Sparks fly in non-stop action
and great potential for the future and the majority of categories were extremely competitive this year.”
In all more than 350 karatekas contested this year’s Championship in categories ranging from novice to elite, with around 18 dojos representing the styles of Shotokan-Ryu, Goju-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu.
In individual action it was 17-yearold Brent Smith of East Cape Shotokan-Ryu that made Secko Championship history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the Men’s Open Black Belt Kata (forms) Category, just beating out Isa Ayob of Titan Karate Club (Port Elizabeth) into a close second.
In the Men’s Open Black Belt Kumite (fighting) Category Lutho Singata of Rhodes University Shotokan Karate Club proved to be a cut above the rest as he clinched victory against some strong opposition, with Yanga Jongile of Joza Karate Club putting up a spirited fight to take the silver medal.
On the women’s front Kayleigh Chamberlain of Western Suburbs Karate Club (Port Elizabeth) successfully defended her 2016 Secko Kumite title by winning the Senior Ladies Open Black Belt Kumite Category for the second year in succession.
In second place was Tanya de Villiers, also of Port Elizabeth, who trains at both PE North Karate Club and Kase Ha Karate Club.
Ilze van der Merwe of Helderberg Dojo in Somerset West won both the Veteran and Ladies Open Black Belt Kata Categories with Chamberlain claiming the silver medal.
Van der Merwe had made the trip to the Secko Karate Championships as part of her preparation for the WUKF World Championships which will take place in Scotland next year.
“There was some great action, hard fighting and close matches, especially in the Senior Black Belt Open Categories,” said Grapentin.
“The Men’s Veteran Black belt Category was also superb, and I think greatly enjoyed by the spectators.”
On the local front East Londonbased Shotokan Circle of Karate finished in fifth overall on 220 points, with Riaan Dercksen from the club standing out, placing second in the Veteran Men’s Black Belt Kata and third in the Kumite.
In all it was another enjoyable championship and the event looks like it will continue to keep growing and improving every year.
“It is always enjoyable to see the incredible number of supporters in attendance,” said an excited Grapentin.