Blade Shotokan Karate Club makes early mark on regional stage

Vuyo Thati, owner of Blade Health and Wellness in Kimberley, is kicking his wellness vision up a level – literally – with the launch of the Blade Shotokan Karate Club.

In just its second competitive outing, the fledgling club is already making waves in the martial arts scene.

Recently, karateka from the Karate Club participated in the Winter Challenge Karate Championship held in Christiana. The event was hosted by Teemane Karate Club and attracted karate practitioners from across the region.

A team of 21 athletes from Blade Shotokan represented the club at the tournament. Their performance infused with determination and discipline, saw them walking away with an impressive total of 32 medals. The medal tally included 14 golds, 10 silvers, and eight bronze medals.

Thati, a second Dan black belt, said he was proud of the team’s achievements. “This was our second competition since the club was established,” he told the DFA. “I’m proud of how our athletes performed under pressure,” he added.

In a testament to his commitment, Thati also competed at the championship, his first competitive outing since 2015. He explained that he entered the competition to set an example for his students. “I wanted to show them how it’s done, not just tell them,” he said.

Thati won a gold medal in kumite and a silver in kata. His return to competition was met with enthusiasm from his students, who looked up to his performance as a motivator who walks the walk.

The strong showing in Christiana has boosted the confidence of the club’s members. It also shows the potential of the Blade Shotokan Karate Club in upcoming regional and national tournaments.

That said, the club will continue to grow and compete. “We are building something special here. We are now preparing for the national championships that will take place in Durban from August 29-30 2025. 

“This is only the beginning, Thati concluded.”