Hanami Challenge a hit in Vryheid
Abrie Kilian, CEO of Hanami Martial Arts Supplies and organizer for the Hanami Gi-Challenge, was very happy with the turnout of the competitors and the support Vryheid has shown in BJJ. “The challenge drew 50 more competitors than last year. We hope to double the amount of competitors by next year to continue with the success the first two Hanami Challenges.”
SUNDAY, April 26, saw the second annual Hanami Challenge, hosted at Pioneer High School, Vryheid.
The tournament drew participants from across South Africa to compete at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and was rated by participants as the premier BJJ tournament in South Africa.
The 2015 Hanami Gi-Challenge was attended by 81 BJJ-practitioners from across South Africa, which included a few EFC personalities.
Divisions consisted of white belt (under two years experience), blue belt (under six years experience), purple belt (under nine years experience) athletes and brown belt (under 11 year experience). Each belt level in turn, is divided into different weight categories competing for gold and silver. Gold and silver medalists automatically qualified for the ultimate division, to determine the champion of champions within their belt level.
Gallery of photos by Deon Harris…
Abrie Kilian, CEO of Hanami Martial Arts Supplies and organizer for the Hanami Gi-Challenge, was very happy with the turnout of the competitors and the support Vryheid has shown in BJJ. “The challenge drew 50 more competitors than last year. We hope to double the amount of competitors by next year to continue with the success the first two Hanami Challenges.”
Dr Rochagne Kilian, Director of Hanami Martial Arts Supplies states that all major role players added to the success of the tournament.
“We would like to thank Nashua for the sponsorship as well as a few smaller sponsorships we received to make the challenge a success.” Dr Kilian added that Team Hanami would like to thank all volunteers who gave time from their busy schedules to assist in the preparation of the event, as well as on the day of the tournament.
“The success of the tournament is due to our community’s unselfish involvement. We are truly thankful.”
Gallery of photos by Vryheid Herald…
The date for the 2016 Hanami Gi-Challenge was released at the tournament.
Organisers will be preparing the next Hanami Challenge for May 1, 2016.
The medals table is as follows:
1 Novagen: Champions: 3; Gold: 4; Silver: 4; Bronze 4 and Total: 12.
2 Lion’s Den: Champions: 2; Gold: 2; Silver: 0; Bronze: 1 and Total: 3.
3 Gracie Barra Glenhazel: Champions: 1; Gold: 4; Silver: 6; Bronze: 6 and Total: 16.
4 Just Jiu-Jitsu: Champions: 0; Gold: 2; Silver: 1; Bronze: 3 and Total: 6.
5 Rio Grappling Polokwane: Champions: 0; Gold: 2; Silver: 0; Bronze: 1 and Total 3.
6 East Rand BJJ: Champions: 0; Gold: 1; Silver: 3; Bronze: 3 and Total: 7.
7 Kilian Akademie: Champions: 0; Gold: 1; Silver: 2; Bronze: 3 and Total: 6.
8 Guego Team: Champions: 0; Gold: 0; Silver: 1; Bronze: 0 and Total: 1.
9 Rio Grappling Nelspruit: Champions: 0; Gold: 0; Silver: 0; Bronze: 2 and Total: 2.
10 Faught’s Gym: Champions: 0; Gold: 0; Silver: 0; Bronze: 2 and Total: 2.
11 Rio Grappling Springs: Champions: 0; Gold: 0; Silver: 0; Bronze: 1 and Total: 1.
12 Black Belt Family: Champions: 0; Gold: 0; Silver: 0; Bronze: 0 and Total: 0.
