WSKF South Africa: Our Successful Japan Tour – 2023

25 Nov

A delegation of 38 WSKF SA members returned on Saturday, 25 November 2023 from a Karate excursion to Japan (Tokyo).

The WSKF SA team consisted of 24 contestants who participated in the 16th WSKF World Championships hosted at the Tokyo Budokan in Ayase on 17 – 18 November 2023.

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Tatjana grading cert
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The delegation was led under the experienced and watchful stewardship of Sensei Mike Dukas, Chief Instructor for WSKF SA. This was his 32nd trip to Japan, and as past International Vice President, his presence and experience went with deserving respect. He was the only foreign instructor invited by the Chief Instructor Worldwide, Sensei Hitoshi Kasuya, to present and teach the Kata (Bassai Sho) during the 3-Day International Seminar in Yokohama before the commencement of the World Championships in Tokyo.

Tournament RESULTS – WSKF World Championships (2023 – Tokyo)
Bridget Otto: Gold, Youth Girls Kumite; and Silver, Youth Girls Kata
Ethan Rourke, Juan Breedt, Johanco Greyvenstein: Gold, Cadet/Youth Team Kumite
Quentin Rourke: Gold, under 49 years Veteran Kumite
Robert Rijkheer: Gold, Boys 11 years Kumite

Sandile Makwali: Silver, under 39 years Veteran Kumite; and Bronze, +75kg Men Kumite
Robert Biggs, Sam Loftus, Robert Rijkheer: Silver for Junior Team Kumite
Robert Biggs: Silver, Boys 11 years Kata

Sandile Makwali, Damon Jardim, Ehart Conradie: Bronze, Men Team Kumite
Bridget Otto, Yolanda van Rooyen, Katlego Nhlapo: Bronze, Woman Team Kumite
John Peach: Bronze, over 60 years Master Kumite
Ehart Conradie: Bronze, Cadet Men Kumite
Katlego Nhlapo: Bronze, Girls 14/15 years Kumite
Sam Loftus: Bronze, Boys 12 years Kumite
Aiden Whitehead: Bronze, Boys 11 years Kumite

International Dan GRADING Results
Reagan Forbes – Yondan
Sandile Makwali – Godan
Tatjana Radojevic-Rogowski – Godan
Quentin Rourke – Nanadan

WSKF Black Belt Training – November 2023

04 Nov

The WSKF Black Belt Training took place at the esteemed Kuro-Obi Shotokan Karate-do dojo on November 4th, marking an enriching experience for all participants.

Training was divided into two sessions, each offering valuable insights and skill enhancement. The first session was expertly led by Tatjana Radojevic-Rogowski Sensei, who placed a strong emphasis on the refinement of kicking techniques. Over the course of slightly more than an hour, attendees were immersed in a detailed exploration of the nuances of proper kicking form. It swiftly became apparent that there was significant room for improvement in our execution. A particular highlight was the dedicated attention given to the precise muscles essential for executing various kicks, complemented by meticulous guidance on the alignment of the karateka’s stance, feet, and knees. This comprehensive approach culminated in equipping attendees with the knowledge to deliver powerful, swift, and controlled kicks. The session concluded with a series of stretching exercises aimed at fortifying the core and thigh muscles, promising an elevated kicking performance in the future.

The latter portion of the training was under the competent guidance of Goran Stankovic Sensei. Participants were honoured to delve into the intricate Sochin kata. Throughout this segment, Goran Sensei dedicated time to explain the bunkai associated with various movements within the kata, thereby shedding light on its underlying sequences. This approach fostered an appreciation for the kata’s depth and complexity.

In summary, the WSKF Black Belt Training held at the Kuro-Obi Shotokan Karate-do dojo on November 4th provided an invaluable platform for skill development and knowledge acquisition. Participants departed with a heightened understanding of the art and a stronger commitment to their martial arts journey.