Eden karateka at SAs

GEORGE KARATE NEWS - Over the weekend of 9 to 11 April, Karate South Africa (KSA) hosted a successful KSA National League 1 championship. The event took place at the Tempe Sports Hall in Bloemfontein.

The Eden Karate Federation said the national event was open to the top 10 ranked KSA athletes in South Africa.

Eden Karate entered a team, representing the Western Cape. For some of these athletes it was their first time participating at national level and they did themselves proud competing against the best of South Africa's karateka.

Ancha Adams of the Heidelberg Karate Kyousei dojo won bronze in her kumite division, Juniors 16-17 Female kumite -59kg. She is currently ranked 4th in her division by KSA.

Sue-Ellis Gysman of the Jikkai-Do karate dojo in Oudtshoorn did not achieve a medal, but the experience gained during this event was invaluable for her progress in the sport. Sue-Ellis competed in the Cadette 14-15 Female kumite +54kg and is currently ranked 5th in her division.

Sheree Samson, also from Jikkai-Do karate dojo, won bronze in her division, Juniors 16-17 Female kumite +59kg and is currently ranked 4th in her division. Her brother, Luiciano Samson, won a silver medal in his division, u.21 Male kumite -75kg and is currently ranked 5th in his division.

Shane May from the same dojo won a bronze medal in his division, Juniors 16-17 Male kumite +76kg and is currently ranked 4th in his division.

Eden Karate especially thanks two of Eden's highly qualified referees, senseis Hans Haasbroek and Mareon Ferndale, who officiated at the event.

At the back, from left: Luiciano Samson, sensei Avril Maarman (vice-chair Eden Karate), Sheree Samson, sensei Peter Adams (chairperson Eden Karate) and Shane May. Front: Sue-Ellis Gysman and Ancha Adams.