A 17-strong team of Romanian karateka, as well as WUKF veteran men’s kata world champion Paul Faure, will be in the Eastern Cape this September.
A 17-strong team of Romanian karateka, as well as WUKF veteran men’s kata world champion Paul Faure, will be in the Eastern Cape this September.
They will be competing in the WUKF Africa Invitational and SASKA National Championships, from 26-29 September at the Fish River Sun.
The star-studded Romanian team includes five WUKF World Champions.
Another highlight of the tournament is that SASKA Style-Head, Shihan Koos Burger, will be celebrating his 70th birthday and 50th year of practicing karate.
“These are two milestone events in the life of a man who has profoundly influenced generations of karateka,” says event organiser Gary Grapentin.
The Romanian team will be accompanied by guest of honour, the newly-elected WUKF President Liviu Crisan.
“Given the number of experienced South African karateka already confirmed to participate, the WUKF Africa Invitational and SASKA National Championships promise to produce karate-do of the highest standard,” said Grapentin.
Founded in 1990 by Shihan Koos Burger, the South African Shotokan Karate-do Academy (SASKA) is nationally and internationally respected for its high technical standards and holds affiliation to the World Union of Karate-do Federations (WUKF).
The Championship venue at the Fish River Sun will comprise five competition arenas, each enhanced by overhead lighting, computerised scoring systems, comfortable ringside seating for spectators and air-conditioning.
“In addition, the championship experience will provide the opportunity for participants, officials, families and supporters of karate to enjoy an unforgettable holiday at the Fish River Sun Hotel and Country Club Resort,” Grapentin said.
The Championship will be preceded by training sessions with Shihan Koos Burger and Romanian national coach, Sensei Hanga Mihai.
The weekend’s activities will conclude with a sea gashuku, where karateka train on the beach. It is expected to attract in excess of 200 karateka.
WUKF president, Liviu Crisan, is passionate about the development of WUKF Karate in Southern Africa, and the Romanian Team will conduct a number of development training sessions in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape.
For further information, Grapentin may be contacted at garyg@geenet.co.za.
