Students of the KWF Springs Karate Club showcased exceptional skill and determination at the recent KWF SA National Junior Championship held at the Portuguese Hall in Johannesburg on June 8.
With 25 participants representing the dojo, the competition was fierce, featuring dojos from across SA and Zimbabwe.
Despite the tough competition, the students displayed outstanding resilience and sportsmanship, making their sensei Fanie du Plessis proud.
In various categories, the dojo’s participants achieved remarkable results:
- Open kata born 2012-2013: Anushka Herbst and Zuhandre Prinsloo both secured third place.
- Blue-purple kata born 2010-2011: Jazmin Conradie came third.
- Blue-purple kata born 2012-2013: Morne Minnie earned third place.
- Orange-green kata born 2010-2011: Theodore van Eck achieved third place.
- Orange-green kata born 2015-2016: Bryan Kapp came third.
- Kihon ippon kumite orange -purple born 2009-2010: Theodore van Eck took third place.
- Kihon ippon kumite orange-purple born 2011: Jazmin Conradie secured third place.
- Kihon ippon kumite orange-purple born 2013: Damian Pretorius claimed third place.
- Kihon ippon kumite orange-green born 2015 and younger: Bryan Kapp and Dewandre van Tonder both achieved third place.
- Shobu ippon kumite (free fighting) male born 2007-2008: Johan Swanepoel clinched second place, while Luhandre Williams secured third place.
- Shobu ippon kumite (free fighting) male born 2013: Morne Minnie achieved third place.
The outstanding performance of the dojo’s participants didn’t go unnoticed, said Du Plessis.
“Those who received medals in open divisions have the honour of representing the country in the upcoming KWF World Championship, where they will have the opportunity to earn their KWF South Africa colours.”
The qualified participants are:
• Johan Swanepoel (kumite)
• Luhandre Williams (kumite)
• Morne Minnie (kumite)
• Anushka Herbst (kata)
• Zuhandre Prinsloo (kata)
“The dojo’s achievements reflect not only the dedication of our students but also the excellence fostered by the guidance and training provided by their instructors,” said du Plessis.
The dojo is situated on Ermelo Road in Casseldale.
