An incredible congratulations to two Cannons Creek Independent School pupils for representing South Africa, and for medalling at the recent KSI Karate World Championships. The tournament was held at the CTICC, with the finals taking place on Saturday 15 July 2023. Several Cannons Creek pupils qualified, however only two medalled – Georgie Crede (Grade 7) – Silver: Girls 12-13 years Youth Kumite Heavyweight Division; and Sophia Stamatiadis (Grade 9) – Bronze: 14-15 years Cadet Kumite Lightweight Division.
The KSI South Africa South Karate team won the 20th annual Kimura Shukokai International World Karate Championships for the 5th time. The team accumulated a final tally of 63 medals which included 16 Gold, 16 Silver and 31 bronze medals, improving on their 2016 tally of 46 medals and 2018 tally of 47 medals. Second placed South Africa North finished on a total of 35 medals while third placed winners Finland accumulated 18 medals in total.
Sophia:
- Are you proud to have represented your country? Elaborate. Absolutely! Representing my country in the international Karate competition was a tremendous honour. It was a privilege to wear the national colours and compete alongside many other talented athletes worldwide. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my country and fellow teammates, and I am proud to have been able to contribute to the overall success of our team once again placing first internationally.
- How was the entire experience? The entire experience was incredible and eye-opening. Competing at such a high level and being surrounded by athletes worldwide was both exciting and inspiring. World Championships was an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as a karateka.
- How much training did you put in? Not enough as I would have liked to.
- How long have you been doing karate? I have been practising karate since I was 4 almost 5 years old. Karate has been an integral part of my life, and I am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities it has provided me.
- What are your future goals regarding karate? My future goals regarding Karate include the KSI European Championships in England next year and striving for overall improvement, both in my karate skills and in my personal life and ultimately aiming for a gold medal in international competitions. I also aspire to continue assisting lessons and sharing my knowledge and passion for karate with others.
- Why should more people get involved with karate? There are several reasons why more people should get involved with Karate. Firstly, it is a great way to improve yourself as a whole. Karate teaches important values such as respect, perseverance, self-discipline, confidence, good sportsmanship, teamwork and humility. Additionally, it provides a sense of community and camaraderie, as you train and compete alongside fellow karatekas. My dojo as well as my South African teammates have become an extension of my family.
Georgie:
1. Are you proud to have represented your country? Elaborate. I feel of very proud of myself because I have always dreamed of participating at the World Champs ever since I started Karate. I am proud to have represented South Africa because I know that only the best karatika in the world are asked to compete. There were some very good fighters and I am proud to have gone against them.
2. How was the entire experience? The experience was fantastic. In the beginning of the Tournament, I was very nervous, but when the whole South African team started cheering, and stamping their feet so there was a lot of energy in the room.
3) How much training did you put in? I have been training all my life for this. The last six months were a lot more difficult because I had to fit in studying, homework and training (three times a week).
4) How long have you been doing karate? I started Karate when I was five years old. This year will be my eighth year training.
5). What are your future goals regarding karate? My goals for Karate are as becoming a higher black belt and going to as many World Champs and European Champs as I can. I also want to be a rolemodel for other children.
6). Why should more people get involved with karate? People should do karate because it is fun, disciplined and if someone tries to attack, you learn how to be you, you know how to defend yourself. Karate also has a lot of team spirit and camaraderie. During the World Champs, I made new friends from other countries and this is where camaraderie comes into play.