Ju-Jitsu fighters take championships by storm
Shunkenkan fighters made a big impression at the Eastern Ju-Jitsu Championships in June.
Shunkenkan Ju-Jitsu sported a strong showing at the Eastern Jujitsu Championships in Benoni during June.
According to Sensei Adrian van de Werken, 11 fighters, aged from six to 56, including one fighter who is wheelchair-bound, took part in the competition and, between them, brought back 18 medals.
“We could not be prouder,” he says, reiterating that it goes to show that Ju-Jitsu is truly a martial art that caters for everyone, regardless of ability or age.
“Our junior fighters did very well and made quite an impression at the competition,” he says.
“The seniors once again showed why Shunkenkan is regarded as one of the top Ju-Jitsu clubs.
“Many national and international clubs were present at the competition, and we fared extremely well considering.
Their wheelchair-bound fighter, Olympian pistol shot Von Köhne, competed against able-bodied fighters and still managed to win a gold medal in the category, illustrating that with the right mindset, you can do anything you aspire to.
Van de Werken was full of praise for his fighters, saying their success at the competition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication they showed in training and preparation for the competition.
“We believe that you fight the way you train, and that is why we train hard, so when the time comes, the fight goes well.”
Shunkenkan fighters are now hard at work and focused on preparing for their upcoming grading and competitions.
“Ju-Jitsu becomes a way of life,” he says. “It changes the way you approach life by giving you confidence and a positive outlook on life.”
Liam Opperman (white belt) achieved gold in the Random Attacks category and silver in Ground Fighting. Köhne received a gold medal in Random Attacks, and Liam David brought back two gold medals for both Random Attacks and Ground Fighting.
JD du Toit achieved silver medals for Random Attacks and Ground Fighting, and Xanru van de Werken won a gold medal for Random Attacks and bronze for Ground Fighting.
For more information on Ju-Jitsu, contact Sensei Van de Werken on 071 548 8014.
