Chris Young has a second-degree black belt in Gojukai Karate. Image: Cardré Goliath

Chris Young, a first-year Physiotherapy student at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and second-degree black belt in Goju Kai Karate, recently placed fourth at the Goju Kai World Championships in Japan.

He’s no stranger to the UWC Main Campus in Bellville, where his mother is a staff member, and he has fond memories of being on campus when he was still a toddler. 

“My mum works here… ever since I can remember, I’ve been coming with her to campus and running around in the offices. UWC is like my second home,” said Young.

He took a gap year after completing Grade 12, but there was little time off as he kept busy working as a pharmacist assistant, starting a sports massage business with a friend, and, of course, training and practising Goju Kai. This karate style is his passion, and he’s been doing it for 14 years, starting at age six.

“This style translates to ‘hard and soft’… like a waterfall, it comes down hard and flows softly. We don’t use weapons, our body is our weapon,” said Young.

Image: Cardré Goliath

Travelling to Chiba, Japan, to represent South Africa was an honour for Young and was even more special because this competition marked the retirement of the man who was the global head of Goju Kai Karate. The head of Goju Kai was also the son of the founder of this karate style.

Young said: “It was a big honour to do my kata in Japan on the world championship mats. The event was especially meaningful because the next Goju Kai World Championships to be hosted in Japan will only be in about 46 to 56 years.”

Young placed fourth in kumite (sparring) in the under-21 division.

Reflecting on the achievement with pride, Young said he was pleased with the success but is also ready to now focus on his studies. He is stepping back from competitive karate to embrace a more traditional, spiritual approach to training. 

“Karate teaches us discipline, and now I also have to look out for the younger children who are looking up to me,” he said.

His deep connection to UWC is just further fuel for Chris to succeed, which he wants to do in the dojo and in the lecture halls. With karate as a hobby for now, he will not be chasing the next prize, but rather academic success.

@uwconline Chris Young, first-year Physiotherapy student at UWC and second-degree black belt in Goju Kai Karate, showcasing the perfect blend of discipline, strength, and precision in action. #IAmUWC ? Fighters - OctaSounds