Local teams rake in the medals

Mari du Preez and Morrie Swart accompanied their Shotokan-ZA National Karate team to go and compete at the 2023 WUKF World Karate Championships in Scotland.

According to Du Preez, who is the coach, the team has been hard at work with preparations since it was selected to compete in October 2022. She said despite being an inexperienced international team, they managed to excel on the international stage.

“The WUKF Karate World Championship is the biggest karate tournament of its kind, as over 1 500 competitors participated this year,” she shared.

The tournament took place from July 13 to 16. Jordan Trow (11) won gold in kata and bronze in combat.

“We are extremely proud of his dedication, hard work and stellar performance at the World Championships,’ said Du Preez.

Meanwhile, the five remaining team members earned a spot in the top 10, which attests to their commitment to their preparation and skill level.

Christos Prokas (12) placed fourth in kata; Beau Kruger (13) placed fifth in kumite; Schuyler Booysen (16) placed sixth in kumite; Zahra Klassen (12) and Petra Smit (16) both placed 10th in kata.

Senseis Elmarie van Zyl and Petra Smit, who accompanied the team, received their international WUKF judging qualifications.

“Sensei Elmarie van Zyl, Shotokan-ZA Federation head, received her international Referee B qualification, which makes her the second highest WUKF qualified official in South Africa,” Du Preez added.

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