Karate students bag gold and silver medals at championships

The four-day championships saw the KZN karate students receiving gold and silver medals in various categories.

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In the elite division, Sensei Abiga​il Sueltz received a silver medal in Traditional Sparring followed by Sampai Charles Jones who received gold in Creative Weapons Forms.

In the development division, Blessing Makore received a bronze medal in Creative Weapons Forms and gold in Traditional Sparring. Craig Gumede scooped a gold medal in the Creative Weapons Forms category.

Khethelo Mngwengwe received silver in Traditional Forms, silver in Creative Weapons Forms, silver in Traditional Forms and bronze in Traditional Sparring. Nandi Joyisa got a gold medal in Traditional Forms, bronze in Creative Weapons Forms, silver in Creative Weapons Forms and silver in Traditional Sparring.

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Sensei Shaun Miln, who trains the students at Fun​akoshi Chakaira Martial Arts Dojo on The Bluff, applauded his karatekas for what they achieved at the recent championships.

“We are now awaiting to hear who is qualified to go to Portugal in November. This is the chance for students to get the national​ colours. The only two students that have the Development Colours and Provincial Colours are Sensei Abigail Sueltz and me. Hopefully, I will know by the end of March if all my students will get the Development Colours with the Provincial Colours for this tournament.

“We have put in the training, students did very well and they are looking forward to this upcoming tournament. They are also looking forward to going that extra mile because they want to achieve something.

“I always encourage the students to go that extra mile and do the extra work. I have been a (karateka) for 50 years as I started at the age of six. My daughter, Abigail, is now 19 – she started at the age of five. She has been doing it for her whole life. Even when she was in matric, she pushed.

“Abigail and I always train the young aspiring karate students – encourage them to work hard to achieve their dreams,” he added.