The SKISA Tongaat Dojo has cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in the karate world, delivering a dominant performance at the prestigious International Kanazawa Cup 2025 held in their hometown at the Tongaat Sports Centre. Karateka from SKISA Tongaat Dojo racked a haul of medals and accolades at the event.
The Kanazawa Cup is an annual karate competition honouring the memory of Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke. The 10th Dan Black Belt was one of the world’s most renowned and respected traditional karate masters of all time. He was the first karateka to have won the notorious All Japan Karate Championship. In 1957, he earned the title of kumite champion while nursing a broken wrist, and in 1958, was named champion of kumite and kata.
Although he trained in Judo in his early years, Kanazawa Soke took up karate while at university under the late headmaster of JKA Shotokan, Sensei Matsatoshi Nakayama. Kanazawa Soke was one of the few karateka privileged to have studied under Master Gichin Funakoshi, the famous Okinawan schoolteacher who brought karate to mainland Japan from Okinawa and founded the Shotokan style.
In 1978, Kanazawa Soke set up SKIF (Shotokan Karatedo International Federation). SKIF is now the world’s largest Shotokan Karate Association, having several million members in over 130 countries.
SKISA Tongaat came away from the Kanazawa Cup with a total of 16 medals: 11 bronze, one silver, and four gold. Khushal Varma took home two gold medals, Paton Venketsamy claimed a gold and a silver, and Cayenne Pillay earned a gold and a bronze. Mason Ranjuthan, Liana Vadivelu, Tyhira Singh, and Maseeha Hyder each earned two bronze medals, while Sebastian Naidoo and Jasmine Wagner each claimed one.
At the heart of Tongaat Dojo’s success is the unwavering leadership of Sensei Nicolas Links. His dedication to the growth and development of his students has been a driving force behind their triumphs on both national and international stages. Under his guidance, the athletes were meticulously prepared—physically, mentally, and strategically—for the high stakes of the Kanazawa Cup.
Sensei Links said: “The SKISA Tongaat Dojo’s remarkable triumph at the prestigious International Kanazawa Cup 2025 is more than just a celebration of medals—it is a defining moment for South African karate. This competition, held at the Tongaat Sports Centre, attracted elite karateka from around the globe, each vying to honour the legacy of the legendary Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke.”
The athletes representing Tongaat Dojo rose to the occasion with extraordinary skill, discipline, and determination, securing a dominant presence in both kata and kumite. Sensei Links said: “Their collective success is a reflection of South Africa’s growing prominence in the international karate community and serves as an inspiration for aspiring karateka across the nation. The tournament itself is a showcase of technical mastery, mental resilience, and competitive spirit, and the Tongaat Dojo athletes proved they were more than prepared for the challenge.”
The SKISA Tongaat Dojo contingent delivered an outstanding display of karate excellence across multiple divisions. Sensei Links said: “Their success in kata was nothing short of mesmerizing—each sequence was executed with precision, poise, and immense power, reflecting a deep understanding of traditional forms.” In kumite, Tongaat Dojo competitors showed why they are regarded as formidable fighters, with strategic approach, lightning-fast reflexes, and dynamic execution of techniques overwhelming many of their opponents.
Beyond technical skill, the dojo fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and respect; the athletes fought not only for individual success but also to bring pride to their dojo and their country. Their unity and shared determination reinforced their competitive edge, making them a force to be reckoned with.
As the dojo sets its sights on future competitions, their success at the Kanazawa Cup will serve as a foundation for even greater accomplishments. The lessons learned, the experience gained, and the prestige earned from this victory will undoubtedly drive Tongaat Dojo toward continued excellence on the global stage and reinforces Tongaat’s ability to nurture world-class talent under the SKISA banner.
