Kenkoy Judo Club celebrates bronze medal at national schools championships
Springs’ young judo talent impressed on the national stage as Phumelela Siwisa brought home a bronze medal from the South African National Schools Judo Championships.
The South African National Schools Judo Championships are underway in Nelson Mandela Bay, where the country’s top young judoka are competing for national honours.
Kenkoy Judo Club in Edelweiss, Springs, is proudly represented in the U8 division by Phumelela Siwisa, who has already secured a bronze medal.
Club founder Willem van Wyk congratulated the young judoka on the achievement.
He said that the club is proud of Siwisa for representing the dojo at the South African National Schools Judo Championships and earning a bronze medal.
“Having one of our judoka compete on the national stage is a reflection of dedication, discipline and perseverance.
Your achievement inspires every student in our dojo to dream big, work hard and never give up.
Congratulations, Phumelela. We celebrate this milestone with you,” expressed van Wyk.
Van Wyk shared that the two-day tournament, taking place from July 6 to 7 in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), has brought together school judoka from across South Africa to compete in both combat and technical disciplines.
He said that the opening day of the championships focused on the combat divisions, with novice and advanced competitors testing their skills on the mat in a series of matches.
ALSO READ: Civic education programme at Epilepsy SA strengthens inclusion and voter awareness
“On July 7, the focus shifts to the technical discipline of Kata, where novice and advanced judoka demonstrate precise routines that showcase technique, control and discipline,” said the founder.
He indicated that the schools’ championships also serve as the curtain-raiser for one of the country’s biggest judo events.
Once the school competition concludes, the South Africa Open Judo Championships will take place at the same venue from July 7 to 11.
Van Wyk said that the national open tournament is expected to attract leading judoka from across the country, making Nelson Mandela Bay the centre of South African judo for the week.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Connection Hub Expo connects local businesses with new opportunities
