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Christophe Pinna hails a progress of Rwandan Karatekas and awed by their eagerness to learn.

Christophe Pinna
The Japan Karate Association (JKA-Rwanda) completed its three-day technical instruction seminar in Kumite and assessing competition on Sunday at Lycée de Kigali. Christophe Pinna was pleased by Rwandans’ enthusiasm for learning and diligent attitudes.

Over 200 Rwandan Karatekas learnt to put their newly acquired skills into practice under the instruction of Frenchman Christophe Pinna, focusing on techniques required in most sparring sessions, which specialize in one-on-one combat.

The closing ceremony comprised an acknowledgement to JKA-Rwanda’s partners, the club fraternity, and everyone else who made this event a success.

Speaking to Guy Didier Rurangayire, The CEO of JKA-Rwanda, He pointed out what such seminars offer to the participants and what they expect in terms of further success.

“The recently concluded workshop revealed that our athletes are progressing; even though we must do more to help them go to the next level. Pinna is here in that vein, and we agreed to do this seminar every year.” Rurangayire informed reporters

When addressing the media, the former World Champion and instructor of the seminar, Christophe Pinna emphasized his delight at being able to share his knowledge with folks who are open-minded and eager to learn.

Christophe Pinna
Sensei Christophe Pinna, a seven-dan holder and multi-time world champion

“Rwanda has athletes with remarkable physical potential, as well as young people eager to work and put their hearts into it. However, they must improve in technical, psychological, strategic, and tactical realms. “Said the world champion

He added; “There’s also the competition experience to consider. We caught the three athletes today from the podium owing to the competition; we noticed their great physical traits through the competition; they certainly have outstanding physical attributes, and I believe they also work really hard. The progresses are evident.”

Throughout the Pinna’s inaugural seminar in 2022, the Karatekas learnt about moves and support. This time, they focused on the approach in regard to the opponent’s reactions, therefore understand, and put in place a strategy.

“We worked a lot on what we call the rhythm in combat to disrupt the opponent”

“You have to establish flaws in the opponent’s defences to know when to attack, and we spotted that even though it can’t be applied right away, I know they will work and be implemented in the next months.”

JKA-Rwanda’s three-day Kumite seminar brought together various Karate classes for both kids and adults, as well as a fascinating competition component. Fiston Ntwali was crowned Grand Prix winner.

As the competition winner, Ntwali won Rwf 300,000, while the first and second runners-up, Halifa Niyitanga and Shyaka Ndutiye, collected Rwf 200,000 and Rwf 100,000, respectively.

Here’s a closer look at the event.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, who is also a Shotokan 2nd dan, was in attendance.
From L-R; Shyaka Ndutiye, Halifa Niyitanga, and Fiston Ntwali
Judges & Referees during the Grand Prix
The kids were having a good time with the world champion.
JKA-Rwanda partners

APR crushes REG to take a 2-0 lead in the BetPawa Playoffs Finals.

APR
Demarcus Holland dribbles past Beleck Bell | Photo: Innocent SHEMA
APR Basketball Club took a commanding 2-0 series lead in the BetPawa Playoffs Finals with a 74-62 win against the defending champions REG BBC. Nshobozwa and Holland both had a double-double performance

Maz Trakh’s APR seized control of the Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals after defeating reigning champions REG BBC in game two on Sunday night. Nshobozwabyosenumukiza and Demarcus Holland sparkled once more in Sunday’s 74-62 triumph at BK Arena.

Dean Murray’s REG started off the game-high, pressuring the opponent and showing that the reigning champions aren’t about to lay down their weapons and allow APR to destroy them. Thus took the first quarter 20-12.

APR got back into the game in the second quarter, cutting the deficit, and went into halftime break with 36 points apiece.

APR comes out with greater drive in the third quarter, ramping up the pace and starting to dictate the flow of the game. As a result, they scored 16-13 to seize the lead for good. The fourth period was a nightmare for the electricians, as they were outscored 22-13 and lost the game 62-74.

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza and Demarcus Holland both had double-doubles. Nshobozwa scored 11 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while Holland had 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.

REG’s Manga Pitchou also had a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Adonis Filer led all scorers with 23 points, while Pascal Niyonkuru chipped in with 15.

