EDEN JUDO | NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS
ROAD TO SANIX JUVENILE INTERNATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS, FUKUOKA JAPAN – DECEMBER 2025
We are incredibly proud to announce that two exceptionally talented young judokas from Eden — Ruwayda Fortuin (Hoekwil Primary School) and Zoe de la Croix (Holy Cross) — have been selected by Judo South Africa to attend the prestigious SANIX International Training Camp and Team Competition in Fukuoka, Japan, from 22–29 December 2025.
They will be accompanied by their coach, Lilian Steyn, who has been appointed as female team manager for the South African team.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these remarkable young athletes to train and compete against some of the best judokas in the world. Both Ruwayda and Zoe are currently ranked No. 1 in South Africa in their respective divisions — a true testament to their dedication, passion, and countless hours of hard work.
Why This Matters
Representing South Africa on the international stage is not just an athletic milestone — it’s an opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange, and national pride.
Attending SANIX in Japan will allow them to:
✅ Train with top international coaches and athletes
✅ Gain world-class experience and exposure
✅ Inspire other young judokas in our region
✅ Represent Eden, the Western Cape, and South Africa with pride
How You Can Help
We’re raising funds to cover travel, accommodation, meals, and training expenses.
Each athlete’s estimated cost is substantial, and we need your help to make this dream a reality.
All funds will be processed through Eden Judo Association NPO – 324 740, ensuring full transparency and accountability.
Every donation — no matter how big or small — makes a difference!
NOVEMBER 2025
9th Western Cape Open & Interprovincial Invitational – Hosted by Eden Judo (1 November 2025)
Next year we celebrate 10 years of the “Battle of the Capes”, as coined by Axnshots!
A huge well done to all players, referees, and technical officials who made us proud.
Eden Judo Results
- Novice category: 2 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Advanced category: 22 Gold, 1 Silver
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who travelled and supported this awesome event.
Special thanks to the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the Eden Sports Council for your continued belief in us.
AUGUST 2025
Western Cape Open & Final Trials – Hosted by Cape Winelands (30 August 2025)
A huge congratulations to Cape Winelands for hosting a truly outstanding and well-organized event!
Eden Judo Results
Gold: E-Jay Fortuin, Lourens Ungerer, Christopher Pienaar, Emma Warren, Zoe de la Croix, Ruwayda Fortuin, Charlene Fortuin, Phillip Johan Bester, Mark Nkasayi
Silver: Ben Pienaar, Izani Bester, Branwill Kortjie, Ricardo Fortuin
We’re proud to announce that 12 out of 13 Eden judoka have qualified for the Western Cape team!
JULY 2025
National Schools & South African Open Championships – Tuks University, Pretoria (30 June–5 July)
A massive congratulations to the Eden Judo Team for their outstanding performances at this national event!
Results:
6 South African Champions
1 Silver Medalist
1 Bronze Medalist
Your dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship make us incredibly proud!
Special thanks to DCAS, the Eden Sport Council, and to all the parents who made the long journey — your support means everything.
AFRICAN CUP 2025
Congratulations Branwill Kortjie on winning Silver at the Cadet African Cup 2025!
We are very proud of you!
#AfricanJudoUnion #JudoSouthAfrica #EdenJudo #EdenJudoDevelopment
️ JUNE 2025
Spur Fundraising Evening – Geronimo Spur, George (3 June 2025)
A huge thank you to our judo families and friends who joined us for a fun and successful fundraising evening!
Special thanks to Geronimo Spur for your amazing hospitality and kindness — the kids had a blast!
MAY 2025
Western Cape Open – Hosted by Cape Town Judo (17 May 2025, UCT)
Results (13 Judoka):
14 Gold • 2 Silver • 2 Fourth Places
Outstanding performances from:
Ben, Lourens, Chris, E-Jay, Violet, Zoe, Ruwayda, Branwill, Phillip, Ricardo, Mark, Charlene, Izani
Well done everyone! You continue to make Eden Judo proud both on and off the mat.
OCTOBER 2024
Western Cape Open & Interprovincial Team Event – Hosted by Eden Judo (George, 26 October 2024)
A huge success thanks to the dedication of our officials, DCAS, Eden Sport Council, and the Western Cape Judo Federation.
Special thanks to Henriette, Pippie, Loekie, Duifie, Rika, and Sandy Tromp for your incredible efforts behind the scenes.
Novice Results: Multiple podium finishes with standout performances by Ben, Angus, Lourens, Greyson, Cameron, Ethan, and more!
Advanced Results: 14 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze
Talent beyond words — well done team Eden!
⛑️ BASIC FIRST AID TRAINING – 2023
An amazing experience for our young judoka learning new life-saving skills!
Training presented by Precision Skills Development and Training (Pty) Ltd.
SA OPEN 2023 – Port Elizabeth
Fantastic results from our Eden judoka!
Results:
- Ricardi Matthee – Gold (VI)
- Lizette Kalo – Gold (Veterans), Silver (Group 6)
- Charlene Fortuin – Silver
- Aden Cloete – Bronze (Group 5)
With these results, Lizette Kalo was selected to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Championship 2023.
NATIONAL SCHOOLS – 2023
Novice Division:
4 Gold • 1 Silver
Advanced Division:
6 Gold • 2 Silver
An incredible performance — well done to all our young stars and their supportive parents!
1st Western Cape Open – Hosted by West Coast Judo (Piketberg, April 2023)
20 Judoka • 15 Gold • 7 Silver • 6 Bronze
An amazing result after a 1,200km round trip! Thank you to every parent who made the journey possible.
SA Schools – Soweto Gauteng October 2017
National Ranking Event – 26 August 2017 East London
Eden Sports Council – Sports Awards 2017
South African Open 2017 – Bloemfontein
Franken Judo Club
National Refereeing Seminar – Cape Town 12 – 13 March 2016
Sensei Lilian Steyn, Steven Steyn and Ethan Bell attended this course over two days.
