Karate cops claim medals at nationals

A SUCCESSFUL campaign at the SAPS national martial arts championship garnered seven medals for Brighton Beach SAPS officers earlier this month.

The competition in the Western Cape from 7 to 11 September saw Brighton Beach SAPS Warrant Officers Theo Van Noordwyk and Shane Fink win big alongside fellow South Durbanite, Constable Keevan Kristopher from Umbilo SAPS. The trio represented KZN and their stations in the tournament.

W/O Van Noordwyk, who has been practising martial arts since 1988 and is a First Dan (Shodan) in the Funakoshi style of karate, won a silver medal for kata and a bronze medal for kumite in the over 100kg division.

W/O Fink won three gold, one silver and one bronze medal, along with an appreciation trophy. He has developed his skills since he was five-years-old and has achieved the rank of third degree Sifu.

Mentored by his father from the age of five, Cnst Kristopher who previously hailed from Wentworth, won gold for kata and silver for kumite.

W/O Van Noordwyk also won a silver medal for kumite while competing in the national police team against the invitational team from the Western Province. This led to him being awarded his national colours.

“I participate in karate as it allows me the opportunity to relax and stay fit. I also use my skills to instruct children to help them improve their self-image, self-discipline, and self-defence techniques should a situation arise where they are required to defend themselves,” said W/O Van Noordwyk.

Brighton Beach SAPS communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux said the SAPS encourages members to have healthy bodies and minds and to participate in any sport to help them achieve this.

“We congratulate the men on their outstanding performances and achievements. They have done us proud,” she added.