Shotokan to host next karate world championship

An impressive show of Karate skills during last month’s JSKA World Championships held in Terni Italy, ensured the Shotokan Namibia a ticket to host the 2016 show piece which is expected to have over 45 countries in attendance.
The JSKA World Championships are considered to be one of the most prestigious karate events in the world and are held every two years.
This milestone opportunity was extended to Namibia as the international JSKA management was astounded by the excellence of the country’s karate, and also impressed by the discipline and good conduct displayed by the karateka and their quality of management.
Sensei Willem Burger, Chief Instructor “conditionally accepted” the offer, even though he cited that some arrangements still needed to be finalised and bedded down. “Hosting the 2016 JSKA World Championship will be a major achievement for Namibian karate as it is expected that over 45 countries will be visiting. This will be the opportune time to once again create awareness with all [the visitors] as to the wonders that our beautiful country and its people, have on offer,” he said.

Under the leadership of Sensei Willem Burger, Sensei Wikus Oberholster (Dojo Head Walvis Bay) and Sensei Valdemar Swart (Dojo Head Swakopmund), theNamibian Shotokan team managed to clinch the second most medals at the championships, after the host nation Italy.
The Namibia Shotokan Karate Academy won a total of 56 medals and now boasts 7 new world champions. The team won 7 gold medals, 15 silver medals and 34 bronze medals. The team with an abundance of individual skills managed to subdue the fierce competition from the most talented karateka from prominent karate countries like Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Italy, the United States, South Africa, Cyprus, India, Scotland, Pakistan, Iraq, Palestine, Ecuador, and many more. “This has been a sterling performance by the Namibia Shotokan Karate Academy which made history in beating many world class teams enabling them to obtain the 2nd place overall in terms of the number of medals won by countries”, Burger said.
Added Burger, “Friendships were forged and experience gained and this international event will not only have a positive impact on national level, but will also contribute to strengthen cross-border ties and relationships.”