4Ways Dojo a hit

Eleven 4Ways Dojo athletes were chosen to participate in the International Zone 6 Championships in Harare, Zimbabwe.

“All our 11 athletes did extremely well by clinching 21 medals – 10 golds, six silvers and five bronze,” said Sensei Stef Biagioni of the dojo.

Karate South Africa held trials in March where the top two athletes in all divisions were chosen to take part in the championships. Four countries were represented, which were South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia with more than 300 participants.

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee recognised the championships as an official event of Karate South Africa and awarded the first and second placed athletes with Protea colours.

“Lastly a special note of congratulations to Nicholas Dobson and Angela Tsita for getting their Protea colours for the first time,” said Biagioni.

“This was also a special occasion for me as I had both my sons, Silvio and Alessandro on the same Protea national team which is considered a first for karate. A special thanks also goes to Jackie Baynes for all her hard work in being the team manager of over 50 athletes.”

Results for the 4Ways Dojo athlete winners:

• Alessandro Biagioni received gold for team kata, gold for kata and silver for kumite.

• Angela Tsita received silver for senior kata and bronze for U21 kata. Cluadia Dobson received silver for kata.

• Emma Wentzel received gold for kata. Justin Baynes received gold for team kata, silver for kata and silver for kumite.

• Khardan Ruocchio received gold for team kata and bronze for kata. Nicholas Dobson received gold for team kata.

• Reece Baynes received a gold for team kata, bronze for kata and silver for kumite.

• Silvio Biagioni received gold for team kata, gold for U21 kata and bronze for senior kata.

• Stef Biagioni received gold for team kata and Zoe Duffield received bronze for kata.