Celebrating another year in the Samurai Claremont dojo is more than just a ceremony; it’s an acknowledgment of growth, dedication, and the collective spirit of our community.
This annual celebration has become a milestone in the Samurai calendar: a moment to honour the achievements of our fellow martial artists, acknowledge our own progress, and set our sights on the path ahead. It reinforces the sense of belonging and shared purpose within Claremont dojo, reminding each of us that we are part of something bigger — a journey of self-discovery, a striving for improvement, and the pursuit of excellence over perfection.
It’s a time to revel in the collective energy that makes Claremont dojo not just a training ground, but a second home for us all.
A message from our dojo head, Sensei Bruce van Rensburg 6th Dan:
“What an amazing time to come together and celebrate a fantastic year. We can’t go wrong with the best human beings, good music, and scrumptious food.
It’s fantastic that we can come together as a dojo of various training disciplines to celebrate and reflect on a great year.
Our dojo is about building for the future, building our health, and building our vitality. Here’s a big OSAAA to fresh challenges, new opportunities and much growth ahead!”
A message from Sensei Rob Acton 5th Dan:
“Our technique comes from Sensei Kimura, through Shihan Chris Thompson. We are lucky to have 3 senior statesmen in KSI as our instructors: Sensei Bruce van Rensburg 6th Dan, Sensei Brad Park 6th Dan, and Sensei Charlie Hinde, 7th Dan.
Not only do they learn their technique through Shihan Chris, but they have also learned from him what a dojo should look like, and more importantly what it should feel like. Through their many combined years of training with Shihan Chris in his dojo, they have learned how, and why, to make a good dojo operate. They learned to hold the balance between budo and community, between honouring very old things and being open-minded enough to welcome very new things. That’s ultimately what has brought us all together tonight.
This is indeed a night for enjoying each other’s company, but without our senseis we would not be here. A special word of thanks to Senseis Bruce, Charlie and Brad for giving us their time, their effort, and their dedication.”
Our winners for 2023 are:
Samurai Service Award
Nariman Ganief
Most Improved Senior Student
Angelo Appolis
Best Senior Competitor
Charlie Hinde
7th Dan
Gold Kata
KSI World Championship 2023
Shared with:
Andrea Fox
3rd Dan
Gold Kumite
KSI World Championship 2023
Senior Student of the Year
Rafi Pieterse
Bullet Award
All Bullets
Samurai Fit Award
Ayesha Kotwal Parker
Samurai Kickboxfit Award
Hannah Courts
Most Improved Boxer
Jack Cowlin
Best Boxing Fighter
Cleophas Ndebele
Most Improved Junior Student
Gizelle Sankowski
Junior Student of the Year
Liv Emmerich
Best Junior Competitor
Aleksos Kosmas
Double Gold Kata & Kumite
KSI World Championship 2023
Congratulations to you all!
