Local Taekwondo club shines at competition

FOLLOWING their grading held recently at their club located at the Kimberley Big Hole, members of the Kumgang Taekwondo Club put their skills to the ultimate test at the Uteg Open competition in Vanderbijlpark.

The event drew participants from various taekwondo clubs across the region, with the club from Kimberley sending a contingent of 12 students under the watchful eye of their 6th Dan Sabunim Thomas du Plessis. The Kumgang students put on a remarkable performance across different categories and brought home an impressive haul of medals.

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According to Du Plessis, the students’ performance was especially impressive when gauged against the difficult competition and skilled competitors at the event.

“These students showed true sportsmanship and excellent behaviour, winning three of the six trophies that were up for grabs,” he said. “I am very proud of them, and they can be very proud of themselves for what they have achieved,” Du Plessis told the DFA.

And with the taste of competition and success fresh in their minds, and being aware of the rigours of open competition, Du Plessis says the club is now preparing for the AMD Diamond Open Championship set to take place in August.

“The first Diamond Open was held in Kimberley in 1998, and it attracts competitors from all over the country, mostly from Gauteng and the Vaal triangle,” Du Plessis explained.

“In 2022, it became the AMD Diamond Open. The competition was originally purely fighting, but in 2021, forms, breaking, and high kicks were introduced. Since 1998, the competition has been held in Kimberley annually in August,” he added.

The Kumgang Taekwondo Club’s impressive run at the Uteg Open competition is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of their instructors. Their outstanding performances have not only brought pride to the club but also demonstrated the talent and potential present within the Kimberley Martial Arts community.

The Kumgang Taekwondo Club’s medal winners are:

Daniel Anderson: gold medal (fighting category), and named Best Junior Male in the tournament.

Joelle Anderson: gold (fighting); gold (forms).

James Anderson: silver (fighting).

Evan Potgieter: gold (fighting); silver (forms).

Tazkiah Meyers: gold (forms); silver (fighting).

Sumiyiah Toffar: silver (fighting).

CJ Speek: silver (forms); silver (fighting)

Ezekiel Mouton: silver (forms); silver (fighting).

Ava Botes: gold (fighting), and named Best Junior Female at the tournament.

Amelia Botes: silver (fighting).

Tristin Snyders: silver (fighting), and named Best Female at the tournament.

Lenique Marais: gold (fighting).