WSKF National Dan Grading – 2023

18 Oct

The annual WSKF National Dan Grading took place on 14 October 2023. Grading attempters and examiners from across the country converged on Vanderbijlpark at Kuro-Obi Shotokan Karate-Do dojo. This event testified to the substantial growth the organisation experienced in the past year, with one of the largest gradings, to date.

The notion that “karate is for everyone" was seen at this occasion, where karate-ka aged 16 to 70 presented themselves to showcase the progress they've made in the study of higher levels of understanding and ability. This proved to be a formidable undertaking, considering the seniority and collective experience of the grading panel.

In the spirit of organisational continuity and continued education, WSKF appoints an Observation Panel, comprised of Senior karate-ka who are new to the organisation, as well as existing WSKF-SA Seniors who have less experience with regards to grading. These members sit on the observation panel as observers. This year the panel was led by Zilla Steyn Sensei (4th Dan). The Observation Panel has a collective vote of one (1) point.

The auspicious Main Grading Panel consists of experienced WSKF-SA karate-ka, normally referred to as the Saiko Shihan Panel. Each of these members has completed and passed the qualifying examinations for Instructors and Examiners, as presented by WSKF-SA. These two panels represent decades of karate knowledge and experience.
The 2023 Saiko Shihan Panel consisted of the following members: Michael Dukas (8th Dan),
Phillip Venter (6th Dan), John Rust (6th Dan), Quentin Rourke (6th Dan), Andrio Lombaard (5th Dan), Stephan Steyn (4th Dan), Tatjana Radojevic-Rogowski (4th Dan). Each of these members has 1 vote.

Front Row (left to right): John Peach (5th Dan), Louis Ramakulukusha (6th Dan), Martin Pretorius (4th Dan), Mike Dukas (8th Dan), Tatjana Radojevic-Rogowski (4th Dan), Goran Stankovic (6th Dan), Wesley Dyssel (4th Dan), Zilla Steyn (4th Dan), Cobus Nienaber (4th Dan). Back Row (left to right): Philip Venter (6th Dan), John Rust (6th Dan), Stephan Steyn (4th Dan), Quentin Rourke (6th Dan). Not in the photo: Andrio Lombaard (5th Dan), Gary van Jaarsveldt (4th Dan).

Results of the Grading
Promoted to SHODAN (1st Dan)
• Rosemary Kloppers
• Willem Jonk
• Barries Conradie
• Johan Saunders
• Michael van Rooyen
• Daniel Coetzer
• Salma Kadwa
• Johanco Greyvenstein
• Juano van Tonder
• Kaylee van der Sandt
• Megan Weideman
• Katlego Nhlapo
• Fareed Marshall
• Hilmi Alam
• Sara Potterton
• Yolanda van Rooyen

Promoted to NIDAN (2nd Dan)
• Marius van Niekerk
• Elke Human
• Boitumelo Makhanya
• Annchen Weihmann
• Sasha Rogowski has to repeat her Kumite in January 2024

Promoted to SANDAN (3rd Dan)
• John van der Sandt
• Duncan Rogowski
• Damon Jardim

Promoted to YONDAN (4th Dan)
• Andrew Els
• Lindie Jenkins
• Jaco Visagie

The following students were commended with “Best Grading on the Day" in their categories: Ms Katlego Nhlapo (Shodan); Ms Elke Human (Nidan); Mr Jaco Visagie (Yondan; Overall Best Grading of the Day).


Left to right: Quentin Rourke Sensei (6th Dan), Katlego Nhlapo (1st Dan).


Left to right: Jaco Visagie (4th Dan), Stephan Steyn Sensei (4th Dan) Mike Dukas Shihan (8th Dan), Elke Human (2nd Dan), Zilla Steyn Sensei (4th Dan).

Following the formal grading procedures, a Pre-dan Grading was conducted in which the following karate-ka presented their grading syllabi, in preparation for their upcoming Dan Grading in Japan, during the 16th WSKF World Championships and Training Seminar:
• Quentin Rourke will be attempting his 7th Dan;
• Tatjana Radojevic-Rogowski will be attempting her 5th Dan;
• Sandile Makwali will be attempting his 5th Dan;
• Reagan Forbes will be attempting his 4th Dan (Pre-Dan Grading was done in Cape Town earlier in the year).
We wish them luck and hope they do well!

