The 15th & 16th of September saw the inaugural Indo Pacific Cup held in Mauritius. The competition was arranged as a collaboration between several countries who missed out on competitions during the Covid-19 pandemic and included Germany, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Russia, Australia, Reunion, Madagascar, Kuwait, South Africa, and naturally Mauritius. South Africa sent a team of 150 participants to the competition, many of whom are from the Western Cape, with both Sensei Heinrich and Senpai Jaco of Winelands JKA being part of the team chosen to represent South Africa.

The 1st day of the competition was for novice competitors and the seniors and veterans competed on the 2nd day. On both days team South Africa raked in the medals, showing that hard work in the dojo definitely pays off!

Some other notable results from the weekend included:

• Veterans Kata and Kumite – Sensei Jon Williams won gold in both, Grand Champion!
• Men’s Team Kumite – SA Team “B” second place, SA Team “A” third place.
• Women’s Team Kumite – SA Team second place.
• Men’s Team Kata – SA Team third place.
• Men’s Individual Kata – Bongi Ngwenya (SA) third place.
• Women’s Individual Kumite – Marilise Brummer (SA) third place.

Sensei Heinrich Venter was a member of the South African “B” fighting (kumite) team that came second in the Men’s Team Kumite division. Sensei Heinrich also reached the quarter-finals of the Men’s Individual Kumite division. Sensei Jon Williams of Cape JKA was also the Coach of the SA Team which is a remarkable honour and great achievement for Western Cape karate. These results show how strong our karate is in the Western Cape and that we are training with some of the top instructors in the international karate circles!

If you are keen to find out how you can become part of this karate fraternity, please contact Sensei Heinrich at the Winelands JKA Dojo in Durbanville at 071 877 2232 or visit www.winelandsjka.co.za.

OSS!