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2003 Karate no Michi National Championship

(Incorporating the KWF South Africa Open International Championship)

The National Seminar opening bow taken by Malcolm Dorfman Sensei

Thursday 1 May commenced with a 3 hour indepth seminar at Wembley Stadium in Johannesburg from the morning to early afternoon. The Seminar was given by Malcolm Dorfman Sensei (8 Dan) and his 3 assistants, Mike Dukas Sensei (6 Dan), Ian Duncan Sensei (6 Dan) and Michael Roetz Sensei (5 Dan) to an eager and appreciative group of karateka of various grade levels but comprising mostly Black and Brown Belts.

The Elite KWF South Africa Open International Championship began with Gabi Najjar, silver medallist in the 2000 KWF World Championship defeating Tina Bellemans of Belgium, silver medallist in the 2002 KWF World Championship. The Men's Elite Kata division was again won by KWF World Kata Champion of both 2000 and 2002, Shane Dorfman, who narrowly defeated Bryan Dukas, a repeat result of the previous year.

Shane Dorfman (champion) executing yokogeri kekomi from Nijushi-ho

Bryan Dukas (runner up) executing double tate uke from Unsu

Tom Kompier of Holland, 2000 World Kumite Champion laboured through the early rounds against strong South African opposition to reach the final. He came to life in the final against 2002 World Kumite Champion Shane Dorfman and in this bout a tenacious and hard hitting demonstration of Budo style karate was thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators and other contestants. Shane delivered a dynamic ura mawashi to Tom's head, but 'yame' had been called and as a result, no point.

Two World Champions, Tom Kompier (L) vs Shane Dorfman (R) in an action packed final

The final result was a win for Shane Dorfman, and having won both the Kata and Kumite, Shane became 2003 KWF South Africa Elite Open International Grand Champion.

Friday 2 May was structured similarly to the previous day, with the seminar held prior to the Adults Championship, this time with sections from Orange Belt to Black Belt. Tom Kompier Sensei (5 Dan) joined the Seminar Instructor group and took the majority of the sessions that day. His fresh approach, great new ideas and the content of his classes impressed all the participants.

Saturday 3 May was the day for the KWF South African Junior Championship and close on 800 junior entries were efficiently handled by the KWF S.A.Championship organisers. By 5.00pm, it was all over and the majority of the junior contestants and their parents left Wembley Stadium with smiles on their faces after an enjoyable championship.

ELITE SENIOR DIVISIONS

STANDARD SENIOR DIVISIONS

JUNIOR DIVISIONS