NWS karatekas grab medals at nationals

Megane Potgieter from New World Shotokan (NWS) Karate won six medals while sensei Chris Martin grabbed a bronze in kata during the NWS National Championships in Wynberg, Cape Town, on May 3.

Potgieter scooped three silvers, one in kata and two in kumite in her age and grade, and three bronze medals in a division higher than her age and grade.

The NWS Kempton Park Dojo also received the award for best cadet and a trophy to add to her list of accolades in the competition.

Martin, a fourth-dan member of the Benoni Dojo, won his bronze in the senior men’s kata.

“We are proud of them as well as the rest of the team that went to Cape Town,” said the NWS chief instructor, sensei John Barnett (eighth dan).

The senior instructor, sensei Janien Potgieter (sixth dan), added: “It is not the medal that makes you a good karateka. It is the time and dedication you put in that makes you a good one.”

The completion saw about 80 competitors from the Western Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape. Gauteng was represented by karatekas from the Vaal, Benoni and Kempton Park.

The club’s next championships are on August 3 in Brakpan.

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