Kyalami is set to host one of Africa’s premier martial arts gatherings as the World Tang Soo Do Association’s (WTSDA) Region 14 Championship returns to South Africa on October 4.

The event will take place at the Beaulieu Sports and Wellness Centre from 08:30, bringing together practitioners, families, and martial arts enthusiasts from across the continent.

In recent years, the championship has been staged in Mozambique, which boasts the largest number of Tang Soo Do students in Region 14.

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The 2023 edition drew more than 200 competitors and double that number in supporters. However, this year the competition shifts back to South Africa.

Nicole Burgers, the WTSDA South African director, expressed the association’s eagerness to host the event.

“WTSDA-SA was happy to accommodate this event to keep the championship going as usual,” Burger explained. “The Region 14 Championship started as an annual competition before becoming a bi-annual event. It unites all Tang Soo Do practitioners from Region 14—Africa, who are part of the World Tang Soo Do Association.”

Competitors from Botswana, Mozambique, Mauritania, South Africa, and the Seychelles are expected to participate. The tournament will also feature overseas guests, with senior master Johnny Williamson, a seventh-degree master from the United States, confirmed as this year’s headline instructor.

Traditionally, the event also attracts WTSDA leaders, such as grandmaster William Strong and WTSDA president Master Frank Fattori, along with other senior masters who provide training clinics to elevate the skills of African practitioners.

The programme begins with a black belt clinic and grading for eligible students, followed by competitions across all ages and belt levels.

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Divisions range from the World Karate Kids (WKK) section for children aged three to seven to adult categories. Competitors will take part in open-hand forms, weapon forms, point sparring, and demonstration events.

“We separate categories based on age, belt level, and gender,” said Burger. “There will also be performance demonstrations from different schools, which are always a highlight for spectators.”

In addition to the competitions, youth and colour belt clinics will be held to bring together students from different countries and cultures. At least four countries—South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, and Seychelles—are confirmed to participate.

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