Bluff martial arts trio strikes gold at nationals
The trio, who were determined for the win, came out victorious, winning several gold medals.
THE lifelong dream of Funakoshi Karate International Bluff South Africa (FKI Bluff SA) martial arts enthusiast and trainer, Shaun Miln (50) came to fruition after he and two of his students, Abigail Sueltz and Mary Brouckaert, had the opportunity to compete at the national leg of the Full Contact Martial Arts (FCMA), on 5 and 6 April at Kempton Park in Johannesburg.
The trio, who were determined for the win, came out victorious, winning several gold medals. Sensei Shaun received gold medals for traditional contact and creative forms in the master division. Sensei Abigail Sueltz received a gold medal for creative forms and a silver medal for traditional contact in the U15 female’s age group. Sensei Mary received one gold medal for traditional contact and one gold for creative forms in the senior female’s division.
All gold medal winner’s received national certificates and Shaun said that the tournament comprised of 430 competitors and over 2 000 divisions. “I am very happy with our performance and achievements. We gave it our best and did well in a very competitive atmosphere,” he said.
Shaun, who today holds a fourth dan black belt, took a strong liking to the art of karate and martial arts at the tender age of six. This quickly became a passion that would see him not only go on to compete at provincial level several times, but also head up the FKI Bluff SA as an instructor, where he trains both young and old. “Words fail to describe how I feel about having finally made it this far. Since as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to represent South Africa through martial arts, but it just didn’t happen. At some point, I even wanted to give up, but I’m glad I didn’t allow that inner voice to deter me from my passion and dream because it has finally happened,” said Shaun.
Abigail Sueltz, who is also his step-daughter, was influenced by Shaun’s love of martial arts and has already earned her first-degree black belt at the age of 13. The grade 9 Grosvenor Girls High School pupil said martial arts has become more than just her hobby. She enjoys training with her dad and learning new strategic moves to improve her performance in preparation for gradings.
Twenty-five-year-old Mary, who has been training for two years, said qualifying for nationals came as a surprise as it was not something she was expecting. She is very impressed with her performance at the tournament as well as her personal growth.
The trio now awaits to find out whether they have officially made the national FCMA team which will go on to represent their country in England for an upcoming international tournament.
The FKI Bluff SA dojo is headed by chief instructor Birgitt Smit and is based at Assegai Shellhole. Anyone who wants to sink their teeth into the Japanese-inspired sport, should call Shaun Miln on 079-270-1100 or Carl Webster on 084-738-4245.
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