WUKF South Africa was delighted to host the WUKF South Africa National Championships and Africa Open at the Boardwalk Hotel and Convention Centre over Friday 31st March to Sunday 2nd April 2023 in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
VIP Guests in attendance included Councillor M.B Kamana, the MMC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture for Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Roy O’Kane – WUKF Executive Committee Member and Chief Operating Officer.
The Championship attracted 15 WUKF affiliated Southern African Federations with a combined total of over 600 competitors, 1200 individual entries and over 60 officials.
Categories on offer included Kata, Kumite, Inclusive Kata and Combat, Kobudo Long/Short Weapons and the WUKFs signature Shobu Sanbon Rotational Team Kumite. For the first time in South Africa, WUKF Shobu Ippon Rotational Team Kumite was also included on the programme.
The Championship catered for children from 6yrs of age to adult veterans and included novice, intermediate and elite categories.
The Championship met with WUKF SA’s vision of “Karate for All” ensuring the event was affordable and accessible.
Above all was the spirit, camaraderie and friendship which permeated the entire event – this exemplifies the true essence of WUKF and WUKF SA.
For more information on WUKF South Africa, please contact Gary Grapentin on garyg@geenet.co.za
