Five students from the Badgers Karate Academy recently achieved incredible results when they competed at the International Shorei Martial Arts Academy.
Under the expert guidance of Sensei Danika Stevens, a renowned member of the National Protea team since 2010 and a senior Protea since 2013, the talented dojos dominated the competition, securing impressive victories in both the Kata and Kumite categories.
Leonella Cronje, Chase Carstens, Omphile Dlamini, Chelsea and Jasmin Kirsten managed to bring home one gold, two silvers and three bronze medals. Their outstanding performance cemented their reputation as the rising stars of the next generation.
Danika said this is a massive achievement considering that they only started the academy last year. She says they competed against the best of the best in the country, but her karatekas made her proud throughout the competition.
Additionally, one student, Morgan Briggs, is gearing up for an exciting journey, which is to take part in the Johannesburg trials. Her goal is to secure a spot to represent Gauteng next year and ultimately travel and compete at the national level.
Danika expressed her extreme pride in Morgan, stating that she cannot wait to see what the world has in store for her.
Looking ahead, the academy is preparing for its first grading next year, and they are hoping to host a tournament.
