Seshego karatekas kick it into high gear at nationals
Oyama School of Karate excels at Kyokushinkan National Tournament, with many students earning podium spots.
POLOKWANE – Students and instructors from Oyama School of Karate (OSK) in Seshego participated in the Kyokushinkan South Africa National Tournament held in Vosloorus on August 10.
The team, representing Limpopo’s Kyokushinkan Organisation, comprised 10 students and three instructors, and they made a notable impact.
Instructor Sempai Peter Malatji served as a referee, while sensei Thomas Sekhale and sensei Zeth Ntini acted as coaches for the three female and six male teams.
The tournament started with the kata competition, where Eric Matsetela, Karabo Adam, Oagile Kgosana, Kgabo Ramoroka, and Pako Mahlase competed in their respective categories.
Oagile Kgosana excelled, securing second place in the junior kata category out of 20 competitors.
His impressive performance earned him praise from Shihan James Sithole, a highly regarded black belt in kata training.
In the kumite competition, team members Bokang Kgosana, Tetelo Molaba, sempai Cuba Makgoka, Kgotso Molaba, Kamogelo Mothapo, and Oagile Kgosana faced tough opponents.
Cuba obtained second place, Kgotso Molaba secured fourth, and Kamogelo Mothapo also took a second place after competing against multiple opponents and winning several rounds.
The competition was fierce, but the team held their ground and earned their positions on the podium. Coaches sensei Thomas Sekhale and sensei Zeth Ntini were pleased with their team’s dedication and preparation.
The tournament featured participants from Limpopo, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, Eastern Cape, North-West, and Zimbabwe.
The team expressed gratitude for the support from their families and is looking forward to the 7th Shinkyokushinkaikan Tournament in Tzaneen on September 7.
Sempai Peter commended the students and instructors for their hard work and commitment.
He also appealed for sponsorships to support their participation in future events, emphasising the positive impact these tournaments have in keeping children away from negative influences.
