Latest news with #DuPlooy
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Japanese Grandmaster Inspires local Karatekas seminar
Japanese karate grandmaster Shihan Manabu Murakami recently inspired karatekas in the east of Pretoria with teachings and refined techniques during a seminar hosted by SKISA Kiritsu Karate. The event marked the sixth consecutive year Kiritsu has brought the grandmaster to South Africa, reaffirming its commitment to top-tier martial arts training. For 25 years, Murakami has shared his knowledge with South African karatekas, and this year's seminar was no exception. Local practitioners absorbed not just physical techniques, like precise punches (tsuki), kicks (geri), and focus (kime), but also the philosophical essence of Shotokan, respect (Rei), discipline (Shugyo), perseverance (Osu), and self-improvement (Jiko no kojo). Karate SA President Hanshi Sonny Pillay and Senseis Elmarie van Zyl and Michelle Singh also lent their support, fostering unity within the local martial arts community. The seminar honoured dedicated students and highlighted the personal growth karate fosters. Sensei Justine du Plooy emphasised that Kiritsu Karate offers more than classes; it's a platform for life-changing experiences. 'Parents seeking meaningful, character-building activities for their children will find Kiritsu Karate a valuable choice. Through world-class events like this, students gain exposure to authentic Japanese karate, boost skills and confidence, and become part of a supportive martial arts family.' According to Sensei Du Plooy, the grandmaster's presence offered an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their understanding of this dynamic and powerful martial art form. 'The atmosphere at Kiritsu Karate was electric as karate practitioners from various local clubs eagerly absorbed the teachings and refined techniques under the direct guidance of such a highly respected figure in the world of Shotokan.' Du Plooy said these teachings include discipline, respect, perseverance, and the pursuit of self-perfection, values that resonate deeply within the training at Kiritsu Karate. He said the seminar fostered a strong sense of unity and shared purpose among participants, highlighting the vibrant and dedicated nature of the local martial arts fraternity. He added that grandmaster Murakami imparted the crucial philosophical tenets of the art. 'These principles, deeply ingrained in the training philosophy of Kiritsu Karate, shape practitioners into disciplined and principled individuals both within and beyond the dojo. 'Their evident focus and unwavering spirit throughout the intensive training sessions truly embodied the core principles of martial arts – embracing challenges with determination and consistently striving for personal growth.' Kiritsu Karate provides young students with exceptional opportunities to: – Train with a World-Class Master: Learning directly from Grandmaster Murakami offers rare insights into traditional Shotokan. – Experience authentic Japanese Karate: The seminar bridges cultural and martial roots with real-world application. – Accelerate technical development: Focused instruction fast-tracks skill advancement and deeper understanding. – Ignite motivation and passion: Training alongside peers and a grandmaster boosts drive and confidence. – Build life skills: Through karate, students develop respect, focus, resilience, and self-discipline. – Join a supportive community: Kiritsu fosters a family-like environment that nurtures friendships and personal growth. Du Plooy emphasised that enrolling a child at Kiritsu Karate isn't just about learning self-defence; it's an investment in their holistic development. He said this recent seminar served as a powerful reminder of the rich heritage and enduring value of traditional Japanese karate, leaving all participants feeling deeply motivated and inspired to continue their training with renewed vigour. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- The Citizen
Residents disappointed with removal of beloved ‘Bosveld' trees
The felling of several mature trees outside the Montana Value Centre on Sefako Makgatho Drive has sparked a wave of public concern and disappointment from locals, who say a beloved part of their suburb's natural charm has been lost. Twelve Acacia Xanthophloea trees, commonly known as fever trees, were recently cut down outside the centre, with an additional three removed near the AFRI-Wheels car dealership. Many of these trees had stood for over 30 years and were considered a defining feature of the street's green, tranquil atmosphere. 'These trees are so valuable and have been here for such a long period. This was really uncalled for,' said long-time resident Hennie Pienaar. 'A real asset of the community and a natural treasure has been destroyed. The trees gave our suburb a unique 'Bosveld' look that's now gone.' Residents are calling for the trees to be replaced and are urging those responsible to be held accountable. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro was not responsible for the tree removal and only became aware of it because of the complaints. A subsequent inspection by the metro regional maintenance team confirmed the unauthorised cutting of the trees. 'The regional officials engaged with the management and made them aware that their actions are in contravention of the City's Public Amenities By-Laws,' said Mashigo. Metro by-laws prohibit the destruction or damage of public property, including trees and vegetation, without proper authorisation. Mashigo confirmed that processes are underway to issue applicable fines. Christiaan du Plooy, spokesperson for the Montana Value Centre, said it was done out of necessity for public safety. He cited previous incidents in which falling branches caused damage to vehicles and infrastructure, including when a tree fell on a vehicle and broke the centre perimeter fence. 'In the last 10 years, no maintenance has been done to the trees by the metro,' said Du Plooy. 'This has led to continuous damage to both public and private property. We took it upon ourselves to do this maintenance and repairs at our own cost.' Du Plooy acknowledged that they were unaware of the need to obtain permission before removing the trees and said the process was halted immediately upon being informed by metro officials. He added that the centre intends to replace the trees with a natural garden to enhance the area's aesthetics. Mashigo said that the metro will work closely with ward councillors in wards 5 and 50 to raise awareness about municipal by-laws and prevent similar incidents in future. Meanwhile, residents remain adamant that the natural greenery must be restored. 'These trees gave our street a soul,' said another concerned local. 'They must be replaced, not just for beauty, but for the heritage they represent.' ALSO READ: Urgent intervention needed to stop water meter theft in north Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
