Honeydew’s Tiger Warriors Dojo achieve impressive medal tally at Funakoshi Cup

A new force in the karate scene is emerging with a fresh purpose.

Fighting under the International Federation of Funakoshi Shotokan Karate South Africa (IFFSKSA) banner, IFFSKSA Tiger Warriors Dojo is just four months into its existence. Based at Honeydew Eco Village, the family organisation travelled to Durban for the 39th International IFFSK Funakoshi Cup 2023 held on September 8 and 9. The karateka participated in the team kata, individual kata, and kumite sections, achieving 15 medals.

Aarti, Hinal and Naval Govender earned bronze in the Veteren Open division team kata. Aarti added two gold medals in the female over 36 kata and kumite sections for purple to black belts while Hinal earned bronze in the kata for junior girls with green to blue belts. Zinande Makhatini won gold in her kata section, Avike Homane won two bronze medals in her kata and kumite section while siblings Samuel and Ithumeleng Oriaku both earned two medals including a gold each in their kumite sections.

Heading the dojo is Sensei Deneshan Govender, who led from the front earning gold in both his black belt kata and kumite sections. Deneshan earned his first black belt at age 16 and has spent 35 years in his gi (karate uniform), representing Shotokan Karate International South Africa in training seminars and tournaments as well as attaining his African and continental World Union of Karate-Do Federations referees qualifications.

“The exposure to training with karate leaders, coaches, and athletes from other countries deepens my passion. The technical skills and experience gained from competing in various competitions and countries have enriched me. I want to pass these skills on to my children and students,” said Deneshan, whose dojo trains 14 karateka including three families where father, mother and child train.

Acknowledging the hard work and dedication shown by his medal winners, Deneshan said, “I am extremely proud of the performance of my students and how they carried themselves having to deal with the pressure of such a large event which was of a very high competitive standard. I take this opportunity to thank all the participants for the high standard that they showcased and to Hanshi Eric Govender and his team for hosting a memorable event.”