The Shotokan World Karate-Do Federation  (SWKF) national championship was hosted locally over the weekend.

Karatekas battled it out in kata and kumite events on Saturday, February 25.

The championship was the first local competition and the forerunner for more to come later this year.

Senseis and students put in extra time and trained hard for the nationals.

Karatekas were rewarded for their efforts and smiles all around told that the sportsmanship engraved with the ethos of the sport namely character, sincerity, effort, etiquette, and self-control was the highest ‘dan’ on the day.

“The championship was well organised and everything ran smoothly. Every sensei from all the dojos assisted, working well as a team. Together we can take karate to the next level,” said sensei Leon van Vollenstee, chief instructor of SWKF in South Africa.

Sonkei Karate Dojo bagged 159 medals.

They are proud of their 59 gold, 45 silver, and 55 bronze medals.

Witbank Karate Academy  had 17 participants.

They brought home 41 medals that includes 13 gold, 16 silver and 12 bronze medals.

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