Athletes from Jeonsa Martial Art & Wellness, in Highveld, Centurion, recently scooped up over 20 medals and two trophies at the African Tang Soo Do Championship.

From October 3–5, Johannesburg hosted the 24th African Tang Soo Do Championship. This competition brought together 160 athletes from Region 14 of the World Tang Soo Do Association, namely South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Seychelles.

There were separate women’s and men’s divisions, and age categories for children, juniors, adults and seniors. Coloured and black belts were separated.

Out of 10 completing schools, Jeonsa was the only one from Tshwane.

The event also featured guest Senior International Master Johnny Williamson, a seventh-dan black belt and current chairman of the World Tang Soo Do Association’s Business Committee in the United States.

On the first day of the event, a business seminar on martial arts school management and administration was held.

In the afternoon, nine candidates were successfully tested and awarded new black belts: one from Seychelles, two from Botswana, one from South Africa, and five from Mozambique.

The next day, competitions for all ages and belt levels were held.

Jeonsa achieved a total of five gold medals, nine silver medals, and eight bronze medals. This gave them a total of 22 medals and two trophies.

They were also proud to bring 18 World Karate Kids (ages 3–7) who competed for participation medals.

Nicole Burgers was dubbed champion in the Adult Female Dan (black belt), and Jan Bezuidenhoudt won the Senior Male Gup (coloured belt).

According to Burgers, the country director for the World Tang Soo Do Association in South Africa and co-owner of Jeonsa Martial Arts, the three-day initiative went beyond handing out accolades.

“This was more than a contest for trophies and medals. The championship served as an opportunity to promote the development of the sport and strengthen ties between athletes and regional leaders in an environment marked by respect, discipline, and dedication – the fundamental values of Tang Soo Do,” Burgers said.

Burgers expressed her gratitude to sponsors MotoData and MycroKleen, and David Foley, ward councillor for Ward 94 in Kyalami, Johannesburg.

“To our students, thank you for your patience, dedication, and perseverance. You demonstrated true indomitable spirit and represented the country with dignity,” Burgers concluded.

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