Enticing talent show at Africa's southern region
arate
The annual Africa Region 5 Karate tournament delivered a great event for spectators and the visiting teams from neighbouring countries at The MTC Dome in Swakopmund last weekend. With day one dedicated to kata (style demonstrations) and day two to kumite (fights), the event drew martial artists from Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and beyond, for enthusiasts to witness the peak levels of karate expertise.
Artistry of kata
The tournament commenced on Friday with an emphasis on kata, the precisely choreographed movements that embody the essence of traditional karate.
Competitors, dressed to represent their respective countries, showcased a mastery of form and technique that left judges and spectators alike in awe. Each kata unfolded with a blend of grace and power, reflecting years of dedicated practice and discipline.
Participants demonstrated their individual and team kata routines, highlighting the diversity and depth of karate talent in Southern Africa.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as competitors vied for top honours from junior to senior divisions, with enthusiastic encouragement from team mates.
Intensity of Kumite
Saturday brought a dynamic shift as the focus turned to kumite, the fighting element of karate where competitors test their skills in controlled combat.
The MTC Dome echoed with shouts of “kiai” and the swift exchanges of strikes and blocks as karatekas engaged in spirited matches across various weight classes and age groups.
The kumite competitions were marked by intense athleticism and strategic prowess, with each bout showcasing the competitors' agility, speed, and tactical acumen.
The matches were closely contested, underscoring the high level of competitiveness among the region's karate practitioners.
South Africa dominated day two’s kumite in most categories, with Namibia not behind. In fact, Namibians clinched gold in several categories for both kata and kumite.
Pronk is retiring
Namibian professional karateka Suzelle Pronk clinched gold in the women’s senior kata performances. She mentioned that she favours the kata over kumite, but still managed to secure gold medals for both in her category.
Pronk also dropped a bomb and announced that the she will be retiring as a karate competitor at international level. She has just returned from a three-month training camp in Egypt, after years-long representing the country internationally in various competitions and securing gold medal wins.
Top results
Some categories in which Namibians got top-three places:
14-15 years cadets female kumite under-61 kg: 1 Nellao Naruses (Namibia), 2 Micke Strydom (RSA), 3 Demi von Solms (Namibia).
14-15 years cadets male kumite under-63 kg: 1 Cayden Jose Poulton (Namibia), 2 Le Roux Keegan (RSA), 3 Zambwe Matomola (Namibia).
14-15 years cadets male kumite under-70 kg: 1 Jason Jacob Joas Hitula (Namibia), 2 Praise Jeremiah Nkhulungo (Namibia), 3 Hanre Dreyer (RSA).
16-17 years juniors female kumite under-48 kg: 1 Tracy-Lee Cloete (Namibia), 2 Morkel Faheeffa (Namibia), 3 Naidu Nataniah (RSA).
Individual female seniors under-68 kg kumite: 1 Pronk Suzelle (Namibia), 2 Augusto Claviene (Angola), 3 Namakau Lilly Mwiya (Namibia).
Under 21 female kumite under-61 kg: 1 Ronja Porteus (Namibia). 2 Albina Mwape (Zambia).
Team kumite male seniors (18 and older): 1 Botswana, 2 Namibia, 3 Angola.
Team Kumite Female Seniors (18 and older): 1 South Africa, 2 Botswana, 3 Namibia.
• Some top kata performances:
Under 21 female individual kata: 1 Merziaan Astrid Mouton (Namibia), 2 Chareen Magalie (Botswana), 3 Amantle Leburu (Botswana).
Veterans 35-45 yrs male individual kata: 1 Ely Zaid (Namibia)
Individual kata female seniors (16 and older): 1 Suzelle Pronk (Namibia), 2 Lethabo Sekano (Botswana), 3 Lesego Masimola (Botswana).
Individual kata male seniors (16 and older): 1 Tyler Hogan (RSA), 2 Ramasimong Boemo (Botswana), 3 Keanu Tyrone Stuurman (Namibia).
Memorable occasion
As medals were awarded and champions crowned, the Region 5 karate championship concluded on a high note, celebrating the rich heritage and evolving artistry of karate in Southern Africa.
Participants departed with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie, having contributed to a memorable weekend of martial arts excellence.
The success of the tournament underscores the growing popularity and competitive spirit of karate in the region, promising an even brighter future for the discipline and its practitioners. As the sun set over Swakopmund, the echoes of the tournament's feats lingered, a testament to the enduring legacy of karate's principles of discipline, respect and excellence.
Throughout both days, a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship pervaded The MTC Dome. Competitors demonstrated not only their technical skill, but also their respect for opponents and the sport’s tradition. Coaches and spectators alike applauded the dedication and determination exhibited by all participants, regardless of the outcome.