On 30 May 2015, Shinkyokushinkai South Africa hosted the 2015 National Tournament which included both junior (under 18 years old) and senior (18 years and above) fighter categories. This tournament was also the final national selection for the team that will be representing South Africa in Japan, at the open weight 11th World Championship in October 2015. The tournament was a success; members flocked to Tembisa Rabasotho Community Centre in Gauteng province from different provinces such as Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Western Cape.
We also had fighters from other organizations supporting the event. There were 350 fighters who registered on this day and the hall was packed to capacity with supporters (parents and fans).
The host, Tembisa Shinkyokushinkai led by Sensei Paul Sehlabelo would like to extend their gratitude to the sponsors, the Rabasotho community center management for allowing us to use the hall and the emergency service department for providing us with their emergency services personnel and ambulance services.
Sensei Paul acknowledges all the senior instructors who worked tirelessly as officials ensuring that the event runs smoothly and gave fair judgments of bouts without favour. He further acknowledged all fighters and instructors form other organizations for their support.
Shihan Isaac Mashinini congratulated all the instructors who led and ushered their teams to the national tournament for their hard work and commitment to the growth and development of the organization and improvement of skills by the students. He congratulated the parents for the support they continue to give to the children and also the University of Limpopo, Tshwane University of Technology and Sefako Makgatho University (MEDUNSA) for the continuous support they give to the university karate clubs.
He congratulated all the participants and the winners for their hard work and commitment and for showcasing such high skills and talent on the tatami from both junior and senior fighters. Shihan Mashinini also announced the team that will represent South Africa in the open weight 11th World Championship; a team of 3 Men (Sam Rampai, Charles Segobela, Morris Chauke) and 3 women (Thandeka Mbonambi, Najumunesa Jacobs, Andronica Rakgantso) including reserve fighters. He congratulated the team and wished them well in their preparations for the event in October.
Shihan Mashinini wished all participated teams well and a safe trip back to their various provinces and encouraged instructors and fighters to continue with the good and hard work and to practice karate daily to strive for skills improvement and growth of the organization. All the senior fighters were encouraged to continue with training as part of the preparation for the upcoming Karate South Africa- Full Contact (KSA-FC) senior tournament on 4th July 2015 to be hosted by Gauteng Province.
We believe that all the teams traveled safely back to their various destinations after the great event in Tembisa.
results are as follows
Kind regards;
President Isaac Mashinini Shihan
WKO Shinkyokushinkai South Africa/Africa region
