Brothers raise the bar after JKA Karate World Championships
Facing JKA representatives from a daunting 52 countries, Anthony finished in the top 32 of the Elite Boys Under-14 division for kumite, and progressed to the fourth round.
When one hears the word karate, names such as Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan and Jet Li come to mind.
A string of fantastic men, sculpted to lead the perception of what perfect martial arts skills should be.
These are big shoes to fill, yet Volksrust brothers, Anthony and Shaugne van der Watt are steadily meeting the criteria.
The van der Watt brothers are already well known for their many achievements in the numerous Newcastle JKA (Japan Karate Association) competitions.
They have competed countrywide over the past three years, and have even demonstrated their skills at JKA World Championships in Ireland and Japan.
Together Anthony and Shaugne impressed at the 2017 14th Gichin Funakoshi JKA World Championships.
Individually, Shaugne participated in the 2014 JKA Karate World Championship in Tokyo, Japan while Anthony took part in the 2015 JKA Karate Africa Cup in Johannesburg.
The brothers have performed exceptionally well in these competitions, building up an impressive number of first and second place finishes.
This year was no exception.
Facing JKA representatives from a daunting 52 countries, Anthony finished in the top 32 of the Elite Boys Under-14 division for kumite, and progressed to the fourth round.
He then earned himself 10th position in the world in the Under-14 kata division.
Shaugne also excelled at the championships, and finished in the top 32 of the Elite Boys 16 to 18 years division, in both kumite and kata.
“A highlight for us at the championships was the privilege of meeting the 2017 JKA Karate World Champion, Rodrigo Rojas from Chile.”
Now back in South Africa, Anthony and Shaugne share a goal of attending the 2020 JKA Karate World Championships, which will be held in Tokyo.
Most recently, the brothers competed in the NKZN JKA Championships and won two gold medals apiece in their respective divisions.
They also competed in the Men’s Open division for kata, where Shaugne placed first with the kata known as Unsa.
Anthony placed third with the Bassa-Dai kata.
This was a lesson for the brothers, proving that diligence, hard work, motivation and the love of karate would always produce golden results for them.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
Add us on WhatsApp today! 082 874 5550
and BBM pin D1EF333B.
You can also email our offices on Reveshni Douglas at [email protected] Quinton Boucher at [email protected] Bruce Douglas at [email protected] Tersia Gopi at [email protected] Zianne Leibrandt at [email protected]
