Great turnout for successful first-time Hanami Gi Challenge

Interview with Abrie Kilian

ON SUNDAY, April 27, local Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students from Kilian Academy participated in the 2014 Hanami Gi-Challenge, hosted at Vryheid’s Indoor Speedball Club.
Drawing participants from as far as Mauritius, the tournament introduced the community of Vryheid to the fastest growing martial art in the world.
Kilian Academy head instructor, Abrie Kilian, was happy with the results obtained by the academy’s students during the tournament, obtaining one gold and two silver medals.
“I am very happy and proud of the academy’s students. For most of our students, the challenge was their debut tournament, with only two out of the eight students participating in previous events,” said Kilian.
Chris Venter took gold in the Adult White Belt Middle Weight Division (76kg – 82,3kg), submitting all four of his opponents, with one submission within 17 seconds. Venter qualified for the Ultimate division, competing against all white belt medalists, irrespective of their weight division. Venter lost in the semi-finals against Ryan Fitzgerald from Gracie Barra, Glenhazel, who went on to win the Ultimate division.
“We have trained hard for the tournament and I am happy with my result,” said Venter, “I am thankful for the opportunity to train BJJ, it is a sport that changes your life.”
Heinrich Matthee took silver in the Adult White Belt Heavy Weight Division (88,5kg – 94,3kg), losing only to Ryan Fitzgerald, who went on to win the Ultimate division.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to have participated in my very first BJJ tournament,” said Matthee, “the result far exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait to start training for the next tournament.”
“It was a real honour to participate against people that share the passion for BJJ and to introduce our community to this beautiful art. Many thanks to our coaching staff and my training partners,” said Eduardo Fernandes, who took silver in the Senior White Belt Open Division.
Abrie Kilian, CEO of Hanami Martial Arts Supplies and organiser for the Hanami Gi-Challenge was happy with the turnout of competitors, but even more so for the interest Vryheid has shown in this fast growing sport. “BJJ is a sport of physical debate. A muted battle of wits, where victory is determined by asking a series of questions, which goes unanswered, or answered through retaliated questions. It is an art of anatomical chess, ideally suited for those paradox personalities in our society that enjoy being challenged physically and intellectually.”
“All competitors, officials, volunteers and friends and family contributed to the success of the tournament. We are excited to see the challenge grow and contributing in expanding BJJ across Africa,” said Dr Rochagne Kilian, Director of Media and Marketing. “Our preparation for future Hanami challenges, includes adding a Junior and Ladies division, with hopes of expanding BJJ’s image as a sport for the whole family,” Dr Kilian stated.
“With the high levels of crime in South Africa, martial arts should be an obvious choice for self defence. In addition to self defence, it builds discipline, creativity and motivates a healthy life style.”
The organisers plan to make the Hanami Gi-Challenge an annual event on the Southern African BJJ circuit. Plans include expanding
the tournament to include more competitors from all over Southern Africa and assisting in BJJ development in Africa and the Middle East.
Kilian Academy, the only official BJJ academy situated in a town within South Africa, was founded in July 2013. In its short existence, the academy has proven itself against the older well established clubs around South Africa.
“I am looking forward to seeing our guys develop and grow in the art of BJJ and continue to enjoy conquering themselves. As they
learn from me, I learn from them,”

stated Kilian.