Awesome karate foursome make KZN team
The Dundee four now turn their attention to the South African JKA Championships
Dundee’s karateka continue to prove that they rank up among the best in KZN.
Four members from the Dundee Dojo, Sensei Trisha Rajkumar, Kiana Sadaw, Luyanda Mbonani and Sensei Vishen Bhoonpershad recently competed in the JKA KZN Provincial Championships in KZN.
The aim of the Provincial Championship was to select a team to represent KZN at the South African Championships in May.
All four Dundee karateka made the team and impressed at the tournament. Luyanda received two medals, one for kata and one for kumite. Kiana finished in the top eight. Sensei Trisha received two bronze medals, one for kata and one for kumite and Sensei Vishen finished fourth in both kata and kumite.
Luyanda, the youngest of the Dundee competitors found the tournament exciting and fun while Kiana described it as being tough with a high level of competition.
Sensei Trisha added that the standard of karateka from Durban was very good.
Sensei Vishen reiterated that they had to bring their A game to compete at that level.
The Dundee four now turn their attention to the South African JKA Championships, to be held at the Standard Bank Arena, Johannesburg on May 19 and 20.
On Friday, May 19, the junior levels will be contested, while on Saturday, May 20, the seniors will get their chance to shine.
Competitors from all nine provinces will be represented at the tournament. The top four karateka in the senior categories will go on to represent South Africa at the Gichin Funakoshi Cup to be held in Ireland in August.
With high stakes up for grabs, preparation begins now for the SA Championships. Sensei Vishen added that when there wasn’t a competition, they tried to have fun while teaching students. But with a major tournament looming, it was all about perfecting what they know and gearing up for the challenge.
Anyone wishing to join the Dundee Dojo can contact Sensei Vishen Bhoonpershad on 071 410 9768.
