Father and his sons make history at karate championship
MORNINGSIDE – Sensei Stef said he feels blessed to be healthy enough to be part of a team with both his sons sharing the achievement and passion for karate.
A father and his two sons have made history by being crowned South African champions at the Senior Karate National Championship on 20 and 21 March.
Sensei Stef Biagioni, who runs a karate school in Morningside, competed alongside his sons Silvio (24) and Alessandro (16) in the team kata event, winning a gold medal.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Sensei Stef said, “This is a massive achievement as me, being 51 years old, as I should have retired from karate competition 12 years ago.
“Karate Team Kata is very difficult as you need to be athletic with power, speed, balance and have well-synchronised techniques with three athletes performing the identical routine.”
Sensei Stef said this was a first for Karate South Africa as since their readmission to international karate in 1992, there has never been a father and son in a Team Kata division ever winning a South African championship.
Sensei Stef added that he felt blessed to be healthy enough to be part of a team with both his sons sharing the achievement and passion for karate.
Silvio, who studies at the University of Johannesburg said, “Karate training is my break from everyday stress and responsibility. It gives me a chance to relax my mind and train my body.”
Alessandro, who attends Hoerskool Randburg, said stepping into the karate dojo and feeling enthusiastic about the future was what excited him most about the sport.
Competition at the event was tight with previous champions hot favourites to win, according to Sensei Stef.
He said this achievement might mean that it was possible for him and his sons to represent South Africa and receive Protea colours on an international stage in the near future.
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https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/113888/karate-kids-go-nationalorprovincial-colours-for-karate-kids/
