Spectators, at the SA JKA National Championships, were treated to a showcase of valour this past weekend as a kumite match to be remembered ensued between Jon Williams Sensei from the Western Cape and Chris Valarakis Sensei from Gauteng.
Both competitors successfully reminded all karateka that age does not matter. Growing old allows a maturity to set into your karate and being a young fighter encompasses fearlessness. These two men showed the admirable power of good karate and the simplicity of a respectable fight. The floor was kept clean (apart from the blood); with calculated sweeps and quick punches.
The speed and ferocity shown by Valarakis played the instigator to the focused and cunning steps of Williams. Each move left the audience sitting on the edge of their seats. These two gentlemen did not let aches and pains, familiar to a well-used body, limit them. Rather they overcame their growing fatigue and used their strengths to push them on.
All agree that this fight will be remembered. Let it serve as an inspiration to us all to train harder, even when our body complains louder as the years go by. Thank you to Jon Williams Sensei and Chris Valarakis Sensei for reminding us of the essence of Karate.
Good sportsmanship, respect and discipline: that is what karate is fighting for.
