Five students from the Helderberg Karate Club dojo competed in the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) World Karate Championship held in Fort Lauderdale in Florida, USA at the beginning of July.
The team from Somerset West consisted of Graham Chamberlain (fourth dan) Emma Forbes (first dan), Gideon de Wet (brown belt), Ben de Beer (brown belt) and Lily Herbertson (orange belt).
Chamberlain, also the owner of the club, obtained a bronze medal for kumite (fighting) and sixth place for kata. He shared he is especially proud of his achievements as he is a type-1 diabetic.
“Hopefully I can inspire other diabetics not to let diabetes withhold them from attempting and reaching their goals,” he said.
In other results, Forbes obtained fifth place for kumite and 11th for kata, while De Wet obtained sixth place for Kata.
De Beer participated in the largest category, with more than 40 competitors, but did not make it to the semi-finals.
The youngest team member, at 11 years old, Herbertson showed great courage against what was also a massive group of girls and just missed out on a spot in the finals. She placed eighth for kata.
The students underwent trials in February this year, after which the five members of the club were chosen for the competition.
Both Chamberlain and Forbes have been to numerous world championships, but it was a first for De Wet, De Beer and Herbertson.
De Wet said being part of the team representing South Africa was one of the most special and memorable experiences of his life. He feels exceptionally privileged and honoured to have worn the flag on his chest.
“Being my first world championship, there were so many highlights – the sheer size of the event (more than 30 countries), the beautiful Fort Lauderdale location, the camaraderie among countries, the SA team spirit, the opportunity not only to see the best in the world in action, but also to have the opportunity to compete against them,” he said.
“One moment to single out is the moment they called ‘Team South Africa’ out during our walk-on in the opening ceremony – it was the proudest sporting moment of my life.”
De Beer agreed it was a great experience to represent SA and to compete against such high level karatekas. “This entire experience broadened my horizons and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
“The opening ceremony was my highlight, because it made me feel as if I’m a part of something much greater internationally.”
V Anyone interested in joining Helderberg Karate Club can send an email to shotokanwc@gmail.com.
