The 2008 OUJA Open All-Styles Karate Cup was held on 29 and 30 August 2008, proudly hosted by JKS South Africa. The venue for the tournament was the Vista sports centre in Bloemfontein, the City of Roses. Bloemfontein has a rich heritage and history and, like the Ouja Cup, a very famous individual was born and baptised in Bloemfontein, namely the world renowned author JRR Tolkien.
The tournament was held over two days, starting on Friday, 29 August, with the senior and veteran divisions and the qualifying rounds for the finals to be held the next day. In line with other all-styles tournaments, the Ouja Cup adherred to the WKF karate rules for kata and kumite.
The sudden cold snap on Saturday was a reminder of the greater forces of nature at work. Participants had to put this behind them as they competed for good prize money - the first time in a tournament of this nature. There was also the promise of TV coverage courtesy of Power Combat Zone, so the stage was set for an entertaining and quality tournament.
On Saturday the competition continued for children (13 years & younger), cadets (14-15 years) and juniors (16-17 years). There was a march-on and demo at midday, immediately followed by the Senior division finals in Kata, Kumite, Unison Kata andTeam Kumite.
The fight of the day arguably goes to the semi-final clash between Ian Booyens and Quinton Rourke. It was a case of youth versus experience as 'Cheetah' Quinton edged slightly ahead in the initial stages - the audience probably already thinking that this match would go the same way as the last time these two competed in a major tournament in 2007. However, Ian took the lead with a good take down half way through the bout and held on for a close 9-8 victory, a brilliant exhibition of karate from two very dedicated and experienced karateka. This was a superb advert for this kind of karate - showing off the kind of control, speed, agility and skill it takes to compete at this level.
In his address the main sponsor, Mr von Chen, impressed upon us that the talent on show boded very well for the future of SA sportsmen and women. He added that the world should watch out for South Africa in the 2016 Olympic Games, should karate be elected as an Olympic sport.
Shihan Norman Robinson, chief instructor of JKS South Africa, also marvelled at the talent on show and paid special tribute to all those involved in the tournament including sponsors, organisers, competitors, officials and spectators.
The main floor sponsors were:
1. OUJA Karate Gear
2. Dina Blast
3. Property House Group
4. Lorrainne Properties
5. Mimosa Mall
6. Park Venue
The fight of the day arguably goes to the semi-final clash between Ian Booyens and Quinton Rourke. It was a case of youth versus experience as 'Cheetah' Quinton edged slightly ahead in the initial stages - the audience probably already thinking that this match would go the same way as the last time these two competed in a major tournament in 2007. However, Ian took the lead with a good take down half way through the bout and held on for a close 9-8 victory, a brilliant exhibition of karate from two very dedicated and experienced karateka. This was a superb advert for this kind of karate - showing off the kind of control, speed, agility and skill it takes to compete at this level.
In his address the main sponsor, Mr von Chen, impressed upon us that the talent on show boded very well for the future of SA sportsmen and women. He added that the world should watch out for South Africa in the 2016 Olympic Games, should karate be elected as an Olympic sport.
Shihan Norman Robinson, chief instructor of JKS South Africa, also marvelled at the talent on show and paid special tribute to all those involved in the tournament including sponsors, organisers, competitors, officials and spectators.
The main floor sponsors were:
1. OUJA Karate Gear
2. Dina Blast
3. Property House Group
4. Lorrainne Properties
5. Mimosa Mall
6. Park Venue
There was also a Vuka Scuta sponsored by Vuka as the main prize in a raffle. Everyone was on the edge of their seats as the winner was announced. A lucky person in Middelburg is now riding around on a new scooter.
Well done to Quintin Rourke and his team for a very well organised tournament. The Ouja Cup is certain to become one of the biggest tournaments on the karate calendar in South African.
SENIOR RESULTS
Individuals - each winning R1000 prize money
1. Men's open kumite champion: Ian Booyens
2. Ladies open kumite champion: Meghan Booyens3. Men's open kata champion: Bryan Dukas
4. Ladies open kata champion: Lisa Greenspan
2. Ladies open kumite champion: Meghan Booyens3. Men's open kata champion: Bryan Dukas
4. Ladies open kata champion: Lisa Greenspan
Team event - prize money of R5000
Men's team kumite: Karate School of Champions - Pretoria
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