Konoha fighters shine with 85 medals at provincial championships
Konoha Martial Arts followed up last month’s 147-medal haul with 85 more at the RCFA Provincials, with several fighters qualifying for Nationals. Seen here back (from left) are: Harmony Evans (4 Gold), Sabata Lempe (5 Silver), Ryno van Eeden (2 Gold, 2 Silver), Gert Pieter Esterhuizen (3 Silver, 2 Bronze), Elbert Esterhuizen (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze), Dewald van Huysteen (3 Gold, 1 Silver), Heino janse van Rensburg (4 Gold), SJ Everts (5 Gold, also named Junior Tournament Champion). Front (from left): Jacques van Eeden (4 Gold 1, Silver), Molemo Lempe (5 Silver), Estienne Scholtz (5 Silver), Kyle Barendse (4 Gold, 1 Silver), Elizma Fourie (4 Gold). Front l(from left): Lian van der Westuizen, Rolandi Ellis , Dihan van Huysteen (4 Gold, 5 Silver, 1 Bronze). (Not on photo: Shihan Rainer Jacobs Bronze/Gold Veterans)
Image: Supplied / Konoha Martial Arts
Roughly a month ago, Konoha Martial Arts from Kuruman underlined its growing stature on the national stage with a record haul of 147 medals at the Free State Provincials and Northern Cape Trials in Bloemfontein.
At that competition, the team dominated the junior categories, taking first place overall in the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-16 divisions, while the seniors finished second. Beyond the medals, the club highlighted values of respect, honour, unity and perseverance as the foundation of its success, with Shihan Rainer Jacobs saying the milestone has left the team “stronger, prouder, and more determined than ever.”
Another exceptional performance
But that’s not where their achievements end, as the club has once again proven their mettle. This time, Konoha Martial Arts delivered another exceptional performance at the North West and Northern Cape RCFA Provincial Championships, hosted by Radja Martial Arts.
Competing across the disciplines of Sport Boxing, Low/High Kick Combat Sports, Grappling, and Combat Weapons, the team of 15 students earned an impressive haul of 42 Gold, 37 Silver, and five Bronze medals … 85 bits of silverware!
On to the National Championships
Several athletes also qualified for the Provincial Team and will represent both Konoha Martial Arts and the Northern Cape at the National Championships from October 24-26 at Montecasino, Vanderbijlpark.
The qualifiers headed to the Nationals are Dihan and Dewald van Huysteen Jr., Rolandi Ellis, Kyle Barendse, SJ Everts (Junior Tournament Champion), Harmony Evans, Jacques van Eeden, Estienne Scholtz, and Sabata Lempe.
Soke Sensei Rainer Jacobs praised the team’s massive performance, stating: “Our students showed true dedication, discipline, and spirit. We are proud of their achievements and confident they will represent the Northern Cape with excellence at Nationals.”