The Northern KwaZulu-Natal JKA Provincial Championships were held on March 7, at the Farmers Hall in Newcastle.
There were more than 198 divisions with 200 karateka competing, and a combined total of 375 entries from dojos in the host town, plus Dundee, Vryheid, Ladysmith, Paulpietersburg, Piet Retief, Hluhluwe and Volksrust.
Tournament officials started their day early at 7am, with the competition opened at 9am by the tournament director, head of the NKZN JKA region and JKA 4th Dan, Sensei Johan Swart.He expressed his gratitude for all who contributed to the event’s success.
“Without the competitors and the support of the parents, this event would not be possible. The tournament would not be as successful as it is without the people in the background, and I would like to thank everyone assisting with tuck shop sales, the administration women and organisers, judges and referees, spectators and most especially Cara Burns, who slaved into the early hours of the mornings to get the draw.”
The Vryheid JKA dojo entered 25 karateka. It returned home proudly with 22 golds, eight silvers and eight bronze medals.
The highlight of the day was the Elite Senior Open divisions.
The winner in the female kata division was Shani Mason from Newcastle, and the female kumite champion was Trisha Rajkumar from Dundee.
Vishen Bhoonpershad from Vryheid won the male kata division, with Mthunzi Mbatha (Newcastle) taking gold in the kumite division.
Finally, but certainly not least, Sensei Swart said, “I would like to thank Sensei Ilan Bernstein, 6th Dan (rokudan) and the NKZN JKA Tournament Auditor from SA JKA, who instructed all judges and referees on the Friday before the event.
“Without SA JKA’s continued support and Sensei Ilan Bernstein’s input and guidance, tournaments such as these would be difficult to manage. Oss!”
For more information on JKA karate, contact Sensei Swart on 083 658 7157.
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