Eden karatekas excel at National Champs
Over the weekend of 9 to 11 April, Karate South Africa (KSA) hosted successful National League 1 Championships.
The event took place at the Tempe Sports Hall in Bloemfontein, with the necessary Covid-19 health and safety protocols in place.
This national event was open to the top 10 ranked KSA athletes in South Africa. Eden Karate also entered a team into this event, representing Western Cape Karate competing against the rest of South Africa's athletes.
For some of these athletes it was their first time participating on a national level and having to follow all Covid-19 health and safety protocols, such as wearing masks.
The Eden athletes did themselves proud at the KSA championships, competing against the best of South Africa’s elite karate athletes.
Ancha Adams from the Heidelberg Karate Kyousei dojo won bronze in her kumite division, Juniors 16-17 female kumite -59kg. She is currently ranked fourth in her division in KSA.
Invaluable experience
Sue-Ellis Gysman from the JikkaiDo karate dojo in Oudtshoorn did not attain a medal, but the experience gained during this event was invaluable for her progress in the sport. She competed in the Cadet 14-15 female kumite +54kg division and is currently ranked fifth in her division.
Sheree Samson also from Jikkai-Do karate dojo won bronze in her division, Juniors 16-17 female kumite +59kg. She is currently ranked fourth in her division. Her brother, Luiciano, won a silver medal in his division, Under 21 male kumite -75kg. He is ranked fifth in his division.
Shane May from the same dojo, won a bronze medal in his division, Juniors 16-17 male kumite +76kg. He is ranked fourth.
Competing at the highest level nationally was difficult and came with its own challenges, such as no spectators allowed in the venue, and athletes that had to vacate the venue as soon as competition in their division was completed.
And, of course competing in either kumite or kata, with a mask on was challenging.
"A special mention is deserved by two of our highly qualified referees,
Senseis Hans Haasbroek and Mareon Ferndale, who officiated at the event.
"A huge thanks to them for representing the Eden region on that level," said Peter Adams, chairman/ president of the Eden Karate Federation.
"Eden Karate is extremely proud of their achievements. We wish them well with their preparations for the next round of national championships, depending on where we are as a nation with regards to Covid-19."