The Ermelo Karate Academy continues to produce exceptional talent, with siblings Chibuzo and Chinedu Okpugo leading the way in South African karate. Recently, both twins were awarded their Shodan (1st Dan Black Belts), adding to the ranks of over 20 black belts produced from the small dojo in Ermelo. This milestone now positions them as part of the Elite Ermelo Karate Team, which comprises Sensei Eugene Smith, Sensei Milton Msizwe, Lesedi Twala, Chinedu Okpugo, and Chibuzo Okpugo.
Karate South Africa Colours Recognition
On 21 June 2025, Lesedi Twala, Chibuzo Okpugo, and Chinedu Okpugo were officially awarded their “Karate South Africa Colours” at the Karate South Africa Annual Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship over a season defined by high-level national and international competition.
Both twins proudly represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Durban, where Chibuzo placed in the top five of the Cadet Boys Kumite division, and Chinedu delivered an impressive performance on the international stage.
Photo: Chinedu Okpugo Receiving His Black Belt (Left) from Sensei Eugene (Right)
Key Achievements
Chinedu Okpugo
- Silver medal in Kumite and bronze in Kata at the Mpumalanga provincial trials.
- Youngest judge in Mpumalanga with Kata B and Kumite B certifications.
- 5th place at the 2024 Commonwealth Karate Championships, Durban.
- Gold medalist at the KSA Open Championships, Tongaat, June 2025.
Chibuzo Okpugo
- Bronze medalist at the Karate South Africa National Championships, March 2025.
- Gold in Kumite and bronze in Kata at the Mpumalanga Karate Association provincial trials.
- Provincial Judge B Kumite certification and previously earned Kata B certificate.
- 5th place at the 2024 Commonwealth Karate Championships, Durban.
- Silver medalist at the KSA Open Championships, Tongaat, June 2025.
Photo: Chibuzo Okpugo Receiving His Black Belt (Left) from Sensei Eugene (Right)
A Rivalry That Defined the Season
The 2024/2025 season was shaped by the intense yet respectful rivalry between the Okpugo twins. Their first major showdown came at the KSA League 1 Championship in Bloemfontein on 12 May 2025. After battling through rigorous preliminary rounds, both advanced to the bronze-medal match, where Chibuzo narrowly defeated Chinedu, sparking motivation for a rematch.
Their rivalry reignited just weeks later at the Karate South Africa Open Championships on 21 June, where this time Chinedu turned the tables, edging out his brother to claim the gold medal while Chibuzo secured silver.
Their rivalry has grown to epic proportions, showcasing a decade of dedication that promises a dramatic climax in upcoming competitions.
Looking Ahead
Chibuzo and Chinedu are preparing for the SKISA 2025 Championship in Gauteng on 13 September, a key event to assess their current skill levels ahead of the KSA Champ of Champs Style Block Championships in Durban from 19–21 September. This tournament will pit different karate styles against one another to determine the supreme style in South Africa.
Following this, they aim to compete at the KSA Beach Games in Cape Town on 4–5 October. Their performance in these competitions will determine whether they retain their KSA Colours or potentially earn the coveted Official Protea Colours, South Africa’s highest karate honour, which requires a top-two finish in their divisions, with first place guaranteeing the Protea title.
Through skill, perseverance, and relentless competition, Chibuzo and Chinedu Okpugo continue to bring honour to the Ermelo Karate Academy, becoming the first students from the academy to achieve such a remarkable level of national and international success. Ermelo Karate Academy now boasts a senior class that has five black belt members, the highest number of active black belts training weekly, guiding and inspiring younger junior students in nearly a decade.
For queries about karate classes Contact;
Sensei Eugene - 072 361 6680 or email admin@ermelokarate.co.za