At the end of a gruelling day, after bruises were nursed, injuries tended and frazzled nerves put to rest, karate-ka proved again that karate unites us as family and family sticks together.

     

      

As 2023 draws to a rapid close, there remains 3 major events on the WSKF-SA calendar:
1. The November Black Belt Training (4 November 2023, hosted by Kuro-Obi Shotokan Karate-Do dojo)
2. The WSKF-SA Team tour (9-24 November 2023) to Tokyo, Japan for the 16th WSKF World Championship and Training Seminar.
3. The December Black Belt Training (2 December 2023, hosted by Karate Vaal dojo).
We look forward to what 2024 holds for WSKF-SA. The first major event of 2024 will be the National Instructors Seminar (to be held in Vanderbijlpark on 19 and 20 January 2024). All karateka who contemplate Dan grading in 2024, are required to attend this seminar.
Until we meet again, continue training and Ganbatte Kudasai (JP) – Please, in everything, do your best (ENG).

________________________________________
Photo credits:
Karate in Focus (https://www.facebook.com/karateinfocus)
Shotokan Karate Academy (https://www.facebook.com/shotokankarateacademybloemfontein)
Steyn Dojo (https://www.facebook.com/steyndojo)

WSKF Team Event – 2023 – Bloemfontein

16 May

The Tempe Indoor Sports Centre in Bloemfontein recently played host to the highly anticipated WSKF Team Event on May 13th, 2023. The event brought together talented karateka from various regions, spanning different skill levels and age groups. With intense competitions in Team Kumite and Team Kata, the event was a thrilling display of martial arts prowess and sportsmanship. 53 Kata Teams, 30 Kumite Teams! Excellent student conduct, great camaraderie all around, and professional judging made it a smooth tournament. Let’s look at the impressive results achieved by the participating teams.

 

Kiddies Category:

In the Kiddies category, the team consisting of Paul, Ulrich, and Jonathan from Potchefstroom showcased their dedication and skill, securing the top spot. Their remarkable performance demonstrated their potential for future success in the world of karate.

 

Female Beginners:

The Bloemfontein contingent was dominant in the Female Beginners category, with two teams demonstrating their talent. Team 1, comprising Amy, Emma, and Lene, emerged as the winners, displaying precision and technique. In second place was Team 2, consisting of Chrisne, Chane, and Chene, who showcased their determination and spirit.

Female Intermediate:

The Female Intermediate category witnessed fierce competition, and the Crystal Park team emerged victorious. With their synchronized movements and focused execution, Refiloe, Raemohetse, and Bokang claimed the top position. The Kestell team, comprised of Marinell, Banele, and Lambert, showcased their skills and determination, earning them a well-deserved second place.

Female Advanced:

In the highly competitive Female Advanced category, the Bloemfontein team once again asserted their dominance. Cherilee, Mariana, and Vyada delivered a breathtaking performance that secured them the first-place position. The Vaal team, consisting of Adi, Boitumelo, and Mari, demonstrated their expertise and dedication, earning them a commendable second place. The Els team, comprising Andrew, Penyao, and Penny, showcased their skills, securing the third-place position.

Female Kumite:

The Female Kumite category was a thrilling spectacle, featuring intense sparring matches. The team from Potchefstroom and Pretoria, consisting of Leonard, Berdine, Erika, Boipelo, and Natalia, emerged as the champions, displaying their exceptional fighting skills. The Bloemfontein team, comprising Cherilee, Mariana, Bridget, Lindsay, and Mile, showcased their strength and technique, securing a commendable second place. The Crystal Park team, consisting of Zondi, Bokang, Njabulo, Refiloe, and Raemohetse, demonstrated their determination and skill, securing the third-place position.

Male Beginners:

The Male Beginners category saw impressive performances from multiple teams. Plettenberg Bay’s team, comprising Kayden, Finn, and Zac, secured the first-place position with their excellent execution. The Kestell team, consisting of Neo, Teboho, and Thloni, exhibited their potential and determination, earning them the second-place position. Once again, the Plettenberg Bay team, with Kayden, Finn, and Zac, showcased their skills and secured the third-place position.

