Karate club on comeback trail

AFTER the disappointment of the pandemic, which brought everything almost to a complete stop, there is finally good news for karate enthusiasts.

The Skisa Kenkyo Richards Bay Dojo, directly affiliated under Skisa President Sonny Pillay Hanshi (8th Dan), is back up and running, with plenty of exciting events on the horizon.

Sensei Christo Riekert, the local dojo owner, has 35 years’ experience in the art of karate and is set on reviving the sport in the region.

‘We have our first main event coming up from 29 April to 1 May in Durban,’ said sensei Riekert.

‘The Kanazawa Cup 2022 is an international event where the great karate master from Japan, Manabu Murakami

Shihan, 8th Dan and two-time SKI world champion, will attend.

‘Our team will be there for the masters camp with Murakami Shihan, then we will compete in the Kanazawa Cup after which three of us will attempt our next grading exams.’

John Bester and Thomas Stacey will be grading for their 1st Dan black belt, while Christo Riekert will attempt his 5th Dan black belt.

The grading will be conducted by Murakami Shihan, who is also the chief instructor for SKIF (Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation).

Enrolment for the Richards Bay club starts for boys and girls aged six and upwards, and classes are held at the Meerensee Boat Club on Mondays and Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Call 084 0784933 for more details.