Attending the Shukokai Karate World Championship in Finland was an unforgettable experience that stirred a deep sense of pride and awe. Watching our students and my son representing South Africa on such a prestigious global stage was both humbling and electrifying.
The Shukokai way of karate was on full display throughout the arena. It was truly a wonderful blend of our signature speed, precision and explosive power invoking the true spirit of Kimura Shukokai Karate.
The highlights for me were many – from the cheers and chants of our supporters, meals shared and new friendships formed with competitors, through laughter and mutual respect to our SA team standing many times on that podium!
But not every moment was victorious. There were moments of homesickness and the pressure of representing one’s country was a heavy burden. There were many narrow losses and while I saw and felt the disappointment in that moment, I could not help but be impressed with the resilience, composure and humility shown by our team.
Not all came away with medals, but all came away with true growth and will return home better martial artists because of the hours of training and the lessons that only the world stage can teach.
Finland tested us, inspired us, and ultimately shaped us. Oss!
Congratulations to our medallists:
Silver – Jack Cowlin
Bronze – Angelo Appollis
Bronze – Tristan Appollis
Bronze – Aryan Govender
Bronze – Cleophas Ndebele
Bronze – Maria Stamatiades
Bronze – Shaan van Velden
Ritu van Velden | 1st Dan KSI and mother of Shaan van Velden | Junior 2nd Dan
