Amanzimtoti karateka impress at world champs

The Rising Sun JKA Karate Dojo in Athlone Park was well represented at the prestigious 14th Funakoshi Gichin Cup World Karate-Do Championships (JKA World Championships) which took place in Limerick, Ireland last month.

A total of 58 countries from around the world competed in the championships.

Rising Sun had two karatekas represent South Africa JKA in the tournament. Senpai Savannah Thompson, who also instructs at Rising Sun, competed in the U21 division in kata and kumite. The competition was tough and unfortunately Savannah fell out in the preliminary rounds.

Sensei Michael Thompson competed in the individual senior kata and kumite divisions, as well as for the SA JKA senior kumite team.

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The South African team, which consists of five people, beat Haiti in the first round and lost to Belgium in the second round.

Michael then competed in the individual senior kata division, consisting of 145 competitors, where he placed in the top 16.

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They worked tirelessly to achieve such great results, practising daily while still ensuring their focus was given to the dojo members in class. Preceding the championships, two days of training was conducted by JKA Japan WF head office instructors and dan grading and qualification examinations were held.
Congratulations to Sensei James Pretorius on passing his Yondan (fourth dan) black belt grading.

The dojo exuded great pride on their arrival back in the country. Dojo members congratulate the senseis and senpai for their amazing performances in Ireland.