Horison karatekas clean up at championship

Students from the Horizon Karate Centre once again did exceptionally well at the recent SA JKA Gauteng Championships.

The event took place over two days, and was held at the Ellis Park Indoor Arena. The competition was quite tough, as approximately 1 650 entries were received.

Sensei Wendy Wannenburg said that the dojo had 45 students competing, of whom 42 qualified to represent Gauteng at the upcoming SA JKA National Championships.

“We also won a total of 39 medals; 14 gold, 10 silver and 15 bronze,” she said.

The medal winners were:

• Abishai Pandey (two gold)

• Aidan Marnewick (gold)

• Alexander Ardinois (gold)

• Ampfarisaho Phaswa (silver)

• Andani Phaswa (bronze)

• Cale Firman (gold and silver)

• Connor Lukan (bronze)

• Crystal Poulter (bronze)

• Emmanuel Mashingaidze (gold and silver)

• Gabo Namola (gold and silver)

• Galetsang Rathebe (gold)

• Itanje Marnewick (gold)

• Kendra Littler (silver)

• Kgosi Alfesta (bronze)

• Kholisang Galo (silver)

• Kwenzi Nkala (bronze)

• Kyle Mngomezulu (gold)

• Kyle le Roux (bronze)

• Kyle Grobler (bronze)

• Lee Rudman (bronze and silver)

• Le-Jean Apollos (silver)

• Matthew Martin (gold and silver)

• Ofentse Khoane (gold)

• Olerato Khoane (bronze)

• Sean Steyn (bronze)

• Tiya Naidoo (two bronze)

• Tristan Ferris (gold)

• Tristan Clark (gold)

• Ulrich Louw (bronze)

• WJ Badenhorst (bronze)

• Xavier Coetzee (silver)

She added that although karate was not just about competing and winning medals, it is a good motivator for students to be able to test their skills against others and receive recognition for it.

“In JKA, a tournament is not regarded as sport, but rather a test of skill. Karate is much more than just a sport; it is intended to be a lifelong journey of seeking perfection, both in character and in physical skill,” she concluded.

For more information, visit the dojo’s website at https://www.horizonkaratecentre.co.za.