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EVENT CO-ORDINATOR - KARYN SMITH - 6th DAN - KARATE (SHOTOKAN )
Karyn was a late starter, only beginning her karate career at the age of 30. She was awarded her 6th dan in July 2024 and is now a full time karate and Self Defence for Women instructor. Karyn has competed internationally on many occasions winning several medals and titles and is still an active competitor. She was awarded senior SA JKA and Protea Colours on several occasions and as well as being a competitor at three JKA World Championships (2000, 2004 and 2006) and was also appointed as a Junior coach for the event in 2011 and a judge in 2017. |
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KATJA BRUWER - 7th DAN - JUDO
Katja started judo more than 40 years ago. She was awarded her 7th Dan in July 2024, and is the highest graded judoka woman in South Africa. Judo is her passion and she is a full time coach on the West Rand and Chairperson of West Rand Judo Association. Katja won the SA Senior Champs as well as National Trials and represented SA abroad. She is 2 x Gold medalist at Zone 6 Competition and won a silver medal at the International Judo Federation ( IJF) World Championship for Veterans, and won Bronze and Silver medals at African Senior Kata Championships. Katja was selected as a coach for Judo SA and has toured with the National Cadet and Junior teams. She was also selected as one of the coaches that attended 2018 Region V Youth Games in Botswana with Team SA Judo Team |
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SHARLE VERMAAK - 2nd DAN - KRAV MAGA
Sharle has been a Certified Personal Trainer for many years and has a huge passion for Martial Arts and Self Defense. Sharle has been training Israeli Krav Maga for 8 years now and is currently on a 2nd Black Belt level, Instructing for big groups of men and women. Sharle has many talents! She is also a 2nd Kyu Brown Belt in Shotokan Karate and & also coaches at Karate competitions. In addition to her passion for Self Defense in all forms , you will also find her on the shooting range from time to time. |
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SARAH O'DONNELL - 4th DAN - KICKBOXING
Sarah has been involved in martial arts, particularly kickboxing for the past 17 years. She started her training in the UK learning kickboxing and Kung Fu in one unique system. She fought for England in 2013 in Italy at the World Championships winning Bronze. Due to injuries she was unable to continue fighting at that level and in 2013 moved back to South Africa where she opened up her own Club, Alberton Chinese Kickboxing. She also runs women's self-defence workshops helping women feel empowered and confident. |
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JOLENE PALMER - YOGA
Jolene has been doing yoga for most of her life. Teaching for 8 years, at gyms, corporates, privately and her own studio. Yoga has become her prana – the air she breathes and the food she eats. Jolene's goal is to improve the quality of life for all those whom attend her classes. She is dedicated to promoting expanded consciousness, healing, and growth in individuals. She believes consistent yoga practice will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired, creating a calm and peaceful mind, an open and compassionate heart, and a strong feeling of self-acceptance through transformative classes in a supportive and professional space that is fun, physically challenging, and contemplative |
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LUIZE TATTLE - ZUMBA
Luize is a 47 year old Passionista who implemented Zumba Fitness as part of an innovative Wellness Strategy at one of South Africa's largest trade unions, with much success. She lives dance as part of her own fitness studio where the Sassy Salsa and Sizzling Samba forms a part of the exciting fitness choreography that shakes-up daily workouts at Krotoa Health and Dance in Eden Park, Alberton. Luize uses the benefits of fitness to educate the elderly on the risks of an inactive lifestyle. She also shares her knowledge of karate with children through weekly Junior Fitness classes to instill confidence and entrench the importance of consistency. |
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MONIQUE LYONS - 5th DAN - KARATE (SHOTOKAN )
Monique has been practicing JKA karate since 1990. She currently holds the rank of Godan (5th dan) in JKA (Japan Karate Association). Monique has won many medals at national and international SA JKA and KSA tournaments. She has represented South Africa at international level and is also a National junior coach. As a SA JKA Dojo head, she is able to pursue her passion to teach and mentor young karate-kas. Monique is passionate about karate and its benefits for physical and mental health, anti-bullying and self defence. |