Two Graeme College pupils have qualified for the World Union of Karate Federation’s (WUKF) World Championship for Children, Cadets and Juniors in Poland.
Two Graeme College pupils have qualified for the World Union of Karate Federation’s (WUKF) World Championship for Children, Cadets and Juniors in Poland.
The Championship will take place in Szczecin, Poland, from 15 to 19 October.
In September 2013 Brent Smith, 13, and Ali-Ahmed Syedcassim, 13, both participated in the South African Shotokan Karate Association (SASKA) and Worley Union of Karate federation (WUKS) African Invitational in order to qualify for the competition in Poland later this year.
Smith and Syedcassim participated in the national selection process, hosted at the Fish River Sun Hotel and Country Club in Port Alfred, by going up against competitors from all over the country.
Smith and Syedcassim will be expected to compete in various categories including displaying their knowledge and precision in Kata forms which include a choreographed sequence of self-defence and attacking.
Other categories will have the karate kids competing against other championship hopefuls in Kumite combat fighting.
Smith and Syedcassim, who are ranked as a brown belt and orange belt respectively, stand to claim the prestigious title of WUKS champion for 2014 and, if so, they will automatically move up a ranking in their belt categories: Smith would qualify as a black belt and Syedcassim would move up to green belt.
Under the training and professional eye of local Sensei, Gary Grapentin, the karate kids form a team of 20 competitors, which will represent the South African Shotokan Karate Academy (SASKA) National Team at the Championship.
Estimates are that the Championship will boast approximately 1500 participants worldwide.
“Both young boys are very committed to karate. It is a direct reflection on the way they have been raised,” Grapentin said.
The two boys attend training on a Tuesday and Thursday at locally based East Cape Shotokan-Ryu.
Membership welcomes karate enthusiasts of all ages from the age of five, to men and women in their Sixties.
“Karate is more than just self-defence. It is a kind of training that cultivates a holistic individual, for both mind and body, and benefits children and adults of all ages and body-types. Consistent practice strengthens the entire body while simultaneously encouraging the development of self-discipline and good character” Grapentin said.
Smith and Syed-Cassim will face a rigorous training programme leading up to the Championship.
