On Saturday 4 February 2023, the Baden-Württemberg Karate Association (KVBW) Open State Championships for the competitive class were held at the Storlach Hall in Reutlingen.
Athletes from the Dhammika Karate Association also took part in the competition. Among them was Dominik DeFrenne (Dhammika Karate-do e.V., Kirchheim), who competed in the men’s kata discipline and had to prove himself in a strong field of participants. Despite facing some well-known competitors with international tournament experience, he reached the second round, demonstrating his continuous improvement over the last few weeks and months. His journey is by no means over.
Julia Nguyen (Dhammika Karate-do e.V., Kirchheim) and Oxana Traiber (Dhammika Karate-do e.V., Beilstein) took part in the women’s competition. While Oxana was nervous in her first appearance at a state championship, Julia performed well and secured 4th place, earning herself a ticket to the German Championships. Lilliana Florido Martins from Shinku-Kai Karate-Do Dojo in Ettenheim also secured her place at the German Championships. She finished second and became vice-state champion.
Oleg (Dhammika Karate-Do e.V., Beilstein) competed in the kumite discipline. Having only returned to karate several months ago, Oleg faced some very strong opponents and was unfortunately disqualified in the end. However, his journey is not over yet.
