Kofukan South Africa Karate Academy awards its karatekas

The Kofukan South Africa Karate Academy held its year-end grading and prize-giving awards on December 7 in Brits, North West.

The karatekas and parents could not contain their excitement about the grading and the prize-giving because they had all worked hard throughout the year.

“The morning session started with the grading ceremony, where the karatekas attempted their new KYU grades.

Grading is done according to our organisation’s syllabus. The first group attempting their new grades was Chariska Human, Anton Steenkamp and JJ Pieterse, all yellow belts.

“Esihle Boholo (five) joined them with a white belt. They did exceptionally well, and all of them were promoted to orange stripe and yellow stripe belts, respectively,” said sensei Thabo Molubi of the academy.

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He added that the second group – Tshepo Lechuti and Ongezile Moseta – impressed the panel of instructors.

“Both attempted their orange belts and passed. Katleho Maduna and Reinhart Goosen rose to the occasion when they attempted their purple belts. The pair was a house on fire and set the bar very high.

“It was nice seeing the karatekas fight for what they really want. Maduna and Goosen achieved their objective and passed their grading.

“The last group we had was a senior group of brown belts comprising Keagan Burger and Karabo and Karabelo Maduna. The brown belt stage has three stages. Burger attempted his first KYU level, whereas the Maduna twins attempted their second. All three were successful in their grading and passed.

“The second session, the most exciting, was the prize-giving. Here, we recognised the athletes who did exceptionally well throughout the year at national, provincial and regional tournaments.

The most improved development athlete of the year award went to Katleho Maduna, and Goosen was the first finalist. Serole Rangongo scooped the most improved elite athlete of the year trophy, and Aidin Wylbacht was the first finalist.

The team kata of the year went to Goosen, Ongezile Moseta and Janu Visagie. Karabelo Maduna scooped the female athlete of the year award, and Karabo Maduna was the first finalist.

“Rangongo scooped the male athlete of the year award, and Goosen was the first finalist. Sensei Vernon Visagie was awarded a trophy for the Kofukan referee of the year, and sensei Thabo Molubi for the Karate South Africa referee of the year for 2024.

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“Marlene Visagie received a certificate for the administrator of the year and Andries Goosen for table official of the year. Karabo Maduna scooped the kumite athlete of the year trophy and Serole was the first finalist. The kata athlete of the year trophy went to Karabelo Maduna.

“All our karatekas who achieved their Gauteng provincial colours for 2024 received certificates and small trophies.

The are Rangongo, Marlene Visagie, Holla Rangongo, Wylbacht, Gerhart Brits, Awie Grobler, Vernon Visagie, and Karabo and Karabelo Maduna.

The last and the top award of the year, the Kofukan athlete of the year for 2024, was scooped by Rangongo.

“Thanks to all our parents for their support throughout the year. The athletes’ hard work means a lot to me. The dojo will close for the festive season on December 12 and reopen on January 14.

All new enrolments are welcome, and parents who want to enrol their children for the new year can get hold of me on 079 921 3600.”