 

Male Intermediate:

Potchefstroom’s team, composed of Donovan, Janco, and Murray, emerged victorious in the Male Intermediate category, displaying their exceptional skills and technique. The Bloemfontein team, consisting of Mikos, Jante, and Handre, showcased their determination and secured the second-place position. The Knysna team, comprising Kyan, Zac, and Kayden, impressed the audience with their talent, earning them the third-place position.

Male Advanced:

The Male Advanced category witnessed an exceptional display of skill and determination. The Potchefstroom team, composed of Stephan, Jaco, and Elke, delivered a remarkable performance, earning them the first-place position. The team from Kuro-Obi, consisting of Duncan, Sasha, and Declan, showcased their expertise, securing the second-place. The Bloemfontein team, comprised of Ethan, Ehart, and Bridget, demonstrated their proficiency and secured the third-place.

Male Kumite:

The Male Kumite category featured intense bouts of combat, and the Bloemfontein team, consisting of Damon, Ehart, Ethan, Robert, and Handre, emerged as the champions. Their display of skill and determination was truly remarkable. The Bloemfontein team, comprised of Sandile, Fareed, Johanco, Gerrit, and Mikos, showcased their fighting spirit, earning them a well-deserved second place. The Els Karate team, consisting of Andrew, Buchi, John-Daniel, Khwezi, and Alexander, demonstrated their proficiency, securing the third-place position.

 

The WSKF Team Event held at the Tempe Indoor Sports Centre in Bloemfontein was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and dedication of karatekas from various regions and skill levels. The event highlighted the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and camaraderie within the karate community. Congratulations to all the participants and winners for their outstanding performances. Their dedication and passion for karate continue to inspire and promote the growth of this ancient martial art.

 

WSKF National Instructors Seminar – 2023

31 Jan

     

The World Shotokan Karate Federation South Africa’s Branch recently held its Annual Instructor Seminar at the Be My Guest Hotel in VaalPark, South Africa. This event was a great success, with over 70 aspiring instructors and instructors from all around the country coming together to learn more about this martial art.

   

The seminar began with an introduction by Sensei Mike Dukas, who is one of the most respected Shotokan karate masters in South Africa. He spoke about how important it is for practitioners to have a proper technique when performing katas (forms) or kumite (sparing) He also shared his passion for teaching others how to use their bodies efficiently while still having fun doing so!

     

The sessions included both physical exercises designed to improve strength/endurance/flexibility/balance as well as traditional forms that help build mental focus & discipline; all of which are essential components for a successful practitioner regardless if you’re just starting out or already have some experience under your belt!

     

After lunchtime lectures were given by various guest speakers including Sensei’s Stephan Steyn (Potchefstroom WSKF), Andrio Lombaard (Vanderbijlpark WSKF )

     

By the end day, everyone seemed very pleased overall results achieved especially since many attendees came away feeling much more confident in their skills than when they first arrived morning session started off! As always, we’d like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s Annual Kata Instructor Seminar possible – without your hard work and dedication, none of us would’ve been able to enjoy ourselves nearly much! We look forward to seeing you again next year same place same time 🙂

National KSA Open and Elite Championships – 2021

11 Mar
Results from the Vaal
Congratulations to our following Vaal students on their achievements at the National KSA Open and Elite Championships in Tongaat, KZN this past weekend!
Lebohang Motshweneng won Gold in the Open Junior Male Kata division, achieved Bronze in the Junior Elite Male u76kg Kumite division and Bronze in the Open/Elite Male 14-17yrs Team Kata division.
Malose Makhafola got Silver for the Open Junior Male u61kg Kumite division and achieved Bronze in the Open/Elite Male 14-17yrs Team Kata division.
Declan Gerber won Gold in the Elite Cadet Boys Kata division and achieved Bronze in the Open/Elite Male 14-17yrs Team Kata division.
Sasha Rogowski achieved Bronze in the Open Cadet Girls Kata division.
Your dedication, hard work and humble attitude are what makes you the champions that you are. Well done!
Results from Centurion
We’d like to congratulate sensei @wenettejordaan for receiving two bronze medals at this past weekend’s KSA National Elite Championship. 🥉x1 Senior Female Kata 🥉x1 Senior Female Kumite (-61kg).
Results from Bloemfontein
The past weekend 15 students from SKA competed in Durban at KSA Elite and Open champs. We were blessed to win 12 Elite and 6 Opens medals.

