Fourways karate kid on path to greatness
FOURWAYS – Silvio Biagioni is winning medals for SA, but has a long way to go to catch up to his father.
Silvio Biagioni (20) has karate in his blood, and not just because his father was world champion twice.
The Fourways resident eats, drinks and sleeps karate seven days a week.
The 4Ways Dojo member has just been selected to represent South Africa at the World Karate Federation Junior World Championships in Spain in October, and nothing could make him happier.
“I will compete in kata specifically, which is a sequence of movements in a simulated fight against an imaginary opponent,” he explained.
“For me, kata is great because I like to strive for perfection and work on my technique every day. It brings satisfaction to get it right.”
The second dan black belt studies sports science at the University of Pretoria by day but comes back in the evenings to train under his father, Stef, one of South Africa’s most successful karate practitioners.
“I believe Silvio will make it to the Olympics some day,” said the sixth dan instructor.
“He has been doing karate for almost 16 years, which puts him at an advantage. His balance, strength, speed and technique are excellent.”
The proud father explained that Silvio’s greatest weapon was that he did not merely push himself to ‘chase medals’, but genuinely loved the sport.
That said, Silvio has won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Karate Championship 2009, a gold and silver in two categories at the Commonwealth Karate Championship 2013, and a silver and bronze at the Youth African Games in 2014.
Indeed, Silvio is not embarrassed to say his father is his greatest role model.
“I always try to achieve what my dad achieved and keep the family name high – and make him proud.”
Also read: Medals galore for Fourways karate kids
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