Local dojang wins 32 medals at the national champs

At the South African Tang Soo Do National Championships held at Wits University, Cresta-based Alchemy Dojang earned an outstanding total of 32 gold, silver and bronze medals .

Sixteen students, led by master instructor Gregory Hart, attended and outdid themselves at the prestigious event. The championship gathers athletes from across the country who train in all forms of different Korean martial arts. The Alchemy students practise the art of combat tang soo do, a martial art famous for jumping, spinning and complex kicks in combination with powerful hand techniques, which are great for self-defence and strength training.

Athletes competed in various divisions ranging from six-year-old beginners to advanced adult black belts. They showed off their skills in different categories – traditional forms, weapons forms, point sparring, combat weapons sparring and continuous sparring. After excelling in each of these categories Alchemy Tang Soo Do returned with an astounding 12 gold, 12 silver and eight bronze medals.

Hart explained that he is extremely happy with the students’ performance in the championships.

“They trained hard and achieved their goals. The national champs allow them the opportunity to compete with the best from other provinces and so develop their skills. They also get to meet and make friends with people from different backgrounds from all over the country.”

He added that even though the competition is fierce there is also camaraderie and sportsmanship.

This competition displays the variety of specialised kicks present in Korean martial arts, encouraging athletes to make use of their spectacular kicks such as spinning 360°, double kicks, and jumping kicks.

Hart won gold in both the forms and fighting divisions for the over 35-years black belt division. He also travelled to Wales to compete in the UK Invitational Tang Soo Do Championships. The rest of the athletes are now gearing up to compete for Gauteng colours at the coming Gauteng Korean Martial Arts Champs in Pretoria, as well as the Korean Arts National Champs in Potchefstroom.

Related articles: Ferndale Shotokan Karate Dojo dominates karate competition

Sundowner dojo brings home 12 medals