Karate contest delivers new stars

A NUMBER of new champions emerged at this year's Secko Karate Championships at the Fish River Sun Hotel.

The women's black belt kata (forms) category was won by Kim Pape (SAFSK Kirkwood Karate Academy), with Noloyiso Bonga (Asai Motherwell Karate Academy) second and Michelle du Plessis (Algoa Bay Karate Academy) third.

In the women's kumite (fighting) category, Bonga defeated Du Plessis to win the kumite title. Pape placed third.

In the men's black belt kata category, Reiner van der Marwitz (S&K Karate Club, Port Elizabeth) defended his title convincingly.

Mandlakhe Ngula and Teboho Ditseho (both Asai Motherwell Karate Academy) placed second and third respectively.

The men's kumite final was won by Shaun Joubert (SAFSK Kirkwood Karate Academy). Veteran fighter Lance Douglas (Algoa Bay Karate Academy) was placed second, but was unable to contest the final match due to an injury.

Third place was awarded to Teboho Ditseho (Asai Motherwell Karate Academy).

The converted overall position for top club at the championship saw an early tussle emerge between SAFSK Kirkwood Karate Academy and King Karate Club (King William's Town).

King Karate Club, who were runners-up at the championship in 2012 and 2013, eventually emerged as the overall champions.