Brothers make history at karate event
Brothers fight for different countries in tournament
THREE Port Elizabeth brothers, one of whom now lives in the United States, made history last week when they competed against each other at the 10th World Martial Arts Games held in Johannesburg.
Karl, 38, Dieter, 36, and Reiner von der Marwitz, 30, who have lived in Port Elizabeth most of their lives and who have been “eating, sleeping and breathing” karate since early childhood, made history as it was the first time that brothers representing different countries had competed against each other in the tournament.
The three-day event involved martial arts styles including jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and karate.
Some 650 competitors from 12 countries competed in the event, which included divisions such as fighting and weapon displays.
The games are held every two years, with the previous tournament held in Canada.
Karl, a Grey Junior School teacher, and Reiner, a Cape Recife School teacher, represented South Africa at the games, while Dieter, who now lives in Minnesota, represented the US.
Karl and Reiner run local karate schools while Dieter – who celebrated his birthday during the event – runs a karate school in the US.
In an interview in Port Elizabeth at the weekend, the three brothers told how they fought, trained and inspired each other from as young as six years old.
The brothers said they were called to open the event as it marked the first time in history that three brothers had competed against each while representing different countries at an international tournament.
Dieter, who was chosen to represent the US earlier this year, told how competing head to head against his brothers for the first time as part of the US team had been a rewarding experience.
“Before the games, we all sat down and spoke about it. We all knew that one day we might have to fight against each other while representing different countries.”
Before emigrating, Dieter had also competed for South Africa.
Dieter left South Africa to get married to the “woman of his dreams” 13 years ago.
“We met in PE and fell in love. I decided to leave the country and have since opened a karate school in the States,” he said.
This was the first international event for which Dieter had been elected to represent the US.
“We made history at the tournament and internationally, and it is an honour that no one can take away from any of us.”
Karl, who taught both younger brothers karate, said that Dieter had made the US team proud.
“He has been doing karate his entire life and for anyone to represent a country in any sport is a great honour,” Karl said.
“We hope that what we have done here and the teaching we continue to do inspire others to go out there and achieve their goals.”
Their parents, Jill and Willie, flew to Johannesburg to watch their sons fight it out at the competition.
“They received a standing ovation from all competitors and spectators from all participating countries,” a proud Willie said.
“I started to cry when they stood up and clapped. Seeing my boys make it so far in a sport they love is just such an honour.”
While in South Africa this week, Dieter made a surprise visit to his brothers’ clubs.
Dieter earned three bronze medals and a silver at the games, while Karl took five gold medals and a silver and Reiner took home three gold medals and a silver.