Karateka add bling to their stellar performance at nationals
Members of this elite team 46 final rounds during the national event.
Armed with grit and unbridled determination, 32 athletes of the Goju Karate Academy, Parkrand, headed to Gqeberha to participate in the recent WUKF National Championships.
More than 600 competitors participated amounting to 1 200 individual entries in categories including individual kata, kumite, team kata, rotational team kumite, ippon kumite, kobudo long weapons and kobudo short weapons.
In preparation for the championships, athletes ranging from yellow to senior black belts worked tirelessly perfecting every stance and strike, thus leading to the academy securing 53 medals throughout the competition.
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Supported by their trainers and family, students from the academy participated in 86 events winning 27 gold, 19 silver and seven bronze.
The medal count, therefore, means that athletes progressed to 46 final rounds.
“We had the privilege of working with an amazing group of dedicated karatekas,” said sensei Tarryn Madgwick.
“Each student worked extremely hard in attaining these results not only for the academy but to reach their personal goals. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them on the mats soon.”
Despite their strong show in the Eastern Cape, athletes took a short breather before kicking back into action in preparation for the 11th WUKF World Karate Championships, which will be taking place in July in Dundee, Scotland.
“A team of karatekas will represent our dojo as well as the country during this four-day tournament, which would see the best of the best competing in all disciplines of the sport,” said Madgwick.
“We know what our students of capable of and look forward to sharing in this experience with them.”
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