Participants in the SA JKA Championships to be held in May were put through their paces at a new venue on Driefontein Road, Clove & Hoof Butchery and Restaurant on Saturday, April 23.

Businessman and restaurant owner Daniel Gombe – a 6th Dan and official referee at the SA JKA Champs, together with Wendy Wannenburg 6th Dan and General Manager of SA JKA – led the brown and black belts from the age of 15 and above through their katas (movement combinations) and offered some advice. They were from clubs in Horison, Roodepoort and Tomadachi (Ferndale), and their parents and families watched them while enjoying breakfast.

The 94-year-old 8th Dan, Sensei (teacher) Johan Roets, the President of SA JKA and the oldest and most senior active SA JKA member in South Africa was also present.

These sessions in the open are important, particularly in this time of Covid-19 when open-air activities are easier to manage than those indoors as you need not wear a mask.

“It means karateka prepare for the competition more freely. I had the space at the back of Clove & Hoof and karate is my passion, so after our venue’s opening a fortnight ago it made sense to accommodate the karateka,” said Daniel.

The SA JKA Champs take place at Johannesburg’s Standard Bank Arena on May 20 and 21.