Young karate stars from False Bay Karate Academy (FBKA) delivered a series of impressive performances at the first World All Kyokushin Karate Union tournament held in Cape Town, bringing home podium finishes and valuable competition experience.

The tournament, hosted in Belhar by Kyoshi Eric Snyders (7th Dan), attracted karateka from across the city, including Grassy Park, Hanover Park, Belhar, Khayelitsha, Bellville South and Eerste River, said FBKA sensei Hilton Joraan.

Star performers

For the False Bay Karate Academy team, the event provided an opportunity for learners to test their skills, demonstrate their determination and reap the rewards of months of hard work and training.

Among the academy’s standout performers was eight-year-old Kaynan Poole, a learner at Star of the Sea Primary School and the youngest member of the team.

Despite competing against older and more experienced opponents, Kaynan showed courage and determination throughout the day, earning an impressive second-place finish.

Another learner who demonstrated remarkable commitment was Daniel Jordaan from Wynberg Boys’ Junior School.

After playing a rugby match for his school earlier that morning, Daniel headed straight to the karate tournament and still managed to secure an excellent second-place finish.

Tough competition

One of the toughest divisions of the day was the highly competitive 12 to 13-year-old category. Jayden Francis, a learner at Sir G Rule Primary School in Grassy Park, and Ethan Hendricks from Fairview Primary School faced a difficult challenge against larger opponents.

Despite giving away significant weight to many of their competitors, both boys displayed exceptional resilience and fighting spirit.

Jayden fought his way through the division to claim second place, while Ethan narrowly missed a podium finish after an impressive effort that earned him fourth place overall.

The academy’s female competitors also enjoyed success at the tournament. Hannah Hendricks, a learner at Norman Henshilwood High School, impressed judges with her discipline, focus and technical ability to secure second place in the kata division.

Her cousin, Ada Hendricks from Grassdale High School, also delivered a strong performance. Competing in kumite, she fought with confidence and determination to earn a well-deserved second-place finish.

Confidence boost

While medals and trophies were celebrated, academy representatives said the true success of the day lay in the growth and confidence shown by every learner who stepped onto the mats.

For many of the children, the trophies they received were the biggest they had ever won.

Their excitement reflected the effort and dedication invested in training sessions, sparring practice and kata preparation throughout the year.

The academy praised all its learners for embodying the values of respect, perseverance and sportsmanship, regardless of their final results.

Although several students were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, those who represented the academy did so with distinction and made their families, schools and coaches proud. False Bay Karate Academy also thanked tournament host Kyoshi Eric Snyders and his team for organising the landmark event.

With another World All Kyokushin Karate Union tournament already on the horizon, the academy hopes its young athletes will continue building on their success as they develop both as competitors and as confident young people.

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