Slade Taylor received his Protea colours in karate and will be representing South Africa at the Goju Ryu World Championships.
2014 World Goju Ryu championships will take place next year in February in Spain. He will represent his country in both kata and kumite.
The 14-year-old paved his way to the be selected for the national team in February 2013 when he achieved his Ekurhuleni colours after which he attained Gauteng colours at the Gauteng Championship which was held in April in Soweto. At the Ekurhuleni championship he received two gold medals for his first places. He received a gold medal for kumite at the Gauteng championship.
In June he participated at the South African Championship which was held in Durban where he received the bronze for his third place in the category 14/15 years for boy’s u.70kg. He also competed at the Zone 6 championships which took place in June in Namibia and received a third place in kumite.
The All Africa championship will take place in August in Tunisia where he will be in action in both kata and kumite.
Taylor took up the sport of karate at the age of seven and ever since has moved steadily up the grades. He is confident that he will attain his Senior Black Belt at the age of 16.
Taylor trains under the watchful eye of Sensei Arnold de Beer (8th Dan) assisted by Sensei Stef Biagioni (6th Dan).
“We admire his commitment and determination and are very proud of him,” said Principal Mr Gary Norton of Marist Brothers Linmeyer where Taylor is a Grade 8 learner.
