Norwood-based taekwondo practitioner André van Tonder has received his South African colours and will be participating in the World Championships.
Van Tonder is the chief instructor and owner of André’s Taekwondo Academy in Norwood which has trained over 150 students and become the biggest American Taekwondo Association (ATA) school in South Africa since it was established in 2016.
He said the selection to represent South Africa at the world championships was a tremendous honour which is the culmination of 23 years of hard work.
He said, “I’m extremely excited and deeply honoured. It’s amazing to know that our martial arts are finally on track. It was a lot of hard work but has been all worth it.”
The world championships will be taking place in Little Rock, Arkansas from 9 to 15 July. Van Tonder will also be graded at the championship to receive his fifth-degree black belt.
He is currently raising funds for the trip through a raffle and is calling on local residents to help fund the trip. Residents can buy a R120 ticket from his academy which is located at 120 Ivy Road in Norwood or by contacting André van Tonder on 076 579 6866.
The main prize in the raffle is a weekend at Sun City.
Details: andrestaekwondoacademy@gmail.com
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