Bromhof-based Dominique Belt made South Africa proud after winning two silver medals at the 8th World Goju Ryu Championships in India.

Representing South Africa on the international stage for the first time, she showcased her talent, determination, discipline, and fighting spirit among some of the best karate athletes in the world.

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Dominique’s journey in karate began at the age of five, when she first put on her karate gear. What started as a child’s introduction to martial arts soon became a passion that would shape her life. From those early days in the dojo, she has never looked back. Through years of dedication, consistent training, and perseverance, she has continued to grow as an athlete, pushing herself to reach new heights. She explained that she was bullied when she was younger, and her parents pushed her to learn how to defend herself and feel more confident. “I don’t remember much from those early days, but winning my first trophy in a U8 fitness challenge really stayed with me,” she said. “I had been waking up early to train, and coming first showed me that all those hours of effort meant something. That was when I really started falling in love with karate.”

She gave up other school activities, including chess, field hockey, and water polo, so she could focus on karate. “It has also meant giving up a lot of free time. Karate has become a big part of my daily life, and fitting everything in takes commitment.”

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All the sacrifices, hard work, and dedication paid off for Dominique as she dominated at the 8th World Goju Ryu Championships. She said that before her fights, she tried to convince herself that she was just competing at nationals. “I even pretended that all the different countries’ flags belonged to a restaurant nearby. It was my way of making the moment feel less overwhelming. Only when I was holding both medals after the ceremony did it really sink in that I had finished second in two events at a world championship.”

She added that representing South Africa meant a great deal to her. “I was scared of letting everyone who believed in me down. There were moments when I wanted to hide, but I stepped onto the mat and gave everything I had. I fought hard and performed some of the best katas of my life. There are things I want to improve, but I made myself, and my sensei, proud.”

Dominique’s achievement was not only a personal victory; it was a proud moment for her family, coaches, supporters, and the entire South African karate community. Her mother, Nikki Belt, said watching Dominique step onto that international stage and give her best was already something special. “Seeing her come away with two silver medals was an incredible moment for our family. As a mother, you know how much work has gone into getting your child to that moment, and you desperately want her to enjoy it and believe in herself.”

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