The 45th Annual Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia (OGKN) National Karate Championships took place in Windhoek on Saturday, 1 August 2026, bringing together karateka from across the country for a day of spirited competition, camaraderie and celebration of traditional Goju-Ryu Karate.
This year's championships attracted 115 competition entries, with athletes ranging from 6 to 67 years of age and representing grades from White Belt to 5th Dan Black Belt. Competitors displayed exceptional determination, technical skill and sportsmanship throughout the day, making the event a fitting celebration of the continued growth and strength of OGKN in Namibia.
A special congratulations goes to the following members who were recognised with Long Training Awards for their years of dedication and commitment to Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate:
Hermann Hentschel – 30 Years of Training
Peuee Kavekotora – 10 Years of Training
Ono Akweenda – 10 Years of Training
Their achievements are a testament to the perseverance, discipline and lifelong commitment that define the spirit of karate.
Best Sports Performance Awards were presented to competitors who delivered outstanding performances during the past year:
Margaret Flavianu – Children Girls
Ethan Collard – Children Boys
Carli Du Plessis – Cadet & Junior Girls
Penda Atshipara – Cadet & Junior Boys
Peuee Kavekotora – U21/Senior Male
Hermann Hentschel – Veteran Male
A highlight of the championships was the presentation of the Grand Champion Awards, recognising athletes who achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the kata and kumite divisions in their respective categories. Congratulations to the following Grand Champions:
Laeya Carstens
Hamish John Philip
Lumé Karsten
Stefan van der Merwe
Winning both disciplines requires exceptional technical ability, versatility and consistency, making this one of the highest individual achievements at the National Championships. Well done to all four athletes on this outstanding accomplishment.
Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia extends its sincere appreciation to all instructors, referees, officials, volunteers, parents and supporters whose hard work and dedication ensured the smooth running and success of this year's championships.
We also express our heartfelt gratitude to our valued sponsors, whose generous support made the event possible:
Bank Windhoek – Main Financial Sponsor
Motovac Namibia
Olympia Optics
Shepherds Tree Investments
Lifestyle Pharmacy
Absolute Logistics
Gentium Air Freight Services
Your continued investment in karate helps create opportunities for athletes of all ages to grow, compete and uphold the traditions of Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate in Namibia.
As we celebrate another successful National Championships, we look forward to building on this momentum as our karateka continue their training and prepare for future events. Congratulations to everyone who took part in making the 45th Annual OGKN National Karate Championships a resounding success.