Returning from the 8th Goju-kai Karate World Championship in Chiba, Japan, the Nelson Mandela Bay karatekas secured 10 world championship medals, including a double title for one athlete.
This success followed months of preparation, discipline, motivation, hard work, and effort.
Instructor Warda Mallick expressed her happiness regarding the team’s return with 10 world championship medals, including a double world champion title for Zeenat Lee, who won in her weight categories in both the Under 21 and senior age categories for kumite (fighting).
The Nelson Mandela Bay winners included Zeenat Lee, who earned two gold medals (Under-21 and Senior Ladies’ kumite) and a bronze (jyu kumite). Danielle Whitebooi received a silver medal (Senior Ladies’ kumite). Arden Harris earned three bronzes (Senior Ladies’ kumite, jyu kumite, and open kumite).
Mattheu Erasmus and Kezia Abersalie each received a bronze medal for kumite in their respective age categories.
Mallick highlighted the success of the ladies in the inaugural full-contact jyu kumite division, where they won two bronze medals in different weight categories.
The 8th Goju World Championship Journey took place from 8 August, to 10 August 2025.
According to Mallick, the trip led to the establishment of lifelong friendships, provided opportunities for renewed friendships, imparted life lessons, and contributed to personal growth.
She said the experience was life-changing for all participants.
Mallick expressed gratitude to the parents, senior karateka, senseis, and shihans who supported the team and went the extra mile. She mentioned the anticipation for the 9th World Championships in Hungary in 2029.
She also extended thanks to Clayton Thom Shihan, the Head of Hillside Dojo and provincial Head of Goju-Kai Eastern Province, as well as the South African National Coach for the team.
Thom noted that “our female athletes performed well, winning most of the medals,” referring to it as an amazing way to recognise Women’s Month.
