Three karateka of the White River Kimura Shukokai Dojo recently participated in and excelled at the national tournament, returning with five medals altogether.
The Kimura Shukokai SA National Tournament was held in Benoni on September 6 and 7, with roughly 300 entries as people from all over the country participated. The different belt divisions are divided by age group, and the competitors compete in two disciplines for medals, kata and kumite.
Carel Roos competed in the veterans’ yellow belt division, winning a bronze for kumite. Sensei Babsie Roos, who has her third dan, competed in the seniors’ brown and black belt division and won bronze for kumite and gold for kata. Surika Dierks shone brightest, though, winning gold for both kata and kumite in the juniors’ advanced orange belt division.
The nationals are also the start of the selection process for the SA team to represent the country at the world championships in 2025.
