RTKA completes 45 years of Karate excellence and launches RTKA Foundation for making Karate more accessible
Marking 45 years of Karate excellence, RTKA proudly hosted its 44th Goju Ryu Karate Championship recently—a
landmark event that also saw the launch of the RTKA Foundation to further the art of Karate.
A milestone moment of the 45th Anniversary celebration was the launch of the RTKA Foundation—an initiative committed to making Karate more accessible and empowering individuals through its values of discipline, condence, and perseverance. The Executive Directors of the RTKA Foundation were also announced during the event and includes Sensei Jayesh Somaiya, Sensei Shyam Thakkar, Dr. Mickey Mehta, Mr. Amit Tibrewal, Mr. Sunil Gautam and Sensei Rajesh Thakkar himself.
The Goju Ryu Karate Championship, held at PJ Hindu Gymkhana, Marine Drive, was a resounding success, bringing together over 350 participants from Mumbai and Bhavnagar. More than 500 enthusiastic spectators witnessed the high-energy competition, making it a truly unforgettable event.
The championship featured an exciting lineup of events, including Kihon (Basics), Individual Kata, Group Kata, Shadow Shiai, and Shiai Kumite (Sports Combat) across belts and age categories. One of the most heartwarming highlights was the participation of Karatekas as young as 4 years old, who showcased their skills with remarkable confidence. Their parents and instructors cheered them on, fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and growth. The intensity of the competition reflected the dedication and rigorous training of RTKA’s students.
The 44th RTKA Goju Ryu Karate Championship witnessed stellar performances across all belt categories. Raghuvir Thakkar emerged as the top performer in the Black Belt category, while Khushi Soni claimed the top spot in the Brown and Purple Belt division. Shahenshah Shaikh dominated the Blue, Dark Blue, and Green Belt category, while in the 8 years and below Blue and Dark Blue category, Batul Sakerwala and Yuvan Gala showcased exceptional skills. The Orange, Yellow, and White Belt category saw impressive wins by Avya Thala, Mohammed Sadriwala, Pagare Khushi, Preksh Doshi, Advil Borge, Dhruvi Shah, Vidhi Devera, and Avyan Solanki. Their dedication and hard work were truly commendable, adding to the grandeur of the event. Sensei Hersh Sayta and team took home the best performers in the Instructor’s category.
The Chief Guest at the chanpionship were Mr. Kaneko Toshihiro, Deputy Chief of Mission, Consulate-General of Japan in India, Shri Madhukar Talwalkar, Pioneer of Bodybuilding in India, Dr. Mickey Mehta, Global Leading Holistic Health Guru, Shri Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, Hiranandani Group, Dr. Manju M. Lodha, Chairperson, Lodha Foundation, Simran Ahuja, International Celebrity, Actor, Anchor, Shri Mukesh Khanna, Bhishmapitamah of the Mahabharat serial, Sensei Sallaudin Ansari, President, Karate Association of Maharashtra (KAM), Sensei Sandeep Gade, Hon. Secretary, KAM, Dr. Samrat Shah, Shri Bharat Dabholkar, Actor and Director, Mr. Dharmesh Shah, Director of Asian Star, Mrs. Urvi Shah, International Interior Designer, Dr. Chris Desouza ENT Surgeon, Mr. Mark Manuel, Well known Journalist, Mr. Ito, Head of All Nippon Airways.
The championship also had the privilege of being supported by dignitaries from PJ Hindu Gymkhana, whose contributions were instrumental in the event’s success:
Leroy D’sa, President, PJ Hindu Gymkhana, Bharat Gandhi, Vice President, PJ Hindu Gymkhana, Jignesh Sanghvi, Joint Hon. Secretary, PJ Hindu Gymkhana, Pranav Chikhal, Joint Hon. Secretary, PJ Hindu Gymkhana, The motivational speeches delivered by these distinguished guests, particularly PJ Hindu Gymkhana President Leroy D’sa, deeply resonated with the young Karatekas. Their words emphasized discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence, inspiring students to push beyond their limits.
RTKA extends its heartfelt gratitude to PJ Hindu Gymkhana for their unwavering support in hosting this prestigious event. A special appreciation also goes to the team of esteemed referees and judges from Karate India Organisation and World Karate Federation, led by Sensei Vir Chauhan, whose focused decision-making ensured fair and smooth competition.
The 44th Goju Ryu Karate Championship was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of skill, discipline, and the indomitable spirit of Karate. With an overwhelming response and remarkable performances, RTKA remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate the next generation of skilled, disciplined, and condent martial artists, ensuring that the spirit of Karate continues to thrive.
The 44th RTKA Goju Ryu Karate Championship witnessed stellar performances across all belt categories
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