Karates selected for the South African Japan Karate Association team

Solidifying their positions as two of the top dojos in South Africa, 12 members of Alberton JKA and Bassonia JKA have been selected for the South African Japan Karate Association (SAJKA) team that will compete at the Funakoshi Gichin World Cup (also known as the Shotocup).

The Japan Karate Association (JKA) will host this prestigious competition in Japan in October.

The team members’ selection process began in March when they represented their dojo through Karate Syndicate at the SAJKA Gauteng Championships. All qualified to represent SAJKA Gauteng at the SAJKA National Championships in May.

With over 3 500 entries at this championship and close to 5 000 at the nationals, the competition was fierce.

At the SAJKA National Championships, all the junior team members won medals in their respective divisions and were selected for the team to represent SAJKA in October.

The 19 to 21 years old, open elite and veteran competitors competed in strong divisions at both championships where they all excelled. They qualified at the nationals to attend the senior team trials held separately in June.

Head of the dojo and senior instructor, Karyn Smith said: “It was a gruelling day with competitors participating in a round robin in their respective divisions. For some divisions, the competitors had no less than 14 fights and as many rounds of kata. All team members, from junior to veterans, received SAJKA Gauteng and SAJKA national colours.”

In an astounding feat, three dojo members made the top eight in the men’s open elite kumite (fighting).

Two dojo members were selected for the team but Katlego Mokebe was injured only three rounds from the end of selection.

The injury resulted in a broken jaw that later required surgery. This took him out of contention and competition for several months.

“A devastating blow, as he was doing very well,” added Smith.

Chadwin Deysel and Xavier Strydom competed in youth and 19 to 21 years old division respectively at the Shotocup in Ireland in 2017. They have both excelled since then and moved up to more prestigious levels – and they say they are just getting started.

For the first time, there will be a veteran division at the championship and three dojo members selected for the team.

Samantha Pillay first competed at the Shotocup as a junior in Paris in 1998, where she received a bronze medal for kumite.

Karyn Smith competed in ladies’ open elite kumite at the championships held in Japan in 2000 and 2004, where she received a silver medal for team kumite and again in Australia in 2006. She acted as a junior coach at the Shotocup in 2011 in Thailand and as a referee in Ireland in 2017. Karryn will now compete in the ladies’ veteran kata and kumite divisions in October and officiate as a referee for the junior divisions.

“Proving that at 81 years old, age is just a number, senior instructor and SAJKA vice-president, Bruce Smith will represent SAJKA in men’s veteran kata, making him the oldest competitor to compete internationally for SAJKA. This is an amazing achievement,” highlighted Smith.

Smith acted as junior team manager in Philadelphia in 1994 and senior team manager in 1998, 2000, 2004 and again in 2006.

“The team’s commitment is evident by all the additional training they are already putting in. Besides their weekday training, they also train for two hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays. Their dedication is truly impeccable,” Smith added.

Fundraisers to diarise

International travel is not cheap and each team member is required to pay R45 000 for the trip. To assist with this, the dojos will host several fundraisers over the next months. These events are open to all and will be held here in the south of Johannesburg.

They are appealing for support for these events to help make these karatekas’ dreams come true.

On August 9, they will host a pole dancing experience for ladies (only 18 years plus), and a paintball battle, open to all of an appropriate age.

The final event will be the Decades of Dance Dinner Dance evening on September 7, celebrating music from the 50s and 60s to current-day music is an event not to be missed.

“The last one was held in 2022 and was a resounding success,” emphasised Smith.

Details about each event can be found on the Karate Syndicate website where booking can be done and safe and secure payment through a Payfast portal.

Donations are also welcomed if people cannot take part in the events.

All funds raised will go to the team members.

To book your tickets visit www.karatesyndicate.co.za

For more information on the clubs contact Smith on WhatsApp on 082 579 0890.