Good sports at karate tourney

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - On 17 September, students from the Karate Do International Mossel Bay Dojo who practise traditional Goju Ryu karate, gathered together to attend the annual karate tournament at the Mossel Bay Town Hall.

There was a large number of students from various different dojos in and around Mossel Bay.

PHOTO GALLERY: Karate Do International Mossel Bay Dojo

The clubs were honoured to have the deputy mayor, Clifford Bayman, open the floor by welcoming all students, senseis, judges and spectators.

The tournament was a first for many of the students, so they were nervous. However, despite the anticipation and tension, it was good fun and many new friends were made.

Students received either bronze, silver or gold medals for demonstrating karate katas, Yamanni Ryu Kobodo (Okinawan weapons) katas and kumite (one-on-one fighting).

The following students from The Mossel Bay Karate Do International Dojo who took home bronze, silver or gold certificates:

Mignon Marais, Mischa Price, Wian Smal, Mandi Kitching, Eddie Janse van Nieuwenhuizen, Marica Ellis, Kira Price, Melissa Janse van Nieuwenhuizen, Nicole Kitching, Bryan Botha, Giovandré Ellis, Matthew Botha, Alexander Aylward, Angelene Taylor, Christopher Smuts, Caylene Taylor and Ben Aylward.

"My personal experience of the tournament was that it was a wild ride of emotions," said Mischa Price, a senior white belt student.

"At first I was nervous and not sure what to expect. However, as the day progressed I quickly felt quite comfortable among a group of people who shared the same goal and intention for the day as I did.

"In the end, it was like a day spent with beloved family and friends."

According to Price good sportsmanship prevailed among participants, even though they were not all from the same dojo. The competition was extremely friendly.

Mandi Kitching