Nolan De Maar is the first local karateka to win the prestigious Trophy for the Best Senior Male Competitor at the World Union of Karate-do Federation Africa Invitational and the South African Shotokan Karate Academy National Championships.
Nolan De Maar is the first local karateka to win the prestigious Trophy for the Best Senior Male Competitor at the World Union of Karate-do Federation Africa Invitational and the South African Shotokan Karate Academy National Championships.
He won a tally of five medals at the championships – three gold, one silver and one bronze.
The nationals were held at the Fish River Sun Hotel in September. De Maar, of the East Cape Shotokan-Ryu (ECSR), was presented with his trophy during the opening ceremony of his club's annual championship at the 1820 Settlers' Monument on Saturday 30 November.
Participants from Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, Fort Beaufort and Grahamstown contested the various kata (forms), kumite (fighting) and team kata categories.
Events were held in the Thomas Pringle Hall.
The championship gives local karateka in the novice and intermediate categories an opportunity to test their skills and gain valuable experience at a competitive level.
ECSR head instructor Gary Grapentin can be contacted at garyg@geenet.co.za for more information about karate in Grahamstown.
