Two karatekas from the White River Kimura Shukokai Karate Dojo recently took part in and shone at the KSI Karate Tournament Kimura Challenge in Johannesburg.

Surika Dierks and Sensei Babsie Roos represented their dojo in the competition, which was held at the Bishop Shanahan Sports Grounds on May 3.

There were roughly 160 competitors from all around the country taking part in the competition, which served as a means for the participating karatekas to prepare for the upcoming world championships in Finland. Organisers also held a mini teams tournament within the tournament so that they could get the younger ones accustomed to team fighting.

Surika and Roos both fared well in their respective divisions, returning home with a happy haul of medals. Surika won bronze for kata in her division, while Roos took gold for kata, bronze for individual kumite and gold again for team kumite.