Horizon Karate impress at nationals

Maintaining the standards of excellence is non-negotiable for the karateka of Horizon Karate Centre (HKC).

Sensei Wendy Wannenburg’s students did exceptionally well at the annual South African Japan Karate Association’s (SA JKA) Gauteng Championships. Hosted at Ellis Park Arena over a weekend in May, the competition featured almost 2 200 entries and produced another set of results to be proud of.

The two-day event showcased the novice white to red belt divisions and Saturday was reserved for the brown and black belt elite divisions. When all was complete, HKC left with 48 medals: 15 gold, 16 silver and 17 bronze. Additionally, 53 karateka from the dojo qualified to represent Gauteng at the SA JKA National Championships to be held in Johannesburg at the end of July.

Among the standout performers were Xavier Coetzee, Retsepile Phakisi, Leanne Knuist and Nevaeh Thomas who earned gold medals in both their kata and kumite events. Le-Jean Apollos and Leo Kok were almost as impressive as both earned the gold medal in their kata displays but received silver medals in their kumite section.

Anticipation for the July event will be amplified as this year’s SA JKA nationals will incorporate the JKA Africa Cup. Two senior masters from Japan will be teaching, conducting exams and overseeing the tournament and it will also serve as a selection event for the first Indo-Pacific Cup set to be held in Mauritius in September.

Characteristically proud of her dedicated and disciplined karateka, 6th Dan Sensei Wendy said, “Karate builds character and participants need to learn to roll with the punches as this teaches life lessons. Simply competing at such a large event takes courage. Every lesson in the dojo challenges individuals and teaches etiquette and respect.”