SPORT NEWS - Mossel Bay karateka, Schuyler Booysen, a Sao Bras Secondary School learner, competed in the 2023 WUKF World Karate Championships in Scotland in July.
Schuyler delivered excellent performances in kata and kumite, despite this being his first ever karate world championship.
“The WUKF Karate World Championship is the biggest karate tournament of its kind, as over 1 500 competitors participated this year,” explained Sensei Mari du Preez, Shotokan-ZA national coach, WUKF Athletes and Coaches Commission member and Dojo head at Kyalami Karate in Midrand.
Schuyler (16), was part of the Shotokan-ZA national team selected in October 2022 and he prepared diligently for the championships since then.
On 13 July, the championships started with kata for the junior categories and Schuyler was the only purple belt among the brown and black belts in his category.
"His kata performances were beautiful, and he placed 12th," Du Preez said.
The next day, 14 July, was kumite (free fighting) for the junior categories. Schuyler was not intimidated by any of the more experienced competitors. His calmness and strategic fighting resulted in him placing 6th in the junior Sanbon Kumite category.
“He is incredibly determined and committed when it comes to his karate training. He never has excuses. His hunger to learn and improve, together with his humbleness, coachability, leadership skills and natural, raw talent make this young man a fantastic athlete, ambassador and leader," said Sensei Du Preez.
“We are extremely proud of his dedication, hard work and stellar performance at the world championships. We thank everyone who contributed to ensure that Schuyler could go to the world championships, especially the mayor, Dirk Kotzé, his Sensei in Mossel Bay Vernon Petersen, his family and community.” said Sensei Elmarie van Zyl, Shotokan-ZA Federation head.
The Shotokan-ZA team had a successful championship, with Jordan Trow, who won gold in Kata and bronze in Combat, and four other team members placing in the top 10.
The two Shotokan-ZA officials, Senseis Elmarie van Zyl and Petra Smit, who accompanied the team, received their international WUKF judging qualifications.
Sensei Elmarie van Zyl, Shotokan-ZA Federation head, received her international Referee B qualification, which makes her the second highest WUKF qualified official in South Africa.
Schuyler Booysen (left) with team members, Aiden Fleuriot and Mkkano Harilal in the Dundee Ice Arena at the 2023 WUKF World Championships.
Schuyler Booysen with Sensei Mari du Preez, waiting for his kata category to start.
Schuyler Booyesen doing kata at the championships.
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