IT is like a scene from the Karate Kid, as Danielson grits his teeth, balances on one leg and fights through the pain in a karate final and triumphs, all the while watched on by his eagle eyed teacher, Mr Miyagi. In a similar fashion, a gutsy performance from Shayur Hansraj, who battled through extreme pain, caused by fractured ribs claimed bronze and silver at the Kofukan Zone 6 All Styles Karate Championships held in Zambia recently. 

The Durban North karate superstar who has represented the South African Kofukan karate team for the past 10 years has never failed to win a medal at the various international events he has competed in. The 16-year-old won silver for kata and bronze in kumite in his third Zone 6 games.

“I’m extremely pleased with my performances. I had no idea I had fractured my ribs. I remember being kneed in the side and then experiencing this excruciating pain down my left side and then my vision was all blurry,” he explained.

Despite this Shayur battled on for two more fights bowing out in the semi-finals. “I was determined to get a medal. I didn’t want to give up and despite the pain I’m glad I pushed on.”

Chief Kofukan instructor from the North Coast Karate Academy, Mike Norman (6th dan), praised Shayur for his drive and determination. 

“He is the best in his division in the country. This only encourages him more and gives him something to work towards. I’m very proud of all our Kofukan athletes that have taken their love of the sport to new heights and levels,” Norman said.