Growing the sport of karate
Martial arts
The MTC Dome was a hive of activity and buzz recently with karatekas from all over the country attending the 10th Swakop Open Championship for all styles of karate in Namibia, hosted by the Japan Shotokan Karate Association (JSKA) Namibia. “This year was the first time ever that an international invitation was sent to all JSKA affiliated members throughout Africa and to all styles of Karate in Namibia.
“In response, we were honoured to be the host of a team delegation not only from JSKA South Africa, but also our northern neighbour, Team JSKA Angola,” explained sensei Valdemar Swart, the chief instructor and style head of Shotokan Karate Academy – JSKA Namibia.
According to Sensei Swart, the initiative aims to give all Namibian karateka much needed competition time on the floor.
“The event provided an excellent opportunity for all our Namibian athletes to prepare for the upcoming AUSC Region South karate championship scheduled for June 2024 in Swakopmund.”
He explained that the championship accommodated two disciplines and kicked off with the Shotokan Karate traditional tournament (regulated under the official JSKA rules) and thereafter the Swakop Open Championship for sport karate (regulated under the official WKF rules).
“Eighty-two participants in categories ranging from kiddies with the youngest being 4 years old, to senior members, participated in the traditional discipline event. The male veteran kata and kumite events saw performances from some of the highest and most senior karatekas.
“This was followed by the traditional tournament and the senior black belt team event, where karatekas from all attending countries were picked at random to form two teams that competed against each other in an open kumite event.”
After the conclusion of the traditional discipline, the Sport Karate participants (158 members), consisting of five different styles of karate in Namibia, competed for medals and to be the champions in their respective age categories.
The categories were open for children under 10 years, 10-13 years, cadets (14-15), juniors (16-17), U21 (18-20 years) and seniors.
This event was hosted by the Shotokan Karate Academy Swakopmund dojo of sensei Valdemar Swart and facilitated by the chief referee of the Namibian Karate Federation, sensei Wikus Oberholster.
An invitation was extended to all Namibian qualified referees, judges and table officials to partake and give the karatekas the best possible experience in a controlled, friendly environment.
Sensei Swart thanked all athletes who travelled from outside regions and even across borders to attend the event.
“Our appreciation also goes to The MTC Dome for the venue, the Swakopmund branch of First National Bank for the sponsorship towards the tournament and to Cilliers van Wyk of Crushplant/BMG for sponsoring the medals.
“We also appreciate each official, parent and karateka who was present and made the event such a huge success. We are looking forward to hosting an even bigger event in 2025,” he concluded.