SAJKA team excels at Indo-Pacific Championships in Mauritius
South African JKA karateka achieved remarkable success at the recent Indo Pacific Championships in Mauritius with ten members from Alberton JKA and Bassonia JKA showcased their skill on the international stage, bringing home an impressive array of medals.
Ten Alberton JKA and Bassonia JKA members were part of the SA JKA team that competed at the Indo-Pacific Championships in Mauritius last month.
In addition to hosts Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues, teams from Russia, Australia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Kuwait, Cyprus, Madagascar and SA participated.
According to Karyn Smith of JKA, it was the first international event the SA JKA could participate in since the start of 2020.
“The last international event they could compete in was the World Champs in 2017 in Ireland. They cancelled the World Champs in Japan 2020 due to Covid-19. This was a vital experience for those who hope to compete in Japan next October since the European and other competitors can compete internationally on average six to eight times per year.
“The team did well, bringing back seven medals, including one gold, two silvers, four bronzes and four placements in the top four and top eight.
“Instructors Bruce Smith (7th Dan), Gert Aucamp (6th Dan) and myself (5th Dan) worked intensely with the competitors for several months and were happy with their performances on an international stage, especially since it was the first time for most of them.
“Taylin Bester came third in kumite (fighting) and fourth in kata. Gabby Bester came fourth in kata and top eight in kumite. Xavier Strydom came sixth in kata. Chadwin Deysel came third in team kumite. Rorisang Pule came second in team kumite and top eight in kata. Steve Elliott came second in kumite. Bruce Smith came third in kata. I won gold for kumite and came third for kata,” said Smith.
Classes for all ages are held Monday to Thursday, with special Dinky classes for the little ones (four to seven). Call Smith on 082 579 0890 for more info or visit www.jkasouth.co.za and www.albertonjka.co.za.
