20 Aug 2015

Botswana will host the Ryushin-Kan International Karate-Do Africa (RIKA) Championships in September 2016 in Gaborone.

Speaking in an interview recently, chief instructor of RIKA Botswana sensei Isaiah Ramontshonyana said the decision was taken at a meeting of the international organisation held last July in Bloemfontein, South Africa

He said Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe will compete in the championships. Sensei Ramontshonyana revealed that they have set up a local organising committee to prepare for the tournament.

He said while Ryushin-Kan Botswana is only three years old, it  has already brought home seven gold medals, five silver and 12 bronze medals from individual competitions and two gold medals, two silver and two bronze medals from team events at the Ryushin-Kan African Championships held in South Africa.

Ryushin-Kan Botswana was given a one year probational membership of the Botswana Karate Association in 2014, and was accepted as a full member in August 2015.

Sensei Ramontshonyana urged Batswana to fully support sports such as karate as its athletes always work hard to win medals from international championships. He encouraged parents to support their children’s involvement in karate as it teaches discipline and good conduct. Ends