Kyalami Shotokan Karate Dojo dominated the Elmarie van Zyl Karate Dojo awards held in early February.

Each year, the awards bring together five dojos: Kyalami Shotokan Karate, Reddam House Waterfall, Germiston Karate Centre, Samurai Karate Centre, and Roodekrans Karate Dojo, under Sensei Elmarie van Zyl, head of Shotokan-ZA (SZA).

Kyalami Shotokan Karate Sensei Mari du Preez said, “The awards not only celebrate those who excel at competition but also those who excel during training and gradings, giving students with various competencies a chance to shine.”

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The dojo’s growth over the past year saw many younger and beginner students recognised. Notable recipients included Aryn Reddy, Lakhile Myeni, Shahaan Singh, Hajer Variawa, Muhammad Vazeer, Lenhle Myeni, and Arshia Moorley.

Awards are categorised to honour students who embody karate’s five maxims – character, effort, etiquette, self-control, and sincerity – as well as dedication, courage, and spirit. Recognition also extends to competition excellence, from up-and-coming students to double gold achievers, and the best kata and kumite performances by age group.

“Students must show commitment, drive and work hard throughout the year in class and at competitions, if they choose to compete, to be selected for these awards as they are evaluated throughout the year by the senseis who teach at the five dojos,” Du Preez explained.

Looking ahead, the dojo plans to expand its Thursday classes alongside its Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday schedule.

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Du Preez added, “[Also] to open our very successful Kohai Competition for children aged U12 years from white to orange belts, to other dojos in the area. This development competition is aimed at introducing children to the competition format in a fun and safe way, and the competition will take place in July and September 2026.”

Kyalami Shotokan Karate’s busy calendar begins with the Kanazawa Cup in Tongaat, Durban, in April. Fourteen students join the training squad, with final team trials set for February 28.

The schedule continues with the Samurai Inter-dojo Competition in May, the SZA Gauteng Open Championships, and the inaugural SZA Online Kata Amethyst League in June.

“Because students differ, we have a variety of competition types that they can choose from,” Du Preez said.

“Some prefer smaller competitions; others look forward to Nationals, while there are also online competitions for students who are not able to attend live competitions on Saturdays.”

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