Diepkloof karate team shines at Cape Town Shito-Ryu tournament
Competing against top athletes from across the Western Cape, the team showcased skill, dedication, and the spirit of Shito-Ryu karate.
The Kofukan South Africa Karate team travelled to the Western Cape to participate in the second Shito-Ryu Alliance Tournament, held on 2 August at the Wynberg Military Base Sports Ground.
This marked the team’s second appearance at the alliance tournament, following the inaugural edition hosted last year at the Orlando Communal Hall.
The Shito-Ryu Alliance is a collaborative initiative between Kofukan South Africa and the Inoue-Ha Shito-Ryu under Shihan Patrick Ross in Cape Town.
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Its aim is to unite all Shito-Ryu karatekas under one tournament, celebrating the pride and joy of the Shito-Ryu style.
There are different styles of Shito-Ryu, all rooted in the teachings of Kenwa Mabuni, the Japanese founder of Shito-Ryu.
“The attendance was way beyond what we expected. Ten Shito-Ryu clubs from the Western Cape entered their athletes in numbers to take part in this tournament.
The standard of the competition was very high, which we anticipated – but our team was ready for the challenge and performed exceptionally well,” said Sensei Thabo Molubi of the Kofukan South Africa Karate team.
The team’s medal count was impressive. The first athlete to secure a podium finish was Reinhart Goosen, who competed in a fiercely competitive Kata division and earned a bronze medal. He then went on to participate in Kumite, where he claimed a silver medal.
“Reinhart is a driven karateka, and the future looks bright for him. I am confident he will represent Karate South Africa as a Protea athlete in the next year or two,” Molubi said.
The Maduna twin sisters, Karabo and Karabelo, also rose to the occasion, each securing silver medals in their respective Kumite divisions.
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“I admire the determination of the twins and their resilience. They always strive to come out on top,” said Molubi.
“During the June school holidays, they never missed a class while preparing for this tournament – and their hard work paid off.”
Their brother, Katleho Maduna, one of the team’s senior athletes, also stood out. He won a silver medal in Kata and another silver in Kumite.
“I’m really happy with Katleho’s progress. He’s become one of our most reliable senior karatekas.”
Another highlight was Aidin Wylbacht, who delivered an astonishing performance, winning two gold medals in Kata.
Wihan Visagie also secured a gold medal in the senior Kumite division, while Gerhard Brits earned gold in his Kumite category.
The highlight of the day was the team Kumite event, where Kofukan South Africa battled the Cape Town team.
“Both teams fought very well.
The Western Cape team came first and took home the gold medal, while our Kofukan team secured silver. It was a proud moment for all of us.”
Molubi extended a special thanks to Magalies GALIES Beverages, who sponsored the team’s tracksuits and covered entry fees for the tournament.
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“I’m so proud of the progress of this team. The results show that they are a force to be reckoned with.”
Anyone interested in joining the Kofukan South Africa Karate team can contact Sensei Molubi on 079 921 3600.
