Date: 02 September 2023
Place: Aboo Tayob Hall, Mokopane, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Organizers/host: WKO branch chief Sensei Phillip Nkuna
The Limpopo WKO Shinkyokushinkai karate has yet again hosted another successful tournament, The 6th Limpopo Shinkyokushinkai Karate Championship on 02 September 2023 at Mokopane at Aboo Tayob Hall in Mokopane Town. The tournament was hosted by the Mokopane branch under the leadership of WKO branch chief, Sensei Phillip Nkuna. This is the second time for the Mokopane branch to be the host city of this prestigious Limpopo Championship since its inception in 2011.
The championship was well attended. It has attracted fighters from different organizations across the country, with participants coming from provinces such as Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, Kwazulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga taking part in the annual championship. Our neighbouring country, Zimbabwe was also in attendance with a team of five competitors, under the leadership of Sensei Edmond Munyuku (3rd dan), supported by Sempai Martin Mathonsi (2nd dan). Sensei Edmond and his team have recently joined WKO Shinkyokushinkai in 2023 and we are looking forward to their participation and contribution to the growth of WKO Africa region and globally.
The tournament had registered a total of 206 competitors, participating in both junior (under 18 years) and senior (18 years and above) weight categories, with 145 male and 61 female fighters. The spectators packed the hall to capacity to witness this historic event in the town of Mokopane.
The event started on a high note as President of WKO Shinkyokushinkai Karate South Africa and Africa Region, Shihan Isaac Mashinini was escorted from his hotel to Aboo Tayob Hall by the VIP protection team made up of the Unicorn riders, Mokopane sapa yopa riders, WorkSA Security Group, and Medical Emergency Services. The Bengu-Bengu traditional dancers entertained the crowd before the juniors’ bouts. Mokopane team performed fairly well with most fighters obtaining the second position in their various weight categories. Overall the Limpopo Province team performed extremely well.
A heartfelt appreciation goes to Shihan Isaac Mashinini for his outstanding guidance and direction of the tournament and to all the competitors, instructors/coaches, tournament officials, sponsors, spectators, and parents for their commitment to the development and growth of karate. Shihan Mashinini expressed satisfaction with the level and high organising standard of the tournament and the performance of all fighters, for the great skills and determination they showed on the tatami.
Limpopo Province branch chiefs and the host extended their gratitude and acknowledgement to all sponsors. The main sponsors, Gamahlako Logistics, led by Khutso Dolo and to Metropolitan team led by Patience Moloisi, Matswelapele Endless Motion, the SKY Barre (TSB), Papanyana team, Unicorn and Sapayopa Bikers, Megan Food, Medleb, Bahlaping Mash Trading, TNM Training & Skills, Chillers on Wheels, Shabagirl on the move, WorkSA, Medical Emergencies, Leseding Medical and Dr Nkuna M.G Dental team, Dr Mbombi Elethu Medical Centre and Dr Ngobeni James, for their support and contribution in making the tournament a huge success.
Kind regards;
Sensei Andronica Shonhiwa (nee Rakgantso)
On Behalf of WKO Shinkyokushinkai Limpopo Province and the host, Mokopane branch.
