Local dojos shine in national championships
The team did exceptionally well in all categories of the competition and ended second on a points system.
During the Shotokan Karate South Africa’s National Championships in Pretoria in May, the Lowveld region was represented by 24 members from the White River, two from the Hazyview and three from the Nelspruit dojo.
The team did exceptionally well in all categories of the competition and ended second on a points system.
They returned with numerous medals. Outstanding performances included Carien de Bruin of White River, who won the Ladies Shotokan Cup for best female fighter for the fourth time in a row.
She also won trophies for best woman competitor and best overall competitor of the day.
Gerrit van der Nest won a trophy for the most spirited fighter of the day.
According to Sensei Piet Venter, White River dojo head and senior instructor in the Lowveld, the competition was tough and junior belts did exceptionally well against even the senior, more experienced belts from other regions.
