Konoha Martial Arts, with teams in Kuruman and Kathu, has delivered an outstanding performance and improved records by receiving 147 medals at the recent Free State Provincials and Northern Cape Trials.

Held in Bloemfontein at the end of July, this Northern Cape-based academy once again proved its dominance and dedication to excellence.

The achievement of taking home 70 gold, 51 silver, and 26 bronze medals placed the academy firmly among the top martial arts institutions in the country.

From dynamic displays in karate and kickboxing to dominant performances in combat sports, boxing and grappling, the Konoha teams left no doubt about their skill and preparation.

Konoha also secured first place in the junior boys and girls U16 divisions, earning the top trophies in these categories. Adding to the glory, the seniors covered second place overall.

Kuruman Konoho Martial Arts
Team members of Konoha Martial Arts Kuruman are from the left, front: Lian van der Westhuizen (3 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze), Bonolo Malgas (2 gold, 5 silver), and GJ Swiegers (3 gold, 1 bronze); middle: Alex Markram (3 silver, 1 bronze), Boako Malgas (3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze), Shihan Rainer Jacobs (chief instructor), Wian Makram (3 silver, 1 bronze), and Estienne Scholtz (5 gold, 3 silver); back: Elbert Esterhuizen (3 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze), S.J. Everts (6 gold, 3 silver), Senpai Kyle Barendse (coach), Sensei Armand Grobler (instructor), Gert-Pieter Esterhuizen (2 gold, 4 bronze), and Eoghan van Wyk (2 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze). Photo: Supplied

The academy extended its heartfelt thanks to the leadership team of Sensei Armand Grobler, Janko Janse van Vuuren, and Andrea Daries for their dedication.

For Konoha, this achievement goes beyond podium finishes. It represents unity, perseverance, and the embodiment of martial arts values: Respect, honour, and determination.

Shihan Rainer Jacobs, chief instructor, says with this incredible milestone behind them, Konoha Martial Arts looks ahead to future competitions – stronger, prouder, and more determined than ever.

The Konoho Martial Arts team from Kathu are from the left, front: Dewald van Huysteen (8 gold, 1 silver. junior boys champion U16), Jeane Daries (2 gold, 2 silver) and Madrie Janse van Vuuren (7 gold, 1 bronze, junior girls champion U16); middle: Minke Barendse (3 gold), Rolandi Ellis (3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), Dilshad Rana (2 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze), Shihan Rainer Jacobs (chief instructor), Luan Hamman (1 gold, 4 silver), Dihan van Huysteen (4 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) and Molemo Lempe (3 bronze); back: Kyle Barendse (5 gold), Ishfaq Rana (3 gold, 2 silver), Sensei Armand Grobler (3 gold, 1 silver), Shaun Kleyn (1 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) and Sabata Lempe (1 silver, 3 bronze). Absent: Sensei Janko Janse van Vuuren and Sensei Andrea Daries (instructors). Photo: Supplied

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