4Ways Dojo kicks off the year on a high note
FOURWAYS - 4WAYS Dojo won 33 medals in two national championships hosted by Karate South Africa during March.
Sixth dan Goju Ryu karate instructor and owner of the Fourways Martial Arts Academy, Stef Biagioni stressed that this was a great start to the year for the 4Ways Dojo, considering the tough competition. He said 4Ways Dojo won nine gold, eight silver and 16 bronze medals.
He said eight provinces were represented in the competition, which also served as a ranking system for future international championships that will take place later this year such as the Zone 6, Senior All African Games, Commonwealth Karate Championships and World Cadet, Juniors and U21 Karate Championships.
Biagioni explained that in September last year, all athletes had to take part in a competition to qualify for the Ekurhuleni Region. Those selected in Ekurhuleni again had to qualify in October to represent Gauteng province, consisting of Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng, Johannesburg Central and West Rand regions. Finally, the top four athletes in Gauteng, consisting of the five regions, took part in the nationals.
Biagioni said, “I would like to extend my gratitude to my senior referees, Roberta Biagioni, Deborah Fenton and Alfredo Ruocchio who helped in both kata and kumite judging. A very big thank you for representing 4Ways Dojo who officiated so selflessly and tirelessly at the Karate South Africa Nationals. It was a hectic two days, but you guys all did a stirling job. 4Ways Dojo can be very proud of you.”
Biagioni further extended a special thank you to Jacqui Baynes for her hard work as team manager for Gauteng Karate Federation.
