Karatekas excel at national tourney

A TEAM of five karatekas from the Funakoshi Karate International South Africa KZN, who recently participated in the Full Contact Martial Arts National Championship in Germiston, boasted great success and brought home 17 medals in total.

Tshiamo January was proud to have collected three medals, a bronze medal for traditional kata and silver medals for creative forms and creative weapons kata respectively, while Sharise Jones bagged three medals: a bronze medal for traditional kata, silver for creative forms and a gold for creative weapons kata.

Sensei Shaun Miln scooped bronze medals for traditional weapons kata and creative weapons kata, and silver medals for creative forms and traditional kumite at the championships.

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Sbongakonke Sikosana shined bright and collected two gold medals for traditional and creative weapons kata, she added a bronze medal to her collection for creative forms.

Bringing home the most medals, Zenani Mthembu was a three times gold medalist, for traditional weapons kata, creative forms and creative weapons kata. She also bagged two silver medals for traditional kata and traditional kumite.

Miln said he was beaming with pride when the girls competed.

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“There were many competitors from around the country and I was glad the girls did well during their first big tournament.

“They learned from their opponents and friends they made and although the competition was tough, they earned their respect and proved that they had exceptional skills.

“We thank the participants for their dedication and also extend gratitude to their families who encouraged and supported the children,” Miln added.

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