The karate duo has trained under instructor and Dalpark Five resident sensei Chris Anthony for many years, and will now fly the flag for South Africa at the Zone Six Sub-Saharan Africa Tournament in Lusaka, Zambia, from June 26 to 30.

Beamish will take part in the women’s senior u-50kg division, while Anthony will compete in the men’s senior u-84kg division in Lusaka.

In order to gain selection for the national team, the pair had to go through the qualifying paces, which they managed to do well.

After initially making the Ekurhuleni team, the karatekas then went through to Gauteng trials, where they had to place in the top four of their respective categories, in order to qualify for the South African All Styles National Championships in Bloemfontein.

Here, they again had to place in the top four to earn their national colours.

It is the first time that they have achieved colours for all styles and they are ready for the tournament.

“I am just going to do my best and enjoy the experience,” said Beamish.

Anthony, however, is aiming for gold in Zambia.

“It is the biggest tournament that I will be taking part in for all styles so I am really looking forward to it,” he said.

Beamish and Anthony said that they have worked long and hard to achieve the colours and have fought so many competitions in the lead up to reaching their ultimate long-term goal of reaching this tournament.

When asked why karate is a good sport to take up Beamish said: “It is good for everything from fitness, mental strength, focus and discipline.

“You learn how to accept losing, appreciate winning and also make lifelong friends.”

Both fighters thanked their instructor for the hard work that he is put in to get them where they are today in the sport.