Florida’s Shunkenkan Jiu-Jitsu Club had a successful outing to the 10th World Martial Arts Games (WMAG). The competition was held from 4 to 16 October at the TicketPro Dome and martial artists from countries such as India, Great Britain and the USA competed.
The clubs’ instructors, Sensei Adrian and Christopher van der Werken, led six of their charges to the competition. They had been preparing for the WMAG throughout the year and their hard work paid off as they were awarded six gold medals, four silver medals and three bronze medals. Sensei Adrian was overjoyed with the success of his members and said the competition was of high standard.
“It’s the first time our club has competed in any competition and we took so many medals. What makes it better is that it was an international competition.
Because it was our first competition, I told the members to just compete, do their best and get some experience. Their feats surpassed my expectations although some members sustained light injuries,” he said.
Among the members who came home with medals, were a father and son pair – Jonathan and Jay-Dee Carolus – who won six medals between them. There was also a brother and sister pair – Ethan and Mischa Kleinhans – who won three medals between them. Senior members Jean Olivier and JP van Rooyen brought home a medal each.
“Because the members did so well at the competition, we have been invited to participate in next year’s WMAG in Florida, USA. As of now, we don’t even know how we will get there as it’s fairly expensive. Jiu-Jitsu is for self-defence, self-confidence and respect, and anti-bullying,” said Sensei Adrian.
For more information on the club, contact 071 5488 013/4.
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