Border dojo’s warriors shine on world stage
KARATEKA from Sensei Rodney Shadwell dojo Border JKA East London won big at the 6th WJKA World Championship held in Vlissingen in Netherlands over the weekend.
The group of karateka came back home with 14 medals after they dominated in their age groups and men’s open division.
Charleen Meiring, 40, who is a purple belt won silver and bronze. Chuma Ngoqo, 15, a first dan black belt won gold and bronze. Elsie Potgieter, 30, who is a second dan black belt won silver and bronze. Travis Bartosch, 17, also a second dan black belt won gold and two bronze.
First don black belt Yanga Ngoqo, 16, won silver and bronze. Leon Muller, 9, a green belt got two bronze medals.
Bartosch said the trip was amazing, the country beautiful and people were friendly.
“There were 18 countries over there mainly from Europe and Asia. And competition was tough but we were prepared thanks to Sensei Rodney,” he said.
The best world fighter in WJKA style said they trained almost everyday on the beach and meeting their opponents before the games began helped them to have an idea of what type of fighters they would be up against.
“I was planning on quitting after the trip because I thought I had achieved what I wanted to achieve in karate but since I won these medals I have other plans. I want to defend the world title here at home in 2019 in the men’s open division.
“It will be a lot tougher but I will be ready,” he said.
Bartosch’s mother, Michelle said they [her and Travis’ father Mike] were very proud of his achievements
“Karate is hard work, dedication and commitment. Thanks to Sensei Rodney for sharing his valuable knowledge,” she said.
She said the trip was an educational journey for her son as he met people from different cultures.
Shadwell, a sixth dan belt sensei said he was very proud of his group and he knew they would make their mark at the world champs.
“All the hard work we put in since last year has finally paid off.
“This group is the most the dedicated I have trained recently and they are also very keen to learn,” said Rodney.
Travis, Yanga and Chuma competed in their age category as well as open division for team kumite fighting and they also entered kata.
Leon got third for individual kata and third for team 7 to 9 kumite. Potgieter was in the veterans division in kata, but they combined veterans and open for kumite because they were too small.