Three martial artists from Kathu are on their way to compete in the International Sport Karate Association (Iska) Open World Championships scheduled to be held on 1 and 2 July in Orlando in the USA.
All three are members of the Kathu Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Academy, under the coaching of Shihan Pieter Pretorius who said three of the eight South Africans attending this event would be from Kathu.
Ishfaq Rana, who has gained development colours, will compete in the intermediate division for point fighting, continuous fighting, clash sparring, traditional forms and traditional weapon forms.
Mar-Louise Pretorius, who has Protea colours, will compete in point fighting, continuous fighting and clash sparring. She will represent South Africa for the third time at this championship.
Sarel du Plessis, who has also earned Protea colours, will compete in point fighting, continuous fighting, clash sparring, MMA light, traditional forms and traditional weapon forms.
Pretorius said during the 2019 South African Martial Arts Championships held in Stellenbosch, these three qualified for the Iska event which should have been held in 2020. After a long wait, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on travelling and sport participation, the time has come for them to show their skills in the USA.
