After more than two decades away the False Bay Karate Academy (FBKA) marked a triumphant return to the Unicity-Karate Association Western Province (KAWP) tournament circuit on Saturday 25 April, delivering an outstanding performance across all divisions. As the oldest karate federation in the Western Cape — and currently the only one offering both semi-contact and full-contact divisions — KAWP provided an ideal platform for the academy’s long-awaited comeback, said FBKA sensei Hilton Jordaan.
FBKA is a martial arts school based in Grassy Park, Cape Town, established in 1999 by the late Sensei William Jordaan.
It is recognised as a community-focused institution that combines traditional karate training with social empowerment for local youth. “The tournament began with kata, where every False Bay Karate entrant secured a podium finish,” Jordaan said, “an incredible achievement and a testament to the academy’s high standards. Following this, competitors took part in weapons and team kata divisions, areas in which False Bay Karate has zero experience. The academy has committed to expanding into these divisions in future tournaments, embracing new challenges and growth opportunities for its students.”
Despite limited preparation time competitors demonstrated composure and precision against strong opposition. The team then ventured into weapons and team kata divisions, unfamiliar territory for the academy.
“The highlight of the day was the kumite (fighting). Representing the Kyokushin style, widely regarded as one of the toughest full-contact karate systems in the world.
False Bay Karate students were, however, required to compete under “clicker” rules due to limited full-contact participation. This point-based system was unfamiliar territory for all False Bay competitors. Despite this, the learners adapted remarkably,” Jordaan added.
Despite the challenge, competitors adapted impressively under the guidance of coaching team Shihan Evelyn Jordaan (5th Dan), Sensei Hilton Jordaan (4th Dan), Sensei Ruben Francis (4th Dan) and Sensei Ruth Francis (4th Dan).
All four instructors are former South African champions in the clicker system, enabling them to effectively prepare and support their students during the transition. Daniel Jordaan led the team with a first-place finish in his division, earning special recognition from referee Shihan Cobe Japhta of Kenpo Karate.
For the Jordaan family and the broader False Bay Karate community, the return to KAWP carried deep emotional significance.
Reconnecting
The organisation was closely linked to the late founder and sensei Jordaan, who played a key role in promoting unity within the karate community.
Reconnecting with the federation after more than 20 years highlighted the enduring strength of those relationships and traditions. Reflecting on the tournament, Shihan Evelyn Jordaan acknowledged initial concerns about limited preparation but praised the students’ resilience. She noted that their ability to adapt under pressure echoed her own experiences as a competitor, when she and her peers successfully entered unfamiliar formats with minimal preparation. In a remarkable outcome every False Bay Karate competitor finished on the podium.
Beyond competition results, the tournament offered valuable exposure. The presence of Imtiyaaz Abdullah, president of the United Martial Arts Federation South Africa, further elevated the occasion. FBKA now looks ahead to its next competition on Saturday 30 May in Belhar, hosted by Eric Snyders (7th Dan). The academy aims to grow its participation and the team is actively fundraising for an upcoming tour to Namibia later this year.
For sponsorship or donations, contact Hilton Jordaan at Falsebaykarate@yahoo.com or on 074 994 9785.