BBC News
21-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Middlesex scramble to win over Glamorgan
Rothesay County Championship Division Two, Lord's (day four)Glamorgan: 199: Ul Hassan 65, Kellaway 54*; Roland-Jones 3-44 & 329: Cooke 69, Carlson 54; Roland-Jones 3-68Middlesex: 470-9 dec: Holden 107, Du Plooy 89, Geddes 83; Kellaway 4-61 & 59-1: Du Plooy 27*Middlesex (21 pts) beat Glamorgan (1 pt) by nine wicketsMatch scorecard Middlesex scrambled to their first win of the season beating Glamorgan and the weather in a nine-wicket victory at Lord' needed just 59 despite some belated defiance from the visitors, reaching their target after a nerve-racking weather were bowled out for 329 in their second innings with Chris Cooke (69) and Ned Leonard (47) leading their final day Roland-Jones (3-68) was the most successful of a team effort with the ball, while Henry Brookes made the key breakthrough. The visitors suffered a second loss in three outings to slip to bottom of Division Two. Glamorgan resumed on 186-5, still 85 runs short of making Middlesex bat again, with the home side in a hurry to wrap the game up given the poor weather forecast for the Middlesex managed just two wickets in the first session despite Roland-Jones striking early on an overcast morning, as Kiran Carlson looked disappointed to have been given out caught van der Gugten defied the bowlers for 70 minutes for his 28 before Dane Paterson bowled him with the second delivery of the new survived a couple of strong lbw shouts from Roland-Jones but he and Ned Leonard, whose previous best score was 16, nudged Glamorgan precariously ahead the over after lunch. The eighth-wicket pair settled in with a partnership of 88 and were starting to play their shots, causing Middlesex some got the long-awaited breakthrough when he won an lbw verdict against Cooke after his gritty three and a half hour stay. Leonard's valiant effort ended in the next over when he tried to reverse-sweep persevering spinner Zafar Gohar and was bowled, and Brookes had Shoaib Bashir caught as the end came Holden was promoted to finish the game off quickly, hitting Leonard's first ball for six and his fourth to mid-off, before bad light and rain interrupted at 16-1 off 3.3 overs. Middlesex deserved the chance to seal their victory but had to endure a protracted delay after tea with the hover-cover on, and the umpires and ground staff waiting in the middle until the resumption at 17:25 Eskinazi and Leus Du Plooy wasted no time in getting the required 43 off a further 4.2 overs, Du Plooy finishing the match with two leg-side sixes off Leonard into the Mound Stand in the space of three balls. Middlesex travel to Derby on Friday, 25 April, while Glamorgan sit out the next round before hosting Derbyshire a week later.
BBC News
19-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Holden ton gives Middlesex control v Glamorgan
Rothesay County Championship Division Two, Lord's (day two)Glamorgan: 199 (69.5 overs): Ul Hassan 65, Kellaway 54*; Roland-Jones 3-44 Middlesex: 353-4 (117 overs): Holden 107, Du Plooy 85*, Fernandes 58, Geddes 51*; van der Gugten 3-55Middlesex (5 pts) lead Glamorgan (1 pt) by 154 runs with six first-innings wickets standing Match scorecard Max Holden's 107 helped Middlesex into a big lead as they reached 353-4 against Glamorgan, already 154 Fernandes made a solid 58 before Holden and Leus du Plooy added 135 as they accelerated in the afternoon. Du Plooy (85 not out) and Ben Geddes batted quietly through the evening session to stretch the home van der Gugten, with three for 55 in 28 overs, was an outstanding spearhead in the Glamorgan Middlesex were well in control for most of day two. Resuming at 63-0, Middlesex lost Steve Eskinazi for 39, driving Van der Gugten to a diving Ben Kellaway at point as the Dutch international bowled four consecutive maidens and Ned Leonard also started attritional cricket continued as Max Holden dug in alongside Nathan Fernandes, who reached a solid and patient 50 off 102 balls before falling on the stroke of lunch edging Van der Gugten to slip for 55 runs came in the first session with the tempo changing afterwards as Holden got after England spinner Shoaib Bashir, swatting him leg-side for six and four before a lucky edge between keeper and Bashir, in his third and final loan match, has only now matched his 15 Tests, taking 49 wickets, with 15 first-class appearances outside Tests. Holden dominated the century stand with Du Plooy in the afternoon session, adding to his 184 against Lancashire at HQ, as Middlesex powered ahead with just two wickets down. But Holden's intelligent innings, including 16 fours and a six off 198 balls, came to an end when Zain Ul Hassan took a fine low catch on the cover boundary to add to his economical bowling Higgins quickly followed him, caught behind down leg-side off the deserving Middlesex's fifth wicket partnership of Du Plooy and Geddes concentrated on consolidating their team's advantage rather than racking up bonus points, settling for just two from their batting effort at 330-4 after 110 reached his half-century just before the close, but Middlesex will need to bat into the third day even though poor weather is possible on Monday.
