TRIBE Athlete Represents Gauteng at the 2025 Kyokushin Karate SA Nationals

TRIBE’s very own Jono represented the team and the Gauteng Province the South African Nationals, competing with heart, skill, and determination across multiple divisions.

Jono took part in three events — Kata, Semi-Contact Points, and Full Contact Knockdown — showcasing his versatility as a martial artist. His standout performance came in the Semi-Contact Points division, where he earned a Bronze Medal (3rd place) after a series of strong and strategic fights.

Despite not placing in Kata or Full Contact Knockdown, Jono displayed incredible spirit and composure throughout the tournament. His discipline, preparation, and fighting mindset reflected the core values of TRIBE — resilience, respect, and perseverance.

While the overall experience was positive, the event was not without its challenges. There were moments of questionable refereeing and what appeared to be bias in certain divisions, which made the competition tougher than it needed to be. Nonetheless, Jono remained focused and gave his absolute best in every round.

“Even when things don’t go your way, you learn, grow, and come back stronger,” says Jono. “That’s the TRIBE way.”

We are proud of Jono’s performance and sportsmanship on and off the mat. His journey is a reminder that true success lies not only in medals, but in character, commitment, and the courage to compete with integrity.

Well done, Jono — your TRIBE is behind you all the way.