NKZN Karate Championships a huge success
Well done to Andries Fourie from Newcastle who won gold in the men’s open black belt kumite division and to Jennifer Whitfield from Paul Pietersburg for winning the ladies open black belt kumite division. It is clear that the standard of karate at NKZN JKA is of the best in South Africa.
The Northern KwaZulu-Natal JKA Karate Championships was held at Farmers Hall on Saturday.
There were more than 230 entries coming from the affiliated clubs of Bethal, Dundee, Hluhluwe, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Paul Pietersburg, Piet Retief, Pongola, Secunda, Volksrust and Vryheid.
The tournament also served as trials to select the best JKA team to go to SA JKA Nationals in May.
For some, the day started on the previous afternoon with setting up the floors in preparation for the prestigious event. Congratulations to all karateka who won medals; your hard work has paid off. To those who did not win, there’s always next year.
Well done to Andries Fourie from Newcastle who won gold in the men’s open black belt kumite division and to Jennifer Whitfield from Paul Pietersburg for winning the ladies open black belt kumite division. It is clear that the standard of karate at NKZN JKA is of the best in South Africa.
To all the karateka who came to assist, and willingly gave up their time to help, we say thank you. You show the true spirit of what it is to be part of the JKA family.
Johan Swart of JKA Newcastle wishes to thank the following people for their crucial contributions: Cara Burns, for slaving in front of the computer. Her work behind the scenes was invaluable and deserves recognition.
The competition was tough and often nail-biting and all competitors participated with character, sincerity, etiquette, effort and self-control. Without these five maxims of karate, a competition of this standard cannot be maintained in good order. To all competitors; thank you for the respect you showed, not only to your seniors, but to your fellow karateka. To the dojo heads; well done on upholding the JKA name!
The contribution of all the parents who assisted as table officials, the support they have given their children on the day and also during training, and the support of Newcastle Municipality, are sincerely appreciated.
“And of course, Corné Swart for running the NKZN JKA table, and to the Swart family for working at the tuck shop and always being there as my support,” said Sensei Johan.
The team we worked hard and did a good job and as a sport there is only one way…the JKA way!
For any information regarding karate please contact Sensei Johan Swart @ 0836587157.
