.
For the novice judokas, this will be the first big championships they participate in. For other judoka champions, for example Keenan May, Nico Pieterse and Darian May, winning was not a new experience. They achieved first place positions at the South African Judo Open earlier this year.
The South African Schools Judo Championships take place in the Portuguese Hall, in Turffontein, Johannesburg, on 8 and 9 October.
Sensei Katja Bruwer says she is positive about the condition of her judokas.
“I think they are ready for this challenge,” Katja said. “I always remind them the person they have to beat is just another child just like them, they are not monsters. All you can do is work smart and hard to win.”
The judokas who qualified, with their ages, are:
Novices:
Keagan Clancy – 13
Hendrik Alberts – 9
Juan Swart –10
Hanu Boshoff – 10
Paul van Gass – 10
Danie Enslin – 10
Stephan Boshoff – 8
Keira May – 7
Ruben Basson – 10
Advanced:
Keenan May – 10
Nico Pieterse – 12
Morne Venter – 11
Kyle Wolter – 12
Tian Voster – 12
Otto van Eeden – 11
Darian May – 11
Also read:
Judo champs bring home the medals
Judo stars rise from Krugersdorp
