For the first time in history prize money will be at stake when the Kwintaba Champ of Champs Karate tournament is staged at the UCT Sports Centre.

A total of R30 000 plus trophies are up for grabs.

“We are very excited about having prize money for the first time. This will surely increase the intensity of our fighters.

“The tournament will consist of a open division and a U.70kg division,” Hennie Bosman, chairman of Kyokushin-kan Africa, said.

Fighters from Zambia, Congo DRC, Congo Brazzaville and Zimbabwe will also take part.

This tournament will see the cream of Africa’s karateka in action.

“We invited 30 fighters. Two fighters each from the above mentioned countries and the rest will be the best South Africa has to offer which makes this tournament truly a prestigious event,” Bosman said.

The first four places in both divisions will receive trophies, prizes or prize money. There will also be a trophy for the Most Spirited Fighter and for the Most Technical Fighter.

The tournament start at 19:00.