Local karatekas gear up for SA championships

Some 61 karatekas from the Eksteen Bushido Freestyle Karate do Institute recently participated in an action packed day with kata and kumite in preparation for the organisation’s Battle in the Bush South Africa all Styles Invitational Part 14 championships scheduled to take place at Eksteen’s Dojo in November.
Grandmaster Henri Eksteen – 10th Dan said the event was a success and will possibly see karatekas take part in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, All Africa Games in 2019 and the Olympics in 2020. He emphasised that his dojo is the only registered one in Polokwane that qualifies for Limpopo colours and the South African Protea under Karate South Africa (KSA) semi contact banner division.
Eksteen indicated that the only obstacle which denies athletes an opportunity to take part in KSA events in other parts of the country and Africa as well as on the international stage was a lack of funding. According to Eksteen, the sport does not receive funding from Government, adding that it costs an athlete up to R50 000 to be able to go abroad and compete. He called on businesses to support the sport financially for local athletes to be able to reach their goals.

Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
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