Curro Rivonia learner places first at SA karate championships

22 March 2021

Having begun karate at age four, Taneka says she is fully committed to the sport and will keep at it until she receives a black belt.

Grade 9 learner at Curro Rivonia Taneka Visser won two gold medals at the Karate South Africa National Championships on 6 and 7 March.

The talented athlete received a gold medal for individual kata as well as team kata, and fifth place for individual kumite.

 

Taneka Visser (right) and her team that are the SA Team Kata Champions. From left: Thea Langenhorst and Erin Ford.

 

Sensei Stef Biagioni of Fourways Martial Arts Academy remarked that Taneka’s performance was brilliant.

“I cannot stress enough on what an incredible start to the year this has been for Taneka, if you consider the environment of Covid-19 compliance and protocols that she had to adapt to in the new way of competing,” said Biagioni.

 

Taneka Visser shows off her medal as SA Kata Champion.

 

Having begun karate at age four, Taneka said she was fully committed to the sport and would keep at it until she achieved a black belt.

“I love karate because it has built my confidence a lot and I really like the discipline, respect and kindness that I experience at karate. Plus, making friends at all the competitions and at the training sessions is a huge advantage,” said Taneka.

Biagioni said Taneka had great potential in the sport. “She could receive her Protea colours again and win the Regional 5 International, Commonwealth as well as the African Cup in the near future. Who knows, maybe even the Cadet and Junior World Championship in the near future.”