Karateka, 12, has the world at her feet
Lelani is currently a Junior 1 Black Belt and is on her way to Ireland.
Lelani Viviers is not you’re average 12-year-old girl, as she most probably perfected the wax-on-wax-off technique before even reaching Grade 3.
At the age of seven Lelani took up karate at the Krugersdorp Karate Dojo under the mentorship of sensei Leon van Niekerk, and is currently a Junior 1 Black Belt. This is an astonishing accomplishment as it requires utmost dedication and hard work to qualify for this belt.
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During the past five years she competed in numerous competitions on both provincial and national levels, accumulating a total of 36 medals to date. These include double gold for kata and kumite at the SAJKA Gauteng Championships in March and double bronze at the SA Championships in May.
Subsequently Lelani was selected for the South African JKA Team that will be participating in the 14th Funakoshi Gichin Cup (JKA World Championship) in Ireland from 17 to 20 August.
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According to sensei Leon she is currently training five days a week in preparation for this prestigious event.
“If she carries on like this, we can most definitely expect a medal or two. We wish her everything of the best,” he said.
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