2025 Okinawan Classic Series – Open

Dear Colleagues

We look forward to hosting you at the 4th Okinawan Classic Series Open tournament. The tournament will take place at the Fairview Sports Centre in Fairview, Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth.

The Championship will be the second of a series of four 2025 WUKF League Events for the Eastern Cape. Over the four League Events, competitors will have the opportunity to compete in several categories to accumulate points to determine the top ten karate and kobudo practitioners in the Eastern Cape for 2025. The league series will also form part of the national ranking system that will determine team selection for future provincial and national teams.

The event will be powered by the Kihapp Tournament Management System which provides viewing and real time updates for scoring, drawsheets and category starting times. This data is also accessible via competitors’, coaches’, supporters’, and parents’ smart phones. Senior Elite Categories will be streamed live on YouTube.

The Championship will be based on the WUKF rules with amendments and will include individual kata and kumite categories for novice, intermediate and elite competitors of all ages.

We would be honoured with your participation in what promises to be an enjoyable Championship for participants, officials, and spectators alike.
Kind regards

Karl von der Marwitz
Organiser - 2025 Okinawan Classic Series - Open

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:
Final date for Payment:

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.