Korean Martial arts excellence in Potchefstroom at national champs

The 2018 South African Korean Martial Arts Association (Sakmaa) National Championships took place at the Madiba Hall from 25–26 August 2018. Here, some of the country’s finest exponents of the art displayed numerous fighting styles. These included traditional Tang Soo Do, Combat Tang Soo Do, ATA Taekwando, ITF Taekwondo and other fighting styles. Several provinces …

September 8, 2018

Wouter Pienaar 1 minute read

The 2018 South African Korean Martial Arts Association (Sakmaa) National Championships took place at the Madiba Hall from 25–26 August 2018. Here, some of the country’s finest exponents of the art displayed numerous fighting styles.
These included traditional Tang Soo Do, Combat Tang Soo Do, ATA Taekwando, ITF Taekwondo and other fighting styles. Several provinces and associations competed in the event.
According to Master Lousie Viviers of the Potchefstroom Tang Soo Do Club, the tournament was a major success, even though the attendance had dropped from the previous year, due to financial constraints.

The local traditional Tang Soo Do club of Master Louise Viviers once again showed their talent at the 2018 National Championships. Back: Elma de Kock (2 silver, 2 bronze); Ruan van der Berg (2 bronze, 1 silver); Andre Lerm (2 gold, 4 silver); Andre van Rooyen (2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze). Monique Stuart (3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze); Marelize van der Merwe (2 gold, 1 silver). In the second row are Imke de Kock (3 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze); Karl Engels (2 silver and 1 bronze); Kholisile Xaba (3 bronze); Thabiso Motsumi (1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze); Zade Hofsta (2 gold, 1 bronze), Emma Witten (1 gold, 1 bronze). In the third row are Ivalin Ivanov (1 silver); William Avis (1 silver, 3 bronze); JC Wyllie (1 bronze); Mojhalefo Mano, Maxelle Erasmus (1 bronze). In front are Gugu Cele, Cael Witten (1 silver); Tshwanelo Mothokga (2 bronze). Botle Mohlami (3 bronze); Cara de Kock (1 bronze, 1 silver) and Vuyiswa Vavane (2 gold, 3 silver) were absent when the photo was taken. Photo: Supplied

‘We had a good event with no major injuries. The goal for this event is for the various martial arts organisations to combine resources in future in order for us to gain entry to the minimum standards for Sascoc with regard to national team selection,’ she added. ‘This also gives the Korean Martial Arts, together with the Japanese Martial Arts styles, a chance to compete at a national martial arts event. The idea is to create greater strength in unity to give every athlete the opportunity to perform at provincial and national levels,’ she stated.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar