News24 | Joburg karate siblings make their mark on the world stage

• Siblings Ben and Rebecca Verster proudly represented South Africa at the 21st Shukokai Karate World Championships, showcasing their talent and determination on the global stage.
• Overcoming health challenges and balancing multiple sports, the Versters have consistently medalled in national and international karate competitions, embodying resilience and dedication.
• Supported by their family, coaches, and each other, the siblings’ achievements highlight the strength of South African karate, which has a promising future ahead.

Two young siblings from Johannesburg are proving that talent and determination can run in the family.

Benaiah Verster, 13, fondly known as Ben, and Rebecca, 11, recently represented South Africa at the 21st Shukokai Karate World Championships in Järvenpää, Finland, marking their first appearance on the international stage.

Competing under the SA North banner, the pair were part of a 45-member South African squad that brought home an impressive 29 medals from the tournament, hosted during the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Kimuro Shukokai International (KSI).

Ben won bronze in kumite (fighting) in the boys’ 12-13 age group and finished fifth in kata, while Rebecca narrowly missed the podium, placing fourth in both kata and kumite for the girls’ 11-12 category.

For the Verster family, the achievement was more than medals.

“As a parent, I said to them just representing South Africa was enough,” said their mom, Linley Verster.

“But to see them step onto that mat and hold their own against international competitors was an incredible moment. We’re very proud.”

From against to for martial arts

The siblings’ karate journey began almost by accident.

Ben first stepped into Ballossini Dojo in Edenvale at the age of 5 after his father encouraged him to try a martial arts.

Linley admits she was initially “very against martial arts” but was swayed after researching styles and finding a dojo that emphasised movement, discipline, and fun.

Rebecca, who had started ballet, joined a year later when her sensei encouraged her to try.

“I knew if she stepped on that mat, she wouldn’t get off,” Linley recalled.

“By the third week she joined in, she’s never looked back.”

Since then, both children have excelled.

Ben claimed bronze in his first national championship in 2019 and has medalled at every national competition, including multiple golds.

Rebecca has also consistently medalled at every tournament she has entered.

The Covid-19 pandemic interrupted their progress in 2020, but the dojo kept them engaged with online sessions.

By 2023, both siblings had progressed to brown belt level and were on track for their first kyu grading, the last stage before black belt.

Their selection to the national team earlier this year was a milestone.

A family effort

Karate has become more than just a sport for the Versters. It is a family commitment.

Linley herself is now the official physiotherapist for KSI South Africa North, ensuring she can support her children and their teammates.

“It’s been a huge learning curve. But the sense of community has been incredible. From the dojo, their friends, their coaches - everyone has been part of their journey,” Linley said.

The camaraderie between Ben and Rebecca also plays a key role in their development.

“Whenever I go outside, my brother will help me with my kata. He gives me techniques for my fighting,” Rebecca said.

Ben smiled: “I like to be challenged, and she also doesn’t hold back. It gets intense.”

Triumph against adversity

Ben’s success is all the more remarkable considering his health challenges.

Two years ago, he was diagnosed with a severe spinal infection that led to multiple hospitalisations and the reconstruction of one of his kidneys.

“There were days when Ben couldn’t walk because he was in so much pain,” Linley said. “Doctors often told him what he couldn’t do, but he always asked, ‘What can I do?’ Karate gave him focus and resilience. The discipline, the mindset, and the support from his teammates carried him through.”

Ben has also used swimming, another passion, to stay fit during recovery.

Guided by coach [and former national swimmer] Douglas Erasmus from Cardinals Aquatics Italia, he has returned to competitive galas and is chasing ambitious swimming goals alongside his karate career.

Rebecca, meanwhile, juggles karate with swimming, netball, and even soccer, where she recently featured in her school’s Discovery Cup final.

A glimpse of the future

At their age, the siblings are already competing on equal footing with some of the world’s best junior karatekas, and their results in Finland suggest a promising international career ahead.

Linley believes the wider public underestimates the depth of talent in local karate.

“I don’t think people realise how strong South African karate is internationally. When our kids step onto the mat, they’re the ones to beat,” she said.

However, Ben and Rebecca’s focus remains on improvement and enjoyment.

“It feels amazing knowing we’re doing so well together,” Rebecca said.

“Winning medals is great, but making friends and learning are just as important,” Ben added.

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