Homegrown judokas shine on the national stage and bring home medals

L-R front: Willanie Lourens, Mianique du Toit, Kaylim Kleynhans, and Damian du Toit. Middle from the left are Eric Booysen, Alrich van der Merwe, Ethan du Toit, Aiden Calitz and Shea Strydom. At the back from left are Anton Labuschagne (coach), Zander Heins, Ruan Heins, Ruan Labuschagne, Kayleb Strydom, Alexandra Smuts and Kellann Kleynhans. Absent:Treyden du Toit, Kegann Kleynhans, Roxy Oosthuizen and Edrich Wepener. (Image Supplied).

Judokas from Lejweleputswa Judo excelled at the recent national tournaments, which were held at the University of Pretoria in Tshwane, and returned with a total of nine medals: four gold, four silver and 1 bronze. Anton Labushagne, assistant coach of Free State Judo, and head coach of Harmony Judo Club in Virginia, has made his mark not only in Lejwe-leputswa, but also internationally.

He is also proud of the fact that world class kickboxer - Dricus du Plessis, started his judo at the club many years ago. Anton established Harmony Judo Club in Virgina in 1997. The club focuses on the development of athletes of all ages. “It is a sport that has no age restriction.”

In Japanese judo means ‘the gentle way’. It is a sport that teaches discipline and respect. He has Protea colours in coaching, and he has travelled the world on many occasions. He is also the proud coach of many champions and Proteas and has proved himself as a leader who inspire many athletes. His daughter, Natania Brits, is one of the assistant coaches at the club. She started with judo at the tender age of five, and she has been a national champion for ten consecutive years. The other assistant coach, Juan Pienaar, started his judo career when he was ten years old, and boasts with junior, as well as senior Protea colours. He is now a Veteran Judoka, who has won national championships.