Selection tournament held in Katlehong
A karate tournament to select full contact fighters who are going to take part in Arnold Schwarzenegger Tournament at Sandton Convention Centre was held at DH William Hall in Katlehong on Saturday, March 24.
The three-day Arnold Schwarzenegger Tournament includes bodybuilding, Thai boxing, full contact kickboxing, judo and full contact karate and will run from May 18 till May 20.
An excited shihan Peter Thage of Katlehong Dojo said it is the first time full contact karate will be part of such a prestigious international event.
“We selected 100 players in the tournament of high standard at DH Williams Hall on March 24. Fighters were on top of their game in such a way that judges had a selection headache. We are so happy about the players we selected that they are not going to disappoint us,” said Thage.
Thage added that it is a breakthrough for him as his dream for many years will finally come true.
“My organisation – United Lock Down Organisation of South Africa – has been finally recognised by SASCOC. It means that at last after this tournament we are now going to be able to apply to get national colours that we are going to wear in future tournaments,” said Thage.
He went on to add that even though the fighters are not going to get paid, they are over the moon.
“This will be a trial tournament for us,” said Thage.
