The Alchemy Tang Soo Do Dojang, based in Cresta, made a powerful showing at the Combat Tang Soo Do and Korean Fighting Systems South African Championships, held in Riverside Mall in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

Travelling across provinces to compete against some of the best martial artists in the country, the Alchemy team demonstrated determination, skill, and fighting spirit across all divisions. Representing a wide range of ages and ranks, from junior beginners to senior black belts, the team showcased depth and inclusivity of the training available to the students at the dojang.

Read more: Local dojang bring medals home

The championships featured athletes from Gauteng, Free State, Northwest, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, competing in multiple disciplines. These included traditional forms (patterns), emphasising precision and technique, weapons forms, requiring control and co-ordination with both short and long weapons, and a variety of sparring divisions, such as point fighting, continuous fighting, and combat weapons sparring, each testing different aspects of timing, strategy, and endurance.

Against tough national competition, the Alchemy team delivered a commendable performance, earning multiple medals across divisions and age groups. Master Gregory Hart said that the dojang is a big family and are extremely proud of them for making the effort to compete. “We celebrate each other’s success and fully support each other when we compete. The members of the dojang, parents, and instructors expect the Alchemy students to do well. We are a traditional martial arts school, so personal development is key. Discipline, hard work, and respect are expected.”

He added that it’s always good to see students get out of their comfort zone and compete for the first time. One of the standout performances came from Sarthak Akole, who won seven medals. Fighting, forms, and weapons, he excelled in them all.

Also read: Local dojang wins 32 medals at the national champs

The diversity of the team was equally evident on the competition floor. From Daniella Naidoo, a white belt competing in her very first tournament, to experienced black belts such as second Dan Braedon Hollingworth, who secured a gold medal, the team spanned all levels of experience. “The age range was just as impressive. From 11-year-old Guylain Maluleke, competing in his first championship, to 56-year-old veteran master Reginald Muzariri, a Protea colours recipient whose continued success reflects decades of dedication to the art.”

Individual Results for Alchemy Tang Soo Do.

• Sarthak Akole: Seven medals
• De Wet Pienaar: Five medals
• Harrisson Taggart: Three medals
• Isaac Schluter: Three medals
• Lucille du Toit: Three medals
• Shira du Toit: Three medals
• Niane van der Merwe: Three medals
• Wesley Baleta: Two medals
• Michael Naidoo: Two medals
• Guylain Maluleke: Two medals
• Reginald Muzariri: Two medals
• Morne van der Merwe: One medal
• Daniella Naidoo: One medal
• Ganya Arora: One medal

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