Local Youth Shine at First Tournament of the Year as Tribe Martial Arts Foundation Celebrates Early Success
[Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 February] – Several young athletes from the TRIBE Martial Arts
Foundation kicked off their competitive year in outstanding fashion on Saturday, 7 February,
delivering an inspiring performance at a local Karate tournament held at Mandeville Stadium.
The tournament marked the first competition of 2026 for the foundation’s development athletes, and the results highlighted not only their talent, but the impact of consistent training, mentorship, and access to structured martial arts programmes.
The young competitors achieved the following results:
● John Meso – Trophy winner, plus Gold and Silver medals
● Kgaugelo Meso – Two Silver medals
● Nandipha Nxumalo – Gold and Bronze medals
● Noluthando Nxumalo – Bronze medal
● Aphile Ndlovu – Silver medal
For many of the children, this event represented a major milestone in their sporting journeys,
reinforcing the value of discipline, confidence-building, and resilience that martial arts training
provides.
The TRIBE Martial Arts Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing access to
martial arts training, mentorship, and competition opportunities for youth who would otherwise not have access to structured sport development programmes. The foundation focuses on character development, life skills, confidence, and positive community impact through martial arts.
“We’ve seen first-hand how this work changes lives,” stated Suz Fernandes, TRIBE Operations &
Partnerships Manager. She continued, “It’s not just about martial arts, it’s about giving young people and women structure, purpose, and a safe space to grow. For many families in from at risk communities, access to opportunities like this simply doesn’t exist.”
Fernandes elaborated, “TRIBE is helping to shift that. We’re building confidence, discipline and real hope, creating sustainable change that reaches beyond the mat and into homes and communities.
This is how we break cycles and open doors for the next generation.” This successful outing sets the tone for what is expected to be a busy and exciting competitive year. The athletes are already preparing for their next major event, the Sunninghill NO Gi Open, taking place on Saturday, 28 February, where they will compete under IBJJF NO GI rules. The tournament is open to all competitors and serves as an important experience-building platform for developing athletes.
The Tribe Martial Arts Foundation continues to play a critical role in community upliftment through sport, using martial arts as a vehicle for empowerment, discipline, and long-term personal development.
Support our athletes’ competition, training, and transport needs by partnering with us at our upcoming Fun Run/Walk and Golf Day events.
