Two members of Welkom’s Ring Contact Fighting Arts (RCFA) Bhubezi Fight Club took top honours at the RCFA 2023 Arts Awards held at the Riverstone Lodge in Krugersdorp.
The ceremony was held on Saturday, 3 February.
Welkom’s very own Sensei Joe Gladstone Ralejoe was nominated in the best male judge and best male referee categories, and he walked away with the award for the best newcomer judge. He was also presented with a official’s certificate for his qualification as a B-class official.
Gofaone Sebati (13), a Gr. 8 learner at Welkom-Gimnasium, won three awards on the night. She is the best student in weapon fighting, as junior female; the all-round top student; and the victrix ludorum for 2023.
She was also nominated in the categories for best semi-contact, millennium fighter and best series; all as junior female.
Gofaone was honoured with a standing ovation when she went up op stage to collect her awards.
“We give a special congratulatory message to Gofaone for her virtuoso, and salute her for all her incredible achievements,” says Gladstone.
“We just want to thank the parents for the tremendous support that they offer us and also acknowledge our two students, Oratilwe Motsamai and Siyabonga Gina, for the impactful and valuable role that they played in Gofaone’s training last year. You both deserve a round of applause.
“Also a special thank you to Shihan Hilda Laubscher and all the RCFA officials for their unwavering support throughout the years,” says Gladstone.
He says the past week was very special for the martial arts community and RCFA members. Earlier during the week Master Joe Viljoen, founder and international president of Ring Contact Fighting Arts International (RCFAI), was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame for 2023 during the Action Martial Arts Mega Weekend at Atlanta City in America.
He also received an award and recognition for the development of RCFA and its effectiveness by the Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors for 2024.
- Classes are offered every Monday and Wednesday from 16:00. For information send a WhatsApp message to 062-925-9915 or email to bhubezifightclub@gmail.com.
