- Three Kensington teens will be flying the South African flag high in Europe after they qualified to take part in the World Goju-Ryu Karate Federation (WGKF) championship later this year.
- Hanaah Sheik, Rania Gamieldien and Miengaah Hendricks from the Kensington Karate School will be jetting off to Austria in September for the 7th edition of the championship.
- The competition, which will take place from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 September, will see Goju-Ryu practitioners from around the world participating.
Three Kensington teens will be flying the South African flag high in Europe after they qualified to take part in the World Goju-Ryu Karate Federation (WGKF) championship later this year.
Hanaah Sheik, Rania Gamieldien and Miengaah Hendricks from the Kensington Karate School will be jetting off to Austria in September for the 7th edition of the championship.
The competition, which will take place from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 September, will see Goju-Ryu practitioners from around the world participating.
Sheik (13) will be making her debut at the competition while Gamieldien and Hendricks are participating for a third time (“Kensington karate kids return from ‘intimidating’ trip to World Champs in Italy”, People’s Post, 27 September 2022).
Gamieldien and Hendricks, both 18 years old, managed to obtain their black belt in karate last year, an incredible feat considering that they were in matric.
Sheik explained that she was elated to be taking part in the competition.
“I am nervous and excited. But I am also scared because I do not know what to expect.”
She explained that she first took an interest in the sport at the age of six, did it for a year, but then decided to try gymnastics.
But two years ago, the karate bug kicked in again and she returned to the karate school.
“I enjoy how all the movements go together and how interesting it is.”
The trio will compete in three divisions: kata, kumite and team kumite.
Gamieldien said she is looking forward to the championship.
Gamieldien said:
Hendricks explained that karate has allowed her to travel and see other parts of the world.
“If it wasn’t for karate, I would not have been able to travel and visit all the places.”
The group said while they hope to perform well enough to bring home a medal, just being able to compete on a world stage is already a win for them.
Tharwa Hendricks, head instructor, said they need about R50 000 each to cover their gear, plane tickets and accommodation.
“We are trying to raise funds with fundraising events. Funding is always a challenge. Their clothes alone cost between R1 200 and R3 000.
“We are appealing to businesses to support them.”
Tharwa explains that despite the financial constraints, the trio is putting “Kensington on the map”.
“When any of the kids qualify to take part in competitions it makes me want to cry. When they go to tournaments, they show that they have been working hard. This is an amazing opportunity for the girls.
Rania and Miengaah have been with me since they were six years old, so seeing how they have grown makes me proud. I have literally seen them become young adults.”
Hanaah’s mother, A-isha, said she is proud of her daughter’s achievement.
“Years of hard work are paying off. We are proud of her for persevering. We gave her the freedom to decide what to do.”
She will accompany her daughter and explains that she is excited to travel for the first time.
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