Alchemy Dojang from Cresta shines at Arnold Classic

The 13 students competed against people from a variety of other martial arts.

June 27, 2023

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1stDanBraedonHollin_52077 — First dan Braedon Hollingworth performs his gold-medal-winning weapons form.

Alchemy Dojang won an impressive 26 medals at the prestigious Arnold Classic Africa Sports Festival.

The martial arts group in Cresta saw 13 students participate in the event at Ruimsig Stadium, led by their instructor, Master Gregory Hart.

The 8th dan in tang soo do said this multisport festival gathered athletes from all over the country to compete in various sporting events. The local athletes competed against those who participate in more than 10 martial arts.

Isaac Schluter and Master Gregory Hart show off the former’s two medals.

Alchemy students practise combat tang soo do, a martial art famous for its combination of kicks and hand techniques as well as its celebrity practitioner Chuck Norris.

They competed in various divisions ranging from 7-year-old beginners to advanced adult black belts, and in categories including traditional forms, weapons forms, point sparring and combat weapons sparring.

Niané van der Merwe, Master Gregory Hart and Morné van der Merwe celebrate their first medals at a competition.

After excelling in each of these categories Alchemy Dojang returned with 11 gold medals, nine silver medals and six bronze medals.

Morné and Niané van der Merwe attended their first competition as a daughter and father.

“A degree of anxiety is natural when entering any competition,” they said. “Competing as daughter and father at the Arnold Classic creates a support system where martial arts is a universal language. We could share our accomplishments and meet contestants practising different skills and techniques. Representing the discipline and respect gained from Alchemy Dojang at this event builds confidence and creates a stronger bond between us.”

Isaac Schluter (left) competes for the silver medal in combat weapons sparring.

Alchemy Dojang’s results at the Arnold Classic:

Riordan Mclachlan, 9 to 11 years beginner – bronze for traditional forms, and bronze for weapons forms.
Morné van der Merwe, 35-45 years novice – gold for traditional forms, gold for weapons forms.
Niané van der Merwe, 12-14 years novice – silver for continuous sparring.
Gustav Krieg, 9 to 11 years novice – silver for traditional forms, bronze for combat weapons sparring.
Isaac Schluter, 15-17 years beginner – gold for weapons forms, silver for combat weapons sparring.
Lesedi Mavimbela, 9 to 11 years beginner – bronze for weapons forms.
De Wet Pienaar, 6 to 8 years beginner – silver for weapons forms, silver for point sparring.
Sarthak Akole, 9 to 11 years novice – gold for point sparring, gold for continuous sparring, silver for combat weapons sparring.
Sofia Buziba, 9 to 11 years novice – silver for point sparring, gold for combat weapons sparring.
Kayden Booysen, 6 to 8 years beginner – bronze for traditional forms
Braedon Hollingworth, 15-17 years 1st Dan – gold for traditional forms, gold for weapons forms, silver for point sparring, bronze for combat weapons sparring.
Katherine Hollingworth, 18-34 years 1st Dan – silver for traditional forms, gold for weapons forms, gold for point sparring, gold for combat weapons sparring.