Local karatekas continue to shine
Their next challenge is on June 28 in the Kibler Park Recreation Centre for the SA National Kyokushin Karate Championship supported by Karate South Africa.
Duduza – The International Kyokushin Organization of Karate (IKOK) – Sonoda from Duduza continues to collect accolades in karate competitions.
“Since the beginning of this year, IKOK Sonoda has made sure that in all the tournaments we compete in, the fighters must at least reach the top three positions.
“We have declared to display unique fighting skills, leaving a mark on our opponents and the people watching the fights,” said Bheki Radebe, the club’s founder and trainer.
Their last national showdown was in Bronkhorstspruit on June 15. Seven junior fighters represented Duduza in this national full-contact karate contest organised by the IKOK Sonoda – Mpumalanga branch and led by sensei Jan Mathonsi.
“This tournament consisted of about 120 fighters from different provinces and about five different full-contact organisations, who brought their students to compete, such as Kyokushin Kai-Kan, Kyokushin Shin, Kyokushin Matsushima, Kyokushin Tezuka and IKOK Sonoda.
“Of the seven fighters representing Duduza, the club managed to scoop three golds,” he added.
Tshepang Padime (14), fighting boys under 50kg, defeated every fighter in this division to take first place.
Uthandolwethu Malaza (16), fighting girls under 50kg, dominated all the other fighters and took first place.
“Mincili Dubul (11), fighting girls under 40kg, also extended her victories by beating her opponents in that division to win position one,” said Radebe.
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Elton Ncube (11), fighting boys under 40kg, came second and was voted the most-liked fighter in his division.
Ntlakanipo Ndabezimbi (13), fighting for the first time, came third and had the experience of a lifetime.
Sam Zungu (13), fighting boys under 45kg, also managed to land the third position.
“Tumelo Ndumo (14), the seventh fighter, even though he did not make it to the top three positions, fought very well, and his match was a great one to watch,” he explained.
Radebe, who manages about 15 children at his dojo based at Resource Center in Duduza, said their next challenge is on June 28 in the Kibler Park Recreation Centre for the SA National Kyokushin Karate Championship supported by Karate South Africa.
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