From Cape Town to Abuja, Nigeria: Protea Colours, UFAK Success, and a Trip Filled with Laughter
From Cape Town to Abuja, Nigeria: Protea Colours, UFAK Success, and a Trip Filled with Laughter
Sensei Nicolette Morrison-Hagen: Receiving Protea Colours
This tour to Nigeria will always be special—Sensei Nicolette Morrison-Hagen received her Protea Colours as Team Manager for South Africa. It’s an honour that represents service, trust, and years of commitment to our athletes and the sport.
Sensei Monique’s Achievement: UFAK Judge B (Kata & Kumite)
Another highlight was celebrating Sensei Monique Morrison-Hagen’s success. She officially qualified as a UFAK Judge B in both Kata and Kumite—an outstanding step on the continental stage. She was also invited to contribute at the UFAK Referees & Judges seminar, presenting fundamentals from the Goju-Ryu perspective—another proud moment for International Martial arts Academy and South African karate.
Before We Departed: Managing the Challenges
Challenge after challenge confronted the team managers every single day. Visa headaches, transport, registrations, food, flights—the list felt endless. Yet we overcame each obstacle to ensure the team functioned as planned, stayed relaxed, and focused on the job they came to do.
Touchdown in Abuja: Travel, Accreditation & Venue Buzz
Our journey started from Cape Town with a hop on a CemAir CRJ-100—team bags, jackets, flags, and all the excitement that comes with representing your country.
On arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the energy was contagious—teams streaming in from across the continent.
Our base was the BON Hotel Octagon, which quickly became “home”—a place to regroup between training sessions, share meals, and debrief the day’s highs and lows with plenty of smiles.
Over the next two days, the team managers moved straight into tour rhythm: accreditation, UFAK passports signed and stamped, and that familiar shuffle of lanyards, lists, and weigh-in schedules that every major championship brings.
Competition Days at the Abuja Velodrome
Competition centred at the Abuja Velodrome, a venue buzzing with athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters. From the moment the gates opened, you could feel the purpose in the air—focused warm-ups, last checks, and the quiet confidence of athletes ready to step onto the tatami. This championship also served as a qualifier for WKF Karate South Africa to the WKF World Senior Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
The IMAA Spirit: Work, Service & Laughter
Behind the scenes, our role as managers and coaches is simple: serve the team. That meant early mornings, late-night planning, and making sure every athlete had what they needed—from paperwork to passes, schedules to support. In between, we found time to laugh (a lot). Shared jokes over quick coffees, celebratory high-fives in corridors, and the small, joyful moments that make a tour unforgettable.
Why This Tour Matters
- For South African karate: Continental championships are where standards are set and raised.
- For Officials: Sensei Monique’s progression strengthens our refereeing footprint in Africa. As South African Team Manager, Sensei Nicolette also had the opportunity to discuss and share ideas with managers and coaches from across the continent—bringing back insights to improve our athletes’ standards. It was an honour to lead Team South Africa, and she congratulate and thank all athletes and coaches for their commitment and cooperation throughout a trip that was extremely challenging at times.
- For the Athletes: Tours like this build resilience—new countries, new conditions, same mission: do your best and honour your flag.
- For the International Martial Arts Academy: Every milestone—Protea Colours, UFAK qualifications, team service—flows back into our dojo culture: discipline, excellence, and heart.
A True Adventure: Lessons from Elite Competition
Among trying circumstances, Team South Africa competed among the best in Africa. Our athletes faced very stiff competition, especially from North African countries such as Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria. Invaluable experience was gained, and the gap at these elite levels is clear. There’s work to do—and we’re committed to doing it.
Gratitude
Thank you to Karate South Africa, our fellow managers and coaches, our dedicated athletes and families, and everyone who supported the tour from home. Your encouragement fuels these achievements and keeps the community strong.
What’s Next
We return to the dojo with sharper insights, renewed motivation, and a deep sense of pride. To our students: keep showing up, keep improving, and keep believing. The path from white belt to international stages is built one focused session at a time.
