Tuulikki Abraham 

Lüderitz – The south-western town of Lüderitz rewrote the history books when the Lüderitz Ryushinkan Kararte Club successfully hosted its maiden edition of the Open Karate Championship last weekend.
The gathering attracted karatekas from other southern African nations led by South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique, joining their local counterparts for the two-day championship.

A total of 300 karnatakas competed in both the Kata and Kumite categories when the tourney got underway at the Namport Shed in the town.

In attendance were several high profile personalities that included NAKU president Sensei Cornelius Dalton, Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief administrator Shinani Fred Mwiya, Sensei Carl van der Merwe, New Era CEO Sensei Dr Audrin Mathe, South Africa chief instructor Kyoshi Elias Jacobus, South Africa WKF senior karate coach Shinani Mario Boer and his assistant Sensei Renie Fourie,  Kyoshi Gert Hassellman and tourney director Lüderitz-based chief instructor Sensei Bonnie Kabozu.

In his closing remarks, Kabozu applauded Seaflower’s general manager Inocencio Verde for sponsoring the event to the tune of N$34,800. The money was used for the purchasing of  tatamis to the value of N$68,000. 

Novanam and Lalandi Holdings, Lüderitz Town Council, Lüderitz Waterfront, Spar Lüderitz, Marco Fishing Company, Nedbank Lüderitz, and some individuals and parents worked day and night to make sure the tournament was a success. 
Lüderitz Mayor Hilaria Mukapuli, in her welcoming speech, delivered on her behalf by Councillor Shipola Shihepo, thanked the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and all participants as well as those involved in the planning and hosting of the tourney.

She made special reference to the Namibian chief instructor for Ryushin-kan Karate International Sensei Bonnie Kabozu.