Swakop Open gives karateka competition time
The Shotokan Karate Academy – JSKA Namibia hosted the first leg of the 12th annual Swakop Open Championship at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund on 25 April.
The event formed part of a two-leg championship aimed at giving Namibian karateka more competition time on the floor.
The first leg was held as the Shotokan Karate Traditional Tournament and was regulated under official JSKA rules. The second leg, the Swakop Open Championship for all styles, is scheduled to take place on 4 July.
The traditional tournament also served as trials for athletes hoping to qualify for the JSKA Namibia team that will travel to Italy for the JSKA World Championships in 2026.
A total of 115 participants took part in the traditional discipline, with categories ranging from kiddies to senior members. The youngest participant was five years old.
The event brought together karateka from the Shotokan Karate Academy – JSKA Namibia and four other JSKA Namibia dojos, namely Walvis Bay, Omaruru, Grootfontein and Windhoek.
Chief instructor and style head Valdemar Swart said the event was important for athletes who need regular competitive exposure.
“This initiative is to give all Namibian karateka much needed competition time on the floor,” he said.
He added that the tournament also created an opportunity for traditional athletes to compete for places in the JSKA Namibia team.
“In addition, this event was also an excellent opportunity for all our traditional athletes to have trials for the JSKA Namibia team to travel to Italy for the JSKA World Championships in 2026,” Swart said.
“Shotokan Karate Academy – JSKA Namibia appreciate each official, parent and karateka that was present to make this event such a huge success, and we are excited to host an even bigger event in 2027 with even more international exposure,” he said.
The next leg of the championship will open the floor to all styles of karate in Namibia.
