The girl next door who fights the world’s best — the Skye Knoester story
Skye Knoester competes internationally in Judo with the South African flag pinned to her back, her journey firmly rooted in the shared Budō heritage that unites martial artists across disciplines. While most OSSU readers come from a karate background, there is a wealth of insight to be gained from the other branches of Budō, where the […]
Bridging Throws and Strikes – Alfred Stevenson’s Unstoppable Journey
In South African martial arts, few stories are as rich as Sensei Alfred “Alfie” Stevenson’s. A Springbok judoka, accomplished karateka, and Olympic-level coach, he holds a nanadan (7th dan) in judo and a sandan (3rd dan) in karate. He’s walked the line between throws and strikes his whole life. It started in a backyard dojo […]
Jess Geyer on the Grace, Grit, and Quiet Strength She Finds in Karate
Sensei Jess Geyer and her father, Sensei Keith Geyer, from JKA SKC Australasia, recently visited South Africa to teach a seminar at the SA JKA Honbu dojo. I had the privilege of helping with photography, which gave me a front-row seat to this powerhouse duo in action—and wow, what an experience. The depth of history, […]
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
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 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 […]