The UP-Tuks karatekas gave a good showing during the past weekend’s Commonwealth Games Federation Championships in Durban winning five medals. 

Jesse Sim was indeed on song winning a gold medal in the men’s kata under-21 competition. He also teamed up with Justin Baynes and Khardan Ruocchio to win the senior men’s team kata competition. A kata competition requires karateka’s to demonstrate a fight sequence. 

Wenette Jordaan won a silver medal in the senior women’s under-61kg kumite competition while Hannelore Constable won the silver medal in the same weight category but in the under-21 division. Cullen Elson won a bronze medal in the under-84kg category of the men’s under-21 division.

For Jordaan, it was a case of mission accomplished as she had her heart set on winning at least one medal. 

“I have hoped to do so in the kata-competition, but unfortunately I ended up making costly mistakes during the bronze medal round which led to me finishing sixth overall. This result led to me having a rethink about why I am doing karate. Yes, winning is essential, but it is not everything. I started out doing karate because I enjoyed doing so. 

“Once I realised this I changed my whole approach for the kumite competition. My emphasis was on having fun on the mats and whatever happens, happens. Being more relaxed worked. I qualified for the final.”

Jordaan is renowned for doing her research before important fights. This weekend was no exception. On Saturday she made sure she knew what her Indian opponent’s strong points and weaknesses are.

Unfortunately for the UP-Tuks karateka, her rival turned out to be a wily campaigner who changed her whole fighting strategy for the final. That caught Jordaan off-guard. However, she is not too discouraged.

“The important thing is that I gained some valuable experience which hopefully will stand me to good stead in the future.”

Jordaan’s primary goal for next year is to medal at the South African Championships. It is something she has been able to do since 2012, but now she is for a new challenge as for the first time she is competing as a senior, so there is no guarantee of winning.