Local karate champs carry community spirit to the world stage as they prepare to represent South Africa in Sweden.
Wellington, South Africa (02 June 2025) – In Wellington, the mood is electric. The Boland Dragons are heading to Sweden, and their community couldn’t be prouder.
Three local karatekas, 14-year-old Sebastian Sonnekus, 13-year-old Miané Eksteen and their powerhouse coach, JP van Heerden, have earned their place on the Martial Arts South Africa (MASA) team heading to the WUKF World Championships in Malmö this July. For this small dojo, it’s not just a sporting milestone; it’s a story of dedication, dreams, and deep local pride.
All three represented South Africa last year in Mexico, returning with seven medals between them. But the medals were never the final goal, just markers on a journey that started the moment they stepped off the plane and asked, “What’s next?”.
Since then, they’ve competed relentlessly and trained with discipline that defies their age. Coach JP, a father of an almost 2-year-old, financial planner, and holder of multiple black belts, somehow fit it all in, running dojos in both Wellington and Paarl, teaching four days a week, and guiding his students with humility, heart, and a tireless belief in their potential.
“Sensei JP is a phenomenal role model for the kids,” says Elizna Sonnekus, Sebastian’s mother.
The trio will wear their belt colours with pride, but their biggest badge of honour may be the community that has wrapped them in encouragement. These Bolanders are not just representing a country; they’re carrying the spirit of a region that believes in them completely.
Sebastian and Miané hope that their futures are paved not only with wins but also with a commitment to uplift, inspire, and lead. Between karate, school, scouting, music and other sports, they’re building lives as well-rounded as they are resilient.
In Sweden, the competition will be fierce. But for these young athletes and their coach, success has already been measured, not just in points or podiums, but in perseverance, purpose, and the pride of a hometown cheering them all the way.
If you want to get behind these young, hopeful athletes, you can reach out to JP via email here.
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