Montclair karate kid makes SA
Justin would like to achieve his black belt before he finishes grade 12 and wants to travel to Japan one day.
A Montclair karate enthusiast has proved his mettle in the karate arena by being selected to represent South Africa.
Justin van Blerk received his national colours at the Funakoshi South African Development Karate tournament at the Tongaat Indoor Sports Centre on Thursday, 28 August. He placed fourth at nationals. Justin also received his provincial colours at the same centre on Sunday, 17 August at the WKF Karate KZN Development tournament where he achieved a second place silver medal in the 14 to 15 category. “I’m proud for getting my colours. It’s always a dream to receive your colours,” said Van Blerk.
The 14-year-old Woodlands Primary School pupil trains twice-a-week at Funakoshi Karate in Malvern with Sensei Kevin Grant. “I enjoy doing karate because it teaches me new things every day. I like learning new moves,” said Van Blerk. Justin’s parents Dave and Sandra can often be seen supporting him from the side-lines. “Justin is very committed when it comes to his karate. Even on days where we say he should take a break, he still wants to go to karate,” said Sandra.
The orange belt ‘karate kid’ looks up to well-known Gary Oosthuizen. “I like the way he does karate. He is fast and has his black belt,” said Van Blerk. Justin would like to achieve his black belt before he finishes grade 12 and wants to travel to Japan one day. ‘Juzzi’ as his karate dojo call him would like to become a veterinarian. Besides being a karate whizz, Justin is a keen swimmer.
