Karate students impress in Japan

Fuad Esack

Gavin Smith, chief instructor at Mitchell's Plain and Kuils River-based Gavin's Martial Arts and Fitness Academy, and his students recently traveled to Tokyo, Japan, where they trained with the Japanese instructors and competed in the All-Japanese Hiroshige Cup championships.

An annual international karate competition, the championship featured more than 600 competitors from various countries, including Russia, Costa Rica, Canada, and the Philippines, said Smith.

Marcus Coetzee made it through to the semi-finals, finishing in third place, while Smith finished in second place in his division.

“The whole trip was a wonderful experience for all the students as they were not only able to compete internationally but had the opportunity to train with some of the great champions and masters of Japan," Smith said.

For more information, email gavinsdojo1@gmail.com or call 064 1013 585