His eyes and nose might show the black and blue scars of intense karate battles but his speech and wide smile tell the true story of medal success on a grand stage.

Brandon Shepherd, a karateka at Steyn Dojo and the NWU Puk Karate-Klub, did his country and Potchefstroom proud last weekend when he bagged three medals from the prestigious Zone 6 (Region 5) KWF Karate Championships that were held in Mozambique from 22-25 June.

Shepherd won a bronze medal in senior kata, third place in under 60 kg fighting and came second in the senior fighting team event, losing out to favourites, Botswana.

‘It was such an emotional experience and it was fantastic to be able to get to that level, firstly, and then to perform in the senior category for the first time. It was tough and there was a lot of hype. The top guys of the countries were    there and you go into war when you are there. It is your duty to set the example and standard for the younger guys in the team,’ he said.

According to Shepherd, he had to up his preparation for the Zone 6 Championships that featured Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

‘The highlight of the championship is the senior men’s fighting category where I was chosen as part of the elite team, being one of the top six in South Africa. My first sensei, Bryan Dukas, has always been part of this elite group and I have always looked up to him. He was also the first person I spoke to after getting the medals.’

Shepherd believes that a variety of senseis and the training throughout the year has helped him get to where he is today.

‘When I started in the Vaal, Sensei Bryan and Mike Dukas got my love for karate going. Sensei Stephan Steyn has also been a huge influence on me, not just with physical preparation but mentally as well. He really motivated me to perform well and he has always given me that good and positive mindset. The Puk team and Sensei Johan van Tonder also did a lot of work on the physical aspects. Lastly, my parents have also played a key role with their support over the years,’ he said.

Next for Shepard is the USSA Championships in Pretoria where he will want to improve on his superb medal haul of the four gold medals he achieved the previous year.

‘The goal is to always go one step further and to perform not only individually, but for the team as well, in order to lead by example as a senior.’