Kazuno Judo, based in Boksruin, celebrated another milestone after five of its athletes were selected to represent South Africa at the 2026 African Cadet and Junior Judo Championships in Morocco.

The five Kazuno Judo athletes are Kendra de Beer, Elijah Cupido, Jacob Breet, and Rikus and Rynard Hall.

Jacob, who will be going for the second time after winning bronze, said he is nervous, but he trusts himself and the preparations he has done. “To get here it been rough, but I am proud and I am ready to go compete and win. I am aiming for gold, if not I want to be on the podium.”

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Elijah explained that he’s excited, but most importantly grateful for the opportunity to represent SA. “I find it as a bit of a gift, and I want to cherish it as much as I can. My expectation is to do my best and win.

I’ve had some experience testing waters overseas, but not under official national extent. So, this is my first proper tour, and I want to do well, so that’s what I’m going to go and do.”

Kendra de Beer said she is looking forward to Morocco and will be gunning for the podium finish. “I have been close to getting a podium finish, and this year I am a lot fitter and I have been working hard on new techniques.”

Unfortunately, due to injury, the Hall brothers will miss out on the tournament.

Selection to the South African national team is earned through consistent performances at national ranking events, and represents one of the highest honours for young judoka. Adding to the club’s achievement, sensei Allerdyce Fulton, owner and head coach of the club, has once again been appointed as coach of the South African junior team.

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This marks his fifth consecutive year representing South Africa on the international stage as a national team coach, reflecting his continued contribution to developing South Africa’s next generation of elite judoka.

He explained that he is excited about his selected players and that they have been training very hard. “They have been working on new techniques and movements. They tested them at the national trials, and they are now successfully in the team. As a coach, I am excited to see my athletes making the team.”

He added that, as a national team coach, he looks forward to working with them at that level. “South Africa is a talented judo nation, but we haven’t won many medals. Going to Morocco, I need medals. It doesn’t matter which ones, but I need podium finishes.”

In preparation for the championships, the club hosted a special ‘Train with the team’ session today, giving younger club members a unique opportunity to experience what it is like to train alongside South African national athletes and black belts. The aspiring judoka were also given the chance to see, hold, and even wear the medals earned by the national team members – bringing the dream of representing South Africa a little closer to home.

As the team prepares to depart for Morocco, the entire Kazuno Judo family stands proudly behind its athletes and coach, wishing them every success as they compete against Africa’s finest while carrying the South African flag onto the international tatami.

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