Grahamstown and Port Alfred based East Cape Shotokan-Ryu (ECSR) will convene the second of two major karate championships to be staged at the Fish River Sun Hotel this year. The SASKA East Coast Karate Open (SECKO) Championship will take place at the Fish River Sun Hotel on the 5th of August. This is the 11th edition of the Championship which began in 2007 and is widely regarded as the Eastern Cape’s favourite and most prestigious annual karate event.
It is estimated that more than four hundred competitors of all ages and belt levels will converge at the Fish River Sun Hotel for this year’s Championship. Not only will the Eastern Cape be well represented, but participants are also expected from the Western Cape, Garden Route and Gauteng. At least twenty-five dojos representing the karate styles of Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu will contest the Championship and the coveted overall first place club trophy of a Japanese Katana Sword. Early favourites for this year’s Championship are hosts, ECSR (2016 title holders), Joza Karate Club (2016 runners-up) and King Karate Club (2014 and 2015 title holders). The winners in the men’s and ladies senior kata and kumite categories will also receive a high-quality replica of a Japanese Katana Sword. Given the number of experienced South African karateka already confirmed to participate, the Championship promises to produce karate-do of an exceptionally high standard.
Competitors will contest both individual kata (forms) and kumite (fighting) in categories catering for novice, intermediate and elite karateka. The first categories will commence at 8:30am. The Championship is expected to conclude by late afternoon. The entry fee for spectators is R40 for adults and R20 for children and scholars.
The Fish River Sun Hotel will provide a unique, luxurious and atmospheric setting on the scenic Sunshine Coast of the Eastern Cape. The Championship venue will comprise six competition arenas, each enhanced by overhead lighting, computerised scoring systems and comfortable ring-side seating for spectators. In addition, the championship experience will provide the opportunity for participants, officials, families and supporters of karate to enjoy an unforgettable holiday at the Fish River Sun Hotel.
Chief organiser of the Championship is Gary Grapentin. For further information, Grapentin may be contacted at garyg@geenet.co.za.