RIP Shihan Peter Abrahams

09 Feb

Your humble yet strong presence will be greatly missed by everyone in WSKF South Africa.
Condolences to his family and friends.

Statement as Issued by the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (DSACR)

The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (DSACR) has learnt with shock about the untimely passing on of Mr Shihan Peter Abrahams who, at the time of his departure, served the Free State Karate Federation (FSKF) as its President and as a Shihankai member of  the World Karate Shotokan Federation (WSKF)

Abrahams has been described by his colleagues as an exceptional individual who served his federation in a wise and unforgettable manner and also played a pivotal role in ensuring that the FSKF reaches new heights.

Upon learning about Abrahams’ passing, the Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mrs Limakatso Mahasa stated that “The flame of Shihan Peter Abrahams’ candle has sadly burnt out. He was a towering figure whose colleagues describe him as a consummate gentleman; a passionate administrator and a leader. His legacy will forever be engraved in our cognizance as a good soul who was radiant and full of life. We convey our deepest condolences to his wife Brenda, family, friends and colleagues”.   

WKF African Games in Morocco – Herman van Wyk

09 Feb

Herman van Wyk started Karate at the age of 6 in 2010 at Shotokan Karate Academy.  Herman’s dream was to become a Black belt.  Herman started to compete in competitions.  In 2014 Herman Competed at the SA Championship and won his first Gold Medal and became the South African Champion for Boys Kumite at the age of 10.  Herman was invited to represent South African in Zambia.  We promised Herman that one day when he is old enough to travel with the team he can Represent his Country.
Since 2014 Herman was selected as the Free State team and competed at all the South African competitions.  Training hard and rewarded with good results.

Herman was selected to train at the High-Performance Centre of the Free State in 2016.  Herman trained hard and was performing at the top level.  As a little boy, Herman had a dream and with hard work and commitment, Herman was working towards making his dream come true.  In 2018 and 2019 Herman was Karateka of the year at Shotokan Karate Academy.  October 2019 Herman graded for his Shodan and he achieved his goal of becoming a Black Belt.  January 2020 Herman was invited by Karate South Africa to represent South Africa in Morocco.  Herman’s dream came true, he is old enough to represent his country and travel to Morocco with the South African team.   Herman received his Protea Colors.

Herman trained every day two times a day for 3 weeks.  As the going gets tough the tough get going.  Sensei Quentin Rourke prepared Herman for this experience of a lifetime.  Everyone was supporting Herman and motivating him through the blood, sweat and tears of training hard.

At the African Championship in Morocco, the division for Cadet boys U 70 kg was a small division.  Herman competed and Received a silver medal.  Herman’s dreams came true Black Belt and Protea colours.  With hard work and dedication, anything is possible.  If you can dream it you can do it.

Special thank you to Sensei Quentin Rourke for years of training and believing in Herman van Wyk.  When times were tough Sensei Quentin you motivated Herman to just keep on going at the end everything is worth the effort.

UWKFSA National Championships

30 Mar

4th UWKSA Nationals

Students from our Centurion dojo were invited to the 4th UWKSA Nationals on the 30th of March. The competition was endorsed by the WUKF (World Union of Karate-Do Federations) and was held at the South African Lipizzaners Hall. The day kicked off with a great treat, as the competitors were accompanied by two of the majestic Lipizzaners with the competition walk in.

There was great spirit all around as the first junior events started followed by the senior events. The competition was well run and it was a very fun day for the entire team. We sent a small senior team to compete and they came back with great results.


