3rd-4th March, Durban and 17th-18th March, Cape Town; Karate South Africa hosted two National Championships where all the 8 provinces were represented to be the ultimate Champion of Champs.
This also served as a ranking system for future International Championships this year such as the Zone 6, Senior All African Cup, Commonwealth and World under 21 Karate Championship.
In November 2016 all athletes had to take part in order to qualify for the Ekurhuleni Region. Those selected in Ekurhuleni again had to qualify this year in February to represent Gauteng province, consisting of Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng; JHB Central and Westrand Regions. Finally the top four athletes in Gauteng (consisting of the five regions) took part in the Nationals.
In summary between the two National Championships 4Ways Dojo once again did extremely well by bringing back 22 Medals
- Total Gold @ 10
- Total Silver @ 4
- Total Bronze @ 8
The following competitors who have received medal at the KSA Nationals are:
| NAME | KATA | KUMITE | UNISON |
| 1) AIDAN ZEEMAN | GOLD | ||
| 2) AITANA RUOCCHIO | SILVER | ||
| 3) ALESSANDRO BIAGIONI | GOLD | ||
| 4) CLAUDIA DOBSON | BRONZE | ||
| 5) EMMA O’GORMAN | BRONZE | BRONZE | SILVER |
| 6) JUSTIN BAYNES | SILVER | GOLD | |
| 7) KHARDAN RUOCCHIO | GOLD | GOLD | |
| 8) MALCOM DRIESSEL | GOLD | ||
| 9) NICHOLAS DOBSON | GOLD | ||
| 10) REECE BAYNES | SILVER | BRONZE | |
| 11) SALVADOR CRONJE | BRONZE | ||
| 12) TANEKA VISSER | BRONZE | ||
| 13) THEA LANGENHORST | BRONZE | ||
| 14) SILVIO BIAGIONI | GOLD | BRONZE | |
| 15) DANIKA STEVENS | GOLD | ||
| 16) STEF BIAGIONI | GOLD | ||
| GOLD | 10 GOLD | ||
| SILVER | 4 SILVER | ||
| 8 BRONZE |
Again I cannot stress more than enough on what a great start to the year this is for the 4Ways Dojo if you consider the environment that our athlete had to compete in.
Also I would like to extend my gratitude to my senior referees, Sensei Roberta Biagioni, and Sensei Alfredo Ruocchio that not only qualified to the next level but helped this week end in both kata and kumite judging. Very big thanks for representing 4Ways Dojo who officiated so selflessly and tirelessly at the KSA Nationals. It was a hectic two days, but you guys all did a stirling job. Fourways Martial Arts Academy is very proud of you.would like to mention a special thank you to Jacqui Baynes for all her hard work as Team Manager for Gauteng Karate Federation.
This means that all the above medal winners might have an opportunity to compete in the up and coming Internationals:-
(All under the auspices of SASCOC/KSA)
Zone 6 Championship in Mozambique.
- Seniors All African Cup in Cameroon.
- WKF K1 Youth League Championship in Croatia.
- Commonwealth Karate Championship in South Africa.
- WKF World under 21Championship in Spain.
Well done and may you all go from strength to strength!!
Kind Regards
Sensei Stef Biagioni
