Rhodes rampant at Cup of Tigers

STAFF REPORTER

RHODES University Shotokan Karateka enjoyed a most successful weekend at the South African Federation of Shotokan Karate National Championships (Cup of Tigers) in Uitenhage on October 19 and 20.

The Rhodes karateka were rampant in the various U20 and 21-35 categories, achieving a total of 13 top three places.

Brittany Denton was the top performer, winning a total of four gold medals in the ladies U20 and 21-35 brown and black belt kata (forms) and kumite (fighting) categories.

WINNERS WITH A KICK: The Cup of Tigers winners at the Rhodes University Shotokan Karateka championships held over October 19 and 20 were (from left, back row) Hannah Kirkaldy, Mzwandile Matebese, Eugin Bornman, (middle row) Simone Heymans, Brittany Denton, Molly Matlotlo, and (front row) Kamo Bodibe and Desmond Gambiza Picture: SUPPLIED

Denton was also the recipient of two floating trophies which are annually presented to the winner(s) of the senior ladies brown and black belt kata and kumite categories.

Mzwandile Matebese of Joza Karate Club did well to claim the silver medal in the veteran men's brown and black belt kumite category.

Results:

Brittany Denton of Rhodes (two golds in kata, two golds in kumite)

Desmond Gambiza of Rhodes (silver in kata and gold in kumite)

Eugin Bornman of Rhodes (4^th place in kumite)

Hannah Kirkaldy of Rhodes (bronze in kata and bronze in kumite)

Kamo Bodibe of Rhodes (gold in kata and silver in kumite)

Molly Matlotlo of Rhodes (bronze in kata and bronze in kumite)

Mzwandile Matebese of Joza (silver in kumite)

Simone Heymans of Rhodes (gold in kata)

• About 170 karateka competed in the inaugural All-Shotokan Karate Championships held in Grahamstown on October 13.

The championship was organised by East Cape Shotokan-Ryu (ECSR) with the assistance of theRhodes University Shotokan Karate Club.

Clubs in attendance included PE North, Kase-Ha (Port Elizabeth), King Karate Club (King William's Town), Kowie, Kenton-on-Sea, Fort Beaufort, Yellowwoods Preparatory School, Albany, Joza, Makana, Fingo and Rhodes University Shotokan Karate Club (all fromGrahamstown).

The championship took place in the 1820 Settlers Monument and it is believed that this is the only karate championship in South Africa to be held at a national monument.

The aim of the event was to provide a professional and well organised karate championship for Shotokan karateka of all ages and grades.

YOUNG AND ABLE: From left, Ali-Ahmed Syed Cassim, Azu Mnyamezile, Alwaba Yili, Aqhama Sogoni and Tyenu Cannon competed at the inaugural All-Shotokan Karate Championships held in Grahamstown on October 13 Picture: SUPPLIED

ECSR head instructor Gary Grapentin said he hoped the championship served to showcase the principles, integrity and standards of Shotokan karate-do as a disciplined way of life.

A further purpose of the championship was to raise the profile of Shotokan karate in the Cacadu Municipal District and to further promote its practice among the local population.

Grapentin said the championship produced some good quality karate in all age groups, with the competitors enjoyingexcellent support from an enthusiastic and often vocal group of spectators.

The men's open kata and kumite categories were won by St Mary's grade 11 pupil, Nolan de Maar (ECSR). Brittany Denton (Rhodes University Shotokan Karate Club) claimed both the ladies' open kata and kumite categories.

The combined strength of the ECSR clubs saw them clinch an overall victory with atotal of 78 medals against nearest rival King Karate Club which finished with a tally of 48 medals.

Grapentin said there are at least 350 active Shotokan karateka in Grahamstown and Port Alfred alone. He believes this number is set to increase even further, as more and more children and adults turn to karate as a method of self-defence, and as a way to improving generalphysical and mental well-being.

Grapentin may be contacted on 073-346-0059 or at garyg@geenet.co.za.