Ten students of the Kroonstad Black Belt Academy martial arts school participated in the American Taekwondo Association South Africa (ATA-SA) National Tournament consisting of the Tournament of Champions and the Family Festival.
Students bagged a total of 42 medals (26 gold, eight silver, and eight bronze) in different categories at this event held in Bloemfontein.
Hanko Stols, Crystal Bailie, Wian Kotzé, Kayla Coetzee, Burhan Coetzee, SJ van Rensburg, Louw Lubbe (special ability) and Cecile Lubbe competed in the colour belt division, with Christian Barnard and Johann Pienaar in the black belt division.
The following students attained national champion status: Crystal Bailie (traditional weapons), Wian Kotze (traditional forms and traditional weapons), Kayla Coetzee (traditional forms and traditional weapons), Louw Lubbe (traditional forms and traditional weapons), Cecile Lubbe (traditional forms and XMA), Johann Pienaar (traditional forms, traditional weapons, traditional sparring and combat weapon sparring).
In the Family Festival competition, Hanko placed second in traditional sparring, whereas Crystal finished first in traditional weapons and traditional sparring, second in traditional forms, and third in combat weapons sparring.
Wian won first place in traditional forms, traditional weapons and traditional sparring, and then second place in combat weapons sparring.
Kayla finished first in traditional forms, traditional weapons and traditional sparring, and second in combat weapons sparring and XMA Forms.
Burhan succeeded in attaining first place in traditional forms, traditional weapons and traditional sparring, second place in combat weapons sparring, and third place in XMA Weapons Form.
SJ van Rensburg finished first in team combat weapons sparring.
Johann placed second in traditional forms and traditional weapons, and third in combat weapons sparring.
This event was held from 6 to 9 October.