● Pierre de Klerk : 1st Kata
● Morrie Swart : 1st Kumite
● Carien Hartzenberg : 2nd Kata
● Pierre de Klerk : 2nd Kumite
● Morrie Swart : 3rd Kata

3rd Place for Lebo Motshweneng ate the KSA Nationals

25 Mar

Lebohang Motshweneng from WSKF Kuro-Obi Shotokan Karate-do Institute, Sasolburg Dojo, received third place in Kumite at the recent KSA National Championships held in Cape Town on the 16/17th March 2019.

Lebo received his Free state colours during trials held in Bloemfontein on the 9/10th February 2019.

History: In 2010, at the age of 6, Lebo’s karate career started under Sensei Bryan Dukas. He started competing in 2012 at the age of 8 where he was chosen to represent Sedibeng at District Level, where he achieved highly.

In 2014, when he was 10 years old, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to compete at Provincial level, National level, and then be selected to represent our country at the Zone 6 competition.

In 2015, due to his performance, he was selected to represent South Africa at the 9th Youth World Cup in Croatia. This was a great honour for him, as he got exposure and the opportunity to learn from his peers who came from different parts of the world.

Currently: Lebo trains basically every day. His main training dojo is at Sasolburg Dojo but also trains with other WSKF instructors in the Vaal Region. Before competitions, Lebo puts in a huge amount of effort to attend extra classes with instructors that can assist him from a technical point of view. Lebo has a mindset of “back to basics”, because like he says: “I have learned from my instructor if my basics are good the rest will fall in place.”

Word from his current Instructor: “In this past 8 years I have seen Lebo develop into the karateka he is today, Lebo has a deep passion for karate. He is a hardworking and dedicated karateka, always eager to learn. Throughout the years he has become a great young role model for new young karateka. I see him growing up to be an established senior black belt and exhibits the qualities of assistant instructor in the dojo one day, he is one of the top performers in karate overall. His achievements speaks louder than words. As a member of WSKF karate, I have found Lebo to be motivated and a responsible student who master technique and applies it well. He ask questions to ensure that he has a firm understanding of the technique. Lebo is self-motivated and gets along with all his fellow karateka”.

Congratulations to other members of the WSKF Kuro-Obi Shotokan Karate-do Institute, Sasolburg Dojo who also received their Free State colours, Ulani Erasmus, Declan Gerber and Sasha Rogowski.

 

WSKF SA National Development Championships – 2018

03 Oct

The WSKF South African National Development Championships was held this past weekend in Vanderbijlpark. This biennial event is a highlight on our calendar and has, once again, proven to be a huge success!

The development championships caters for members of all belt levels under the age of 21. This year’s event had WSKF members entered from all over South Africa, and even as far as Namibia!

The principles and standards of WSKF karate was clearly present as competitors competed in kata, basic kumite and free fighting. We are proud of each of our members and are happy to see that the medals were evenly presented across all dojos – highlighting the high level of standardization across all dojos.

A special congratulations to the following trophy winners:

– WSKF Best Tournament Spirit : Team Namibia lead by Leandro Sitler Sensei
– WSKF Best Female Competitor : Ulani Erasmus
– WSKF Best Male Competitor : Duncan Rogowski

The tournament ran smoothly and on time. It’s success was a result of so many members working together, including the table officials, judges, referees, instructors, first aid staff, kitchen staff, organizers, parents, and, most importantly, the children!

Thank you to all involved!

FISU World University Karate Championship in Japan – 2018

18 Apr

We are pleased to announce that three of our members, Brandon Shepherd, Coenraad Berrange and Wenette Jordaan, have been selected to represent University Sport South Africa (USSA) at the FISU World University Karate Championship in Kobe, Japan, during July 2018.

Only one athlete per division was selected from all the tertiary institutions across South Africa. Brandon secured the team position for Male U60kg Kumite, Coenraad for Male Team Kumite and Wenette for Female Kata. All three athletes have been WSKF members from a young age and have continued to train at the relevant WSKF dojo’s across South Africa as they relocated for their studies. Brandon is a student at North West University in Potchefstroom and is currently completing his BCom Economics and International Trade degree.

 

Coenraad is a fellow student at North West University and is studying a BSc degree in Tourism and Geography. A final year student at the University of Pretoria, Wenette is studying B Consumer Science specializing in Clothing Retail Management.

 

The World University Championship is a prestigious event and we wish our members all the best!