A Showcase of Karate Excellence: Williams and Valarakis Deliver Memorable Fight

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 […]

Bongi Ngwenya: Insights from a Competitive Karate Athlete

Bongi Ngwenya

Can you share your early experiences with karate and how you got started in the martial art? I remember trying karate in my nursery school days with a great man named Les Stevens! There was one day where everyone who was interested got the opportunity to try a karate class, and I loved it! Unfortunately, […]

Charné Griesel: A Beacon of Hope for Eersterust’s Youth

Charné Griesel (Judo South Africa)

Charné Griesel is a South African Judo champion making waves in the judo world! At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she secured a well-deserved bronze medal in the Women’s 52 kg category, but her achievements don’t stop there. Back in 2019, Charné won gold at the African Cup U21 in Tunis and repeated her success at […]

Michiyo Teraoka: From Tokyo to South Africa – A Karate Journey

Michiyo 08

In this exclusive interview with Michiyo Teraoka, we explore the intriguing intersection of her professional journey and her passion for karate. Can you tell us a bit about your background? Where were you born and raised, and what was your early life like? I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. When I was young, […]

From Black Belts to Tattoo Needles: Alyssa’s Inspiring Journey

Alyssa van der Merwe (Shotokan Karate, South Africa)

In this interview with Alyssa, an accomplished martial artist and skilled tattoo artist, we delve into the fascinating intersection of her diverse passions. From her early introduction to Karate, ignited by spirited play with her grandfather, to her current status as a 3rd Dan Black Belt and active international Karate competitor, Alyssa’s martial arts journey […]