Goju Kai

Western Province Trials 21 April 2024

The WP trials were attended by 173 junior and senior karateka on Sunday 21 April.

Divisions contested were Kata, kumite,jiyu kumite,unison kata and bunkai.

The WP team will now embark on vigorous training in order to lift the trophy at the 44th Goju Kai National Tournament and final trials to choose our National team.

This tournament and trials will be held in Bloemfontein in August. We are confident that many of our team members will be chosen to represent South Africa at the 8th Karate-Do Goju Kai Championships in Japan in August 2025.

Free State Seminar with Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan

On 5 & 6 April 2024 Bloemfontein hosted our provincial seminar and had the privilege of having Frank Brandon Shihan and Craig Kangsley Shihan here in Bloemfontein. More than 100 students, from all over Bloemfontein and Zastron, attended the seminar.
The seminar started on 5 April with a “brown belt and above” training session. On 6 April our “colour and white belts” had the opportunity to train with Craig Kangsley Shihan and our “brown and black belts” continued their training with Frank Brandon Shihan.
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The 2 days training included sessions for beginners up to Shihan rank where we specifically focused on katas from Taikyoku Jordan up to Suparinpei with the aim on our nationals in August. The time we had training with these 2 masters were invaluable.
All the feedback I received from our students were very positive which gave us a huge sense of pride to be part of such and an amazing organisation.
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank Frank Brandon Shihan and Craig Kangsley Shihan for taking time out of their very busy schedule to share their knowledge with us. It is always a pleasure having them here in Bloemfontein.
Plans for the next seminar in 2025 has already started and we as a province are very excited for what lies ahead.

Louis Kritzinger

Gauteng Seminar with Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan

Gauteng province hosted Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan, in order to conduct the Gauteng Technical Seminar on 13 April 2024. The purpose of the seminar was to standardise the Goju Kai kata required for the IKGA Global Championships being held in August 2025 in Japan.

The added bonus of this training was that all the Goju Kai dojos in Gauteng would be operating off the same hymn sheet when it comes to kata for gradings. The seminar was attended by 146 people, including visiting guests Clayton Thom Shihan from Eastern province, Louis Kritzinger Shihan (and a group of students from Free State Goju Kai), Quito du Preez Sensei from KZN and Renaldo Varden Sensei from Northern KZN. The following shihan from Gauteng were also in attendance: Johnny Loots Shihan, Susan Kaplan Shihan, Russell Sim Shihan, Siyabonga Ntlama Shihan, and Sean Ahmed Shihan.

The warm-ups and training under Frank Shihan were rigorous and there were many stiff and sore muscles the next day. Frank Shihan’s stamina and fitness was impressive to watch, and it was a great incentive for all to up their game. The kata training by Frank Shihan was well-received and a number of small changes in the kata were identified and implemented. It was good to see that Gauteng was not far off the mark. The changes are now being implemented at dojo level, to ensure that our students are well prepared for the Goju Kai national championships in Bloemfontein in August.

All Gauteng members thoroughly enjoyed the seminar, and our sincere thanks to Hanshi and Frank Shihan for giving us of their time and conducting a well-prepared and thorough technical drilling on all the Goju Kai kata. As a province, we look forward to the next one.

East London Seminar with Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan

https://www.gojukai.co.za

On 2nd March 2024, the South Africa Goju-Kai Karate-do presented a technical Seminar in East London which was hosted by Glenn Cunningham Shihan. The seminar was conducted by Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan with a main focus on standardisation of kata. It is always an honour and an inspiring experience to be trained by these amazing instructors. The seminar covered Takyoku Jodan, Gekisai Dai Ichi, Saifa, Seienchen, Sanseiru, Seisan, Seipai, Kurunfa and Suparinpei. The event was well attended (approximately 100) and served as a crucial part of preparations towards the hugely anticipated 44th National Goju Kai Championship in August 2024.

SOUTH AFRICAN GOJU KAI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Goju Kai SA - Executives | Goju Kai Karate "Saiko Shihan - I have always had respect for Peter Brandon Hanshi who is responsible for the promotion and building of a large and successful following on the African Continent."

Gauteng’s January provincial grading training and Gauteng squad training preparing the team for Goju Kai Nationals in August 🥋

African Present | Peter Brandon Hanshi

African President | Goju Kai Karate Peter Brandon Hanshi is a visionary and pioneer that has catapulted Africa into becoming one of the most formidable continents in the world in the art of Gojukai.

GOJU KAI | FREE STATE

https://www.gojukai.co.za/dojos-free-state

What makes Free State GoJuKai Unique and Special:

Free State GoJuKai takes part in numerous events through the year. Local, national and international competitions and seminars. WKF events, KSA events, FSKF events GoJukai provincial, GoJuKai National and International events.

Shihan Grading:

Danie Rossouw Shihan Graded to Rokodan in 2022.

Underprivileged and development:

Free State GoJuKai has 2 Development Dojo’s, Kruitberg dojo and Zastron dojo. Seishin dojo has a number of students from Engo orphanage that are fully sponsored by Free State GoJuKai.

Sensei Joseph Mokhoro also has a new program in the pipeline form 2024.

I think what makes Free State so special is that we do not distinguish between dojos. Every dojo and every student is treated and regarded equally and treated as family. We build a strong leadership by leading by example through training as well as in our personal life. By following the way of the warrior (Bushido).

Some events during 2023:

We had students in the protea team representing KSA.

21 Students and parents travelled to Italy in 2023 to take part in the European championship and seminar and the Free State won 5 medals at the European championship.

Free State | Goju Kai Karate Free State GoJuKai has 2 Development Dojo’s, Kruitberg dojo and Zastron dojo. Seishin dojo has a number of students from Engo orphanage that are fully sponsored by Free State GoJuKai.

Our President

Goshi Yamaguchi

President | Goju Kai Karate Until his death in 1989, Kaiso Gogen Yamaguchi lived as a true warrior. Gojukai is fortunate to still experience his ancient techniques and traditions through his son our president, Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi. Groomed to become one of the greatest Masters of Karate ever to come out of Japan. Goshi...

The truth of our Goju Kai Founder:

Gogen Yamaguchi
The Cat

Founder | Goju Kai Karate Gogen Yamaguchi, our founder and legend was born on 20th January 1909 in Kagushima, Japan. He was a descendant of the Samurai and one of the most complex figures to ever grace the World Karate stage.

Visit our website to learn more about Goju Kai Karate. The extract is written by our Africa President, Peter Brandon Hanshi 🥋

ABOUT US | Goju Kai Karate From humble beginnings in the late 1960′s, I have watched the growth of Goju Kai with much pride. During the turbulent years in South Africa, we in Goju Kai strove against all odds to ensure that karate was an integrated sport with no discrimination between colour or creed. Today we can state with...

UPCOMING EVENTS 2024 🥋

Keep an eye on this page for any exciting updates for the year ahead‼️

UPCOMING EVENTS | Goju Kai Karate Due to the longstanding relationship between the Hombu Dojo, Japan and South Africa Goju Kai and the many groups of students visiting Japan, Saiko Shihan and his staff have graciously agreed to host karateka and parents from Western Province. The parents will participate in all activities except a....

Words from Russel Sim Shihan - Gauteng Provincial head 🥋

Check out the Gauteng Dojo at:

https://www.gojukai.co.za/dojos-gauteng

I currently run 5 dojos, in conjunction with my son, Sensei Jesse Sim, mostly in the East Rand area of Gauteng. In total, we teach about 150 karate-ka across all of our dojos.

My main dojo is situated in St Andrews, Bedfordview in Gauteng. Currently the dojo has 8 black belts – one 6th dan shihan, one 3rd dan sensei, one 2nd dan senpai, and five 1st dan senpais.

We support our underprivileged students by offering vastly reduced training fees and grading fees so that no one leaves because of affordability issues. We would rather have a karate-ka train for free than lose them because they can’t afford the training.

Our students all donate their old karate suits to the dojo and these are handed out at no cost to those who cannot afford the uniform. We have a wonderful family vibe in our dojo and many of the families in the dojo have become house friends outside of the dojo.

When we go on tour, all the parents arrange accommodation in the same place and have a wonderful time socialising with each other. What is also special is that we have many families where the entire family does karate and this creates a bond and a common interest within the family

As we prepare for the new year, we reflect and honour our rich history. This legacy is special. We are forever grateful to be part of it.

The True Bloodline Of Goju Kai Karate | Goju Kai Karate Gogen Yamaguchi, our founder and legend was born on 20th January 1909 in Kagushima, Japan. He was a descendant of the Samurai and one of the most complex figures to ever grace the World Karate stage.

An amazing start to 2024 🥂 Congratulations Masatoshi Yamaguchi Shihan for becoming a Hanshi!

Masatoshi Yamaguchi Shihan pictured with Saiko Shihan Yamaguchi

https://www.gojukai.co.za/

Congratulations to the following karateka who successfully graded on December 2 at the All Africa Hombu Dojo 🥋

https://www.gojukai.co.za/

​Timur Beeka Shodan
Khanyisa Swartbooi Shodan
Anga Mbuthisi Shodan
Avela Mbuthisi Nidan
Nathan Ludlam Sandan
Luke Turner Sandan
Tina Mannie Sandan
Elijah Botha Sandan
Mzimkhulu Mbuthisi Yondan
Tando Swartbooi Yondan

The Hombu Dojo is proud

Final little Japan Seminar 2023 🥋🇯🇵

https://www.gojukai.co.za

A contingent of 9 Goju Kai members travelled from Border to attend the Chiisai Nippon seminar and grading hosted at the hombu dojo in Cape Town on the weekend from 10 to 11 November 2023. We were also accompanied by Mr Lange, Head of Department of Sport University of Fort Hare (Alice). The group was headed by Glenn Cunningham Shihan and Anél Cornelius Shihan. The seminar was hosted and presented by Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan.

For most of the group, it was their first time visiting the hombu dojo and suffice to say they were in awe to say the least. The dojo, surroundings and training received created a truly palpable little Japan (Chiisai Nippon) atmosphere and experience. An interesting aspect of this group was that the grading candidates included all Dan levels from Shodan to Godan levels. This in itself was a catalyst in allowing coverage and focus on a wide range of our syllabus work.

Grading day saw a fresh start to the day (ocean training), followed by some focused syllabus work towards standardisation and preparation for the grading.

The following karateka graded succesfully:
• Noah Honey - Shodan
• Anele Gqumayo – Shodan
• Anathi Mpetsheni – Nidan
• Sanjay Naidoo – Nidan
• Thobela Ntsonkota – Sandan
• Ezrick Elbrecht – Yondan
• Pierre Cