Date: 16 June 2023
Place: Ipelegeng Multi-Purpose Arena, Schweizer-Reneke, North West Province, South Africa
Organizers: South Africa Branch(Branch Chief Thomas Sindephi Mayekani)
Shinkyokushinkai Matlosana hosts the “Team-Tom” inter-dojo tournaments regularly where all the dojos under the Branch Chief, Sempai Thomas Mayekani come together to compete amongst themselves. The inter-dojo tournament is called “LOCAL IS LEKKER”, meaning “local is nice”.
The aim of the tournament is to give our newcomers a chance to feel how it is on the tatami and prepare them for our tough South African Shinkyokushinkai yearly planned events as per our national annual calendar. The inter-dojo tournament is part of Matlosana branch team development and to give the opportunity to beginners to participate and gather tournament experience. This current tournament was used as team preparation and selection for the upcoming Shinkyokushinkai South Africa National tournament on 08 July 2023.
The inter-dojo tournament was held on 16 June 2023, a national public holiday named National Youth Day (commonly known as June 16) to commemorate the Soweto Uprising that occurred on June 16, 1976. The day is celebrated in order to recognize the role of youth in the liberation of South Africa from the Apartheid regime. As such, June is considered a youth month in South Africa. Shinkyokushinkai Matlosana youth celebrate the National Youth Day by engaging in sporting activities, and participating in the inter-dojo tournament on this day.
This year the tournament was attended by a total of 99 fighters participating. The tournament was a success, with the spectators filling the hall to capacity. This was the first time the town of Schweizer-Reneke witnesses an event of this calibre. This town is in the rural areas and has recently opened a new Shinkyokushinkai dojo under the Matlosana branch. The standard of the event was very high and exciting. All the participants and spectators enjoyed the event.
The host would like to extend an appreciation and gratitude to local government officials for the unconditional support and for honoring and blessing the tournament. We would like to thank all the sponsors, the spectators and the parents who came to support the event for their contributions in making the event a success.
Kind regards,
Sensei Andronica Shonhiwa (née Rakgantso)
On Behalf of Sensei Thomas Mayekani and the tournament organizers
