A young girl’s wish to start karate has led to an exciting journey for a local mother and daughter, who recently represented South Africa at an international competition in Mauritius.

Lourie Louwrens and her mother, Karina, returned home with four medals from the Second Indo-Pacific Cup, held at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex from September 22 to 27. Lourie, a Grade 6 learner at Lucas Meyer School, won gold in both Kata and Kumite, while Karina took silver in both events.

Karina’s husband, Marius, accompanied them on the trip to support them.

Hosted by the Japanese Karate Association (JKA), the competition brought together 900 participants from 24 countries, including South Africa, Japan, Russia, Germany, Canada, Mauritius, Kenya and Angola.

Training with Japan’s champions

The pair also attended training seminars with Japan’s reigning men’s and women’s champions, Sensei Hidemoto Kurihara and Sensei Kyoko Akiyama.

It all started with a little girl’s wish

Their karate journey started in February 2025, when Lourie asked her mother if she could take up the sport. She attended a free practice session at the Vryheid Dojo and enjoyed it so much that she decided to continue.

After watching her daughter train for two months, Karina decided to join in too. She started karate in April 2025, and the two have been training and competing ever since.

From provincial colours to the national championships

In March this year, they competed at the NKZN JKA Championships in Newcastle. Both won gold in Kata and Kumite, earning their KwaZulu-Natal colours and qualifying for the SA JKA National Championships.

The national championships took place at the Ellis Park Indoor Sports Arena in Johannesburg on May 15 and 16. Lourie won gold in Kumite and silver in Kata, and received her South African colours. Both mother and daughter qualified to compete in Mauritius.

They thank their coaches at the Vryheid Dojo, Sensei Nazir Hoosen, Sensei Vishen Bhoonpershad and Sensei Tia James, for their training and support.

What began with Lourie asking to try a new sport has become something special for both mother and daughter. They have not only shared the hard work and excitement of competing, but have also had the chance to represent their country together on the international stage.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.