The Lions stretched their overall win streak against REG BBC to four games, two regular season games and two more in this championship series. And they are currently 5-0 in the 2023 BetPawa Playoffs

The best-of-seven series resumes on Wednesday, September 6th, with a game 3 at BK Arena.

Will the reigning champs bounce back or will it be a one-sided playoff series?

JKA-Rwanda set off a Karate seminar at Lycée de Kigali [Photos]

JKA-Rwanda
Sensei Christophe Pinna, a well-known former World Karate Champion, is delivering a Kumite seminar at LDK at the invitation of JKA-Rwanda
The Japan Karate Association Rwanda (JKA-Rwanda) is holding a three-day Seminar at the Lycée de Kigali, Sensei Christophe Pinna, the multi-time World Champion in Karate is imparting his vast knowledge and skills in Kumite; a part of karate in which a person trains against an adversary.

On the occasion of the launch of a three-day event, JKA-Rwanda chairman and chief instructor, Guy Didier Rurangayire stated that it is an immense privilege and honour for them, especially for youths, to train and learn from the worldwide champions.

“For youth, seeing, training, and learning from a world champion is an unequalled chance for their careers; we want to bring in more champions to inspire our kids in our academies, allowing them to learn by doing. These workshops also have an impact on the way we teach Karate.” Said Rurangayire.

He added: “This is the core basis for our affiliation with the World Union Karate Federation. Our kids competed in the tournament in our first year, and they all made it past the first round.”

Noel Nkuranyabahizi, the National Karate Team’s coach, is one of the participants in this seminar. He stated that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rwandan players, and he complimented JKA-Rwanda for the decision to bring Christophe Pinna again.

He said: “Having a sensei like Christophe Pinna is of great value; we used to watch him on videos and learn from him when we were young, but he is now in the country for the second time thanks to the collaboration of JKA Rwanda and their partners.”

“It’s an amazing opportunity to learn from someone who has won both at the European and World levels,” He continued.

Christophe Pinna, a French national and Shotokan 7dan holder, is one of his generation’s fiercest Karate Kumite competitors.

Following his tremendous performance in France and around Europe, Pinna helped France retain their team Kumite championship at the 1996 World Championships in Sun City, South Africa, by beating Great Britain in the final. Two years later, in Rio de Janeiro, he helped France win their third consecutive world team title, defeating England in the final.

More Pictures

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza led the way as APR BBC beat REG in Game 1 of the BetPawa Playoffs Finals.

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza
Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyonumukiza (Black) | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza put up a double-double performance to uplift the APR Lions to an 68-62 victory over REG BBC in their first RBL playoff final game in 11 years.

The Lions, who had not reached the Playoffs finals since 2012, seized a 1-0 lead over the defending champions in a best-of-seven series that continues in Kigali’s BK Arena on Sunday.

Dean Murray’s REG BBC opened the 2023 BetPawa Playoffs Finals on an unfavorable footing on September 1st, as they were dominated in all three quarters of the game (16-20, 14-16, 12-17, 20-15).

Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza had a game-high 23 points, overcaming a tough shooting night from Ntore Habimana who was 0-for-8 from the field. Nshobozwa also grabbed 12 rebounds and dished 6 balls in 29 minutes spent on court.

The former REG BBC Point Guard has never been an easy opponent for this team, with whom he has competed for the previous two titles. Last night, Nshobozwa made 9-of-16 field goals, including three three-pointers in seven attempts, was efficient at the free throw line (2-2), and turned the ball over only twice.

His effort propelled APR to the first win of the finals best of seven series, as well as a strong statement about the team’s aspirations thus far. This was the team’s fourth postseason victory in a row.

Rolly Fula Nganga, a Congolese international, made his RBL playoff debut. He and Demarcus Holland each had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. When Fula is on the court, you will undoubtedly hear that Wamukota is dropped, since Ibeh and Holland appear to be untouchable in Maz Trakh’s foreigner rotation.

Filer Jovon Adonis, on the other hand, led the electricians in scoring with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists for the game. Filer and the REG are vying for their third consecutive championship. In this series, the Rwanda Energy Group point guard is also looking for his first RBL Finals MVP.

In Game 2, REG will seek to rebound behind more great efforts from Filer and his teammates.

Manga Pitchou topped the Electricians with a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds. As the series progresses, the team will rely on this big man to deliver outstanding performances.

Prince Muhizi had a terrific game tonight, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as well.

For the first time ever, APR and REG are squaring off in the Playoffs finals. Game 2 is scheduled for September 3rd, Game 3 for September 6th, and Game 4 for September 8th. The other three potential games are scheduled for September 10th, 13th, and 15th.

All games are scheduled to take place at BK Arena.

The Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) champion is determined through the playoffs. REG BBC are back-to-back defending champions, while APR last won the title in 2009.

JKA Rwanda set up a Kumite Seminar to be conducted by Christophe Pinna.

JKA Rwanda
Christophe Pinna | (Photo Franck Fernandes)
Sensei Christophe Pinna, a well-known former World Karate Champion, will deliver a Kumite seminar in Kigali for the second time at the invitation of the Japan Karate Association Rwanda (JKA Rwanda).

KIGALI, September 1st to 3rd, at the Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, The Rwandan Karatekas will have a valuable opportunity to train and spar with a famed multi-time world champion, Christophe Pinna.

A three-day seminar, organized by JKA-Rwanda will focus on Kumite, the part of karate in which one trains against an opponent, and will bring together different Karate classes as well as an intriguing competition component.

According to JKA-Rwanda chairman and chief instructor, Guy Didier Rurangayire, the workshop will focus solely on Kumite techniques, and Pinna will impart his technical expertise to the kids and adults who will attend the seminar beginning on Friday.

“The seminar begins on Friday at 5:00 p.m.  On Saturday, the courses will be held and followed by a competition to put all we learned the previous two days into practice. On Sunday, we will conclude with a final competition in Kumite for people over the age of 18.” Said Rurangayire

According to Rurangayire, there was a glitch with online registration; nevertheless, the registration deadline has been extended until August 31st, and just a few spots left.

In accordance with the JKA-Rwanda social media outlets, the winner of the JKA-Rwanda Grand Prix will get 300,000 Frw, the second will receive 200,000 Frw, and the third will collect 100,000 Frw.

Kumite, along with kata and kihon, is one of the three primary aspects of karate training in which two participants face off practising defensive and offensive techniques in a standing competition. Competitors can use punches, kicks, and takedowns against their opponents.

Christophe Pinna, a French national and Shotokan 7dan holder, is one of his generation’s fiercest Karate Kumite competitors.

Following his tremendous performance in France and around Europe, Pinna helped France retain their team Kumite championship at the 1996 World Championships in Sun City, South Africa, by beating Great Britain in the final. Two years later, in Rio de Janeiro, he helped France win their third consecutive world team title, defeating England in the final.

On July 3, 2006, he received the National Order of Merit for his contributions to sport.

Pinna will be in the Land of a Thousand Hills to instruct Karate players Kumite techniques. Following the success of the previous year’s workshop, the seminar will be held for the second time.

RPL: The Shaiboub strike propels APR past the Police.

Shaiboub
Shaiboub celebrates his first goal in APR jersey | Photo: APR
APR FC cruised to their first league victory thanks to a stunning Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub Ali strike, earning a deserved 1-0 win over Police FC.

Due to the continental engagement, the defending champions APR had to postpone their first round against the Marines, therefore their league launch was a security derby versus their police counterparts.

Despite the absence of Ismael Nshimirimana due to injury, the Rwanda Premier League title holders were able to break down a Police team that was camped deep in the first half when Shaiboub hammered a shot from outside the box following some exquisite Christian Ishimwe play on 41 minutes.

In the second half, Police’s Mashami made three substitutions and began to play with three at the back, dominating possession and creating several goal possibilities, but APR’s goalkeeper Ndzila appeared to be watchful and determined.

APR’s Thierry Froger earned the league’s first victory in front of a full Kigali Pele Stadium crowd, while Police suffered their first defeat of the season after defeating Sunrise in the season opener.

Next Saturday, APR FC will travel to Ngoma Stadium to play Etoile de l’Est, while Police FC will host Mukura on Sunday at KPS.

Musanze leads the league

This is how Mashami and Froger opted to set up their teams.

APR FC XI: Pavelh Ndzila, Omborenga Fitina (c), Christian Ishimwe, Salomon Bindjeme, Prince Buregeya, Taddeo Lwanga, Ramadhan Niyibizi, Sharaf Eldin Shaiboub Ali, Alain Kwitonda, Gilbert Mugisha Gilbert, and Nshuti Innocent

Police FC XI: Onesime Rukundo, Carnit Shami, Ali Kwitonda, Samuel Ndizeye, Eric Rutanga, Eric Nsabimana, Abed Bigirimana, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Savio Dominic Nshuto (C), Didier Mugisha, and Chukwuma Odili

REG BBC make the finals for the seventh time in a row.

REG BBC
REG's Adonis Filer goes up for a dunk in their 96-60 win over Espoir. | Photo: Innocent SHEMA
Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club, REG BBC is through to the 2023 BetPawa Playoffs finals after defeating Espoir 96-60 in game three of the semifinals on Sunday at BK Arena. REG BBC will compete in their seventh straight finals against APR.

The BetPawa Playoffs semifinals were decisive on Sunday afternoon, with both REG BBC and APR BBC on the verge of clinching their berths in the finals.

The Patriots were expected to react just to avoid an early elimination. However, the determined APR side showed no mercy and ousted them in an unexpected sweep. APR prevailed 62-52

Before this game, REG BBC had easily trounced Espoir BBC 96-60, as expected. The victory ensures REG won the best-of-five series 3-0, completing a sweep of the 2015 Rwanda Basketball League (RBL) champions Espoir BBC.

The win denotes that since their league debut in 2016, REG BBC has qualified for a seventh straight Rwanda Basketball League playoff final and has never missed one. They were also crowned champions in 2021 and 2022. They claimed the league title in 2017, Although the Patriots went on to win the same season’s playoffs.

The Electricians and APR Lions will battle it out in the finals. and the Lions are the most admired side by local fans who believe that they can end REG-Patriot’s reign.

The regular season top seed and defending champions, REG who swept the 4th seed Espoir handily, will now face this year’s favourite APR BBC in the best-of-seven series final, which tips off on Friday.

REG will have an uphill battle against 2009 RBL Champions APR. Following the army team’s outstanding trades, APR has promised to give their all against the reigning champs.

The first game of the finals is scheduled for Friday, 1st September at BK Arena

The Last Ten Finals Matchups

2022: REG-Patriots (3-2), best-of-five series
2021: REG-Patriots (2-0), best-of-three series
2020: REG-Patriots (61-76), One Game
2019: REG-Patriots (3-4), best-of-seven series
2018: REG-Patriots (2-3), best-of-five series
2017: REG-Patriots (1-3), best-of-five series
2016: RP-IPRC Huye-Patriots (3-1), best-of-five series
2015: Espoir BBC-Patriots (3-1), best-of-five series
2014: Espoir BBC-CSK (3-1), best-of-five series
2013: Espoir BBC-KBC (3-1), best-of-five series

BetPawa Playoffs: APR BBC rallies from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Patriots and extend the series to 2-0.

BetPawa Playoffs: APR BBC rallies from a 17-point deficit to defeat the Patriots and extend the series to 2-0.
APR BBC beat the Patriots to take a 2-0 lead in the 2023 BetPawa Playoffs semifinals. | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

APR BBC banked on a strong third quarter to beat the Patriots 70-63 and go two up in the BetPawa Playoffs semifinals. Demarcus Holland, Ntore Habimana, Axel Mpoyo, and William Robeyns delivered noteworthy contributions to the team’s comeback from a 17-point deficit to victory.

The Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs, rebranded after the tournament’s sponsor BetPawa, are drawing all of the limelight in Kigali. The semifinals between the Patriots and APR look to be a compelling and closely contested series to watch, with APR currently holding the upper hand after their impressive performance in Game 2.

Following a loss in Game 1, the Patriots were in control for much of the game on Friday night and seemed to be in position to win. However, precipitation put them in early foul trouble, costing them the third and fourth quarters as well as the game.

Unlike in Game 1, Mwinuka started with Majok, leaving Gray on the sideline, rather than both of them at the same time, which helped offensively through transition offense.

The Henry Mwinuka-coached team got out to a fast start, overpowering APR in every aspect of the game, winning the first quarter 20-12, and continued to dominate in the second quarter, building a 17-point lead in 1:53′ until Maz Trakh’s APR tallied 7 consecutive points to end the half with the Patriots leading 37-27.

At the moment, the cumulative number of fouls on Henry Mwinuka’s side had already begun to escalate.

Dieudonné Ndizeye had already racked up three personal fouls, including an unsportsmanlike foul, by the start of the third quarter. Kendall Gray and Roebuck Junior each got three fouls too. Mwinuka had no option other than to alter his squad at the time.

On the other side, APR was flying, taking advantage of Patriot’s rotations. They scored 21 points while holding the Patriots to 9 points, allowing them to get back into the game.

In the last period, the Patriots didn’t handle their frustrations at all, as they were dissatisfied with the officials’ decisions. They committed a slew of fouls, Gray and Ndizeye fouled out, and Kenneth and Junior were also in foul trouble, making it impossible for them to return into the game. As a result, they lost the second game of the BetPawa Playoffs semifinal series in a row.

Demarcus Holland led APR with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Ntore Habimana nearly had a double-double as well, finishing with 13 points, and 9 rebounds While William Robeyns contributed 16 points off the bench in the triumph.

The Patriots’ star player, Steven Hagumintwari, had a remarkable effort, leading the team with 20 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.

The best-of-five BetPawa semi-final series currently stands at 2-0 in favour of APR, one more win will qualify them for this year’s BetPawa Playoffs and break REG-Patriots’ supremacy in the city.

The stakes are high for APR to face REG in the finals since REG seized a 2-0 lead over Espoir BBC.

Game 3 of the BetPawa series is set for Sunday in BK Arena.

A jam-packed Friday for the BetPawa Playoffs.

A jam-packed Friday for the BetPawa Playoffs.
Patriots take on and APR in BetPawa Playoffs Game 2 of a best-of-five series. | Photo: IGIHE
The Patriots and APR BBC square battle in Game 2 of the BetPawa Playoffs at BK Arena on Friday night at 9 p.m. CAT. APR leads the series 1-0 after a thrilling 69-59 victory against the Patriots in Game 1. REG faces Espoir too

Game two will undoubtedly be exciting. During the regular season, the Patriots won both games against the APR Lions.

APR definitely played strong perimeter defence in the first game. They seldom gave the Patriots an open three-point attempt, and they were aggressive in the passing lanes. They must maintain this level of defensive pressure if they are to go up 2-0 in the series.

The playoffs, on the other hand, are a different beast, and the Patriots have the experience. They will not be cold again, and a 7-point game from Dieudonné Ndizeye will not be repeated. The Patriots, led by Henry Mwinuka, have to tie the series, should they want to stay in the race.

Michael Andre Dixon, the Patriots’ leading point guard, is still uncertain for this game. The team recruited him for such a huge rendezvous and He would like to, but his physical condition won’t allow it. Thankfully, they have a backup in Roebuck Jr. G Vashon.

Alternatively, at the Lycée de Kigali Gymnasium, the reigning champions, REG BBC face Espoir BBC in the other semi-final clash of the BetPawa Playoffs. Espoir attempted to fight back in game 1, but their efforts fell short as they were defeated 85-79.

Adonis Filer must be stopped if Janvier Kamanzi’s Espoir is to tie the series.

Prior to the REG-Espoir contest, APR Women BBC must take on the Hoops Rwanda. APR won the first game 74-69 in what was an extremely tight contest that required overtime.

The reigning champions REG Women BBC will be out to defend their title against the IPRC Huye side in game 1. The 2018/2019 league winners will face a hurdle to climb in REG after losing both regular season games.

This game is set for today, August 25, at 7 p.m. CAT at the BK Arena.

CAF Champions League: APR FC defeats Gaadiidka and advances to the next round

APR FC
APR FC advances to 2023 CAF Champions League second round | Photo: IGIHE
APR FC, Rwanda’s representative in the 2023 CAF Champions League, have advanced to the second round of the competition after a 2-0 win over Gaadiidka in the preliminary round second leg on Wednesday at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

Apam Assongwe broke the deadlock nine minutes after the interval before Gilbert Mugisha came off the bench to convert a well-taken cross from Ombolenga Fitina in the dying minutes and secure a victory for the Army side.

APR FC advances 3-1 on aggregate and will face the Pyramids of Egypt.

The 2022/2023 RPL champion will play the first leg at home on the weekend of September 15-17, with the second leg taking place on the weekend of September 29 to October 1st.

Should APR manage to sneak past Pyramids, They will have achieved a long-held ambition of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage.