Karateka kicks his way into Commonwealth champs

The 14-year-old holds a junior black belt with Funakoshi Karate, South Africa and trains at the Bluff Kuma’s dojo under the guidance of his sensei and mother, Lee-Ann Jonker. He has been involved in karate since the age of six, following in his mother’s footsteps as a life-long karate competitor.

Tyron has won many titles in his short career, including double gold in kata and kumite. From 2010, he has competed in provincial trials every year, placing well and consistently receiving KZN colours. He has then gone on to success at the nationals.

This year, he was selected as a wild card to participate in the Karate South Africa elite championships on 4 August in Johannesburg, where he came third for cadet boys, aged 14 to15, kumite +70kg.

The highlight of his career was his selection to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Karate Championships. “It feels great to be selected; I didn’t know I would be. With all my training and the support of my family, I know I will do well.”

The grade 9 pupil of Grosvenor Boys High School is also an avid rugby player. “During the rugby season, I only train for karate twice a week, but in the off-season I train every day.”

When he matriculates, Tyron hopes to study mechanics at university and plans to one day run the family dojo. “I want to follow in my mother’s footsteps and teach people. Along with the physical aspects, I have learnt discipline and self-respect through my training, which I want to pass onto the next generation.”

Along, with his mother, Lee-Ann and father, Rudy, who took up the family sport six years ago, Tyron has been working towards raising the funds for his trip to Canada. On Saturday,17 August they held a fundraiser at Cedar Falls Spur in Southway Mall, raising R1,797.25, but they still have a far way to go to reach the total of about R48,000 needed. To help Tyron fulfill his dream, contact Lee-Ann on 083-654-6306.