2025 WUKF East Cape Open

Dear Colleagues

We are pleased to extend an invitation to you and your karateka to join us for the 2025 WUKF East Cape Open. The Open forms part of the annual WUKF Eastern Cape League Series held in association with East Cape Shotokan-Ryu and S&K Karate Dojo. This year's Open will also serve as provincial trials for competitors whose dojo hold affiliation to MASA via WUKF SA.

As the first leg of the WUKF East Cape League, the WUKF East Cape Open promises to be an exciting and competitive event, where camaraderie meets fierce competition. Our league events are designed to foster friendship, participation, and interaction among dojos, regardless of style or organisation. We would be delighted to have you join us for this fantastic event.

Why Participate?

The League Series provides an excellent opportunity for your dojo to:
• Introduce Novices: Allow your beginner students to experience a competitive environment in a friendly setting.
• Prepare Athletes: Give your experienced competitors the perfect preparation for upcoming provincial and national tournaments.

Ranking System & Selection Criteria

Participation in the WUKF Eastern Cape Open is part of the Eastern Province Karate & Kobudo League Ranking System, which contributes to both provincial rankings and the selection criteria for WUKF SA National Championships. Each competitor’s performance will influence their ranking, creating a transparent and fair process for team selection at both provincial and national levels.

Important Notes:

• No Refunds: Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided for no-shows or competitors unable to participate due to illness on the day of the event.

Supporting the League:

We strongly encourage all dojos to send referees, judges, and table officials. This is a valuable opportunity to develop officials for future tournaments in the Eastern Province. Please register the names of your referees, judges, and table officials on Kihapp. By volunteering, your officials will help ensure a smooth and efficient league, sharing the workload and contributing to a successful event.

Coaches:

1 coach for every 10 competitors. Coaches must be registered on Kihapp to be accredited.

Food & Refreshments:

Our event will feature a pop-up restaurant to keep our competitors and spectators fuelled throughout the day. Card payment facilities will be available for convenience. Our officials will be provided with a light lunch and refreshments throughout the event.

Live Streaming:

For those unable to attend in person, we intend to offer live streaming on each floor. Streaming links will be shared on Kihapp (Live), ensuring everyone can experience the action no matter where they are.

Registration & Payment:

All payments and entries must be submitted to the Dojo Head of each dojo. The Dojo Head is responsible for transferring their dojo’s entries as a bulk payment. Individual entries from students will not be accepted.

Key Deadlines:

• Entry Deadline: Friday, 7 February 2025.
Final date for Payment: Monday, 10 February 2025.

We need your entries on time to:

• Finalise male & female categories and correct any mistakes or incorrect entries.
• Finalise draw sheets and, if necessary, merge categories.
• Accurately plan the necessary tatami for a professional and smooth operation.
• Determine the number of referees, judges, and table officials required.
• Finalise the Order of Events for the tournament.

Please note that kyu/dan levels for the Open are based on the following system:
White belt = 9th kyu
Yellow belt = 8th kyu
Orange belt = 7th kyu
Green belt = 6th kyu
Blue belt = 5th kyu
Purple belt = 4th kyu
Brown belt (including Shotokan Junior Red belt) = 3rd-1st kyu
Dan/Black belt = 1st-10 dan

Attachments:

1. Competitor Entry & Indemnity Form: This MUST be completed and signed by the competitor.
2. Event Poster.
3. Invitation.

For any queries or questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

Gary Grapentin
Organiser - WUKF East Cape Open
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PS:
All entry payments must be made into the following bank account:
• Account Name: ECSR Karate
• Bank: Standard Bank
• Account Number: 28 406 2596
• Reference: Dojo name