Local karatekas pack a mean punch at annual shotokan competition
Karatekas of the White River Dojo had sterling performances at the annual club competition of Lowveld Shotokan latst Saturday at the Kiepersol Farmers' Hall near Hazyview.
The Hazyview dojo hosted fighters from White River, Skukuza and Mbombela for Lowveld Shotokan’s annual club competition last weekend.
Although entries were less than usual due to a number of school-sport events elsewhere, the level and quality of the karate did not disappoint. Both the kata and kumite sections provided great entertainment and hard work throughout the year paid off.
Sensei Sandra Jansen van Vuuren of Hazyview says the younger participants displayed great determination and good character and finished fights even after they were injured.
The veteran fights were some of the highlights of the day, as both the men and women participated with vigorous and great sportsmanship. They proved that not only young people could enjoy such an intense sport. The young brown-belt competitors also had spectators on the edge of their seats with high kicks and lightning-fast attack. Despite the ferocity of their attacks, they still displayed respect and good attitudes towards one another.
The match between Lesaya Calaca and Milamber Bubb was undoubtedly one of the most intense and exciting ones and they ended up getting the highest points of the day with 22-23. “Not only did they display great technique, but it was a tough fight until the end,” Jansen van Vuuren remarked.
Results
White River – 205
Hazyview – 141
Skukuza – 79
Mbombela – 63.
View photos of the event here.
