South Africa’s martial artists stood tall as the 24th African Tang Soo Do Championship brought them together with top competitors from Botswana, Mozambique, and Seychelles.

From October 3 to 5, the Beaulieu Sports and Wellness Centre, in Kyalami, transformed into a hub of energy and discipline, as 160 athletes from region 14 of the World Tang Soo Do Association (WTSDA) competed across divisions, from children to seniors, coloured belts to black belts.

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The event welcomed special guest, senior international master Johnny Williamson, a seventh-dan black belt and chairperson of the WTSDA business committee in the United States, who led leadership seminars and oversaw the black belt testing sessions.

The opening day focused on knowledge and growth, featuring a business seminar on martial arts school management, followed by a black belt grading, where nine athletes earned new ranks – one from Seychelles, two from Botswana, one from South Africa, and five from Mozambique.

Competition day, held on October 4, delivered intense action and proud podium moments. Team South Africa delivered an outstanding performance, clinching 11 gold, 17 silver, and 17 bronze medals, totalling 45 medals, as well as three trophies, out of nine awarded.

Among the standout champions were Nicole Burgers, who took home the Adult Female Dan Champion (black belt) title, Jan Bezuidenhoudt, who claimed the Senior Male Cup (colour belt), and Mohammed Modou Ndiaye, crowned Senior Male Dan Champion (black belt).

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The final day, October 5, brought the championship to a warm close with the traditional tang soo do family picnic, celebrating unity and achievement after a weekend of high spirits and hard-earned success.

“More than a contest for trophies and medals, the championship served as an opportunity to promote the development of the sport, and strengthen ties between athletes and regional leaders in an environment marked by respect, discipline, and dedication – the fundamental values of tang soo do,” said Burgers, who is also a country director for WTSDA South Africa.

Burgers extended heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, including MotoData and MycroKleen, as well as Ward 94 councillor David Foley for his continued community support.

“To our students, thank you for your patience, dedication, and perseverance. You demonstrated true indomitable spirit and represented the country with dignity.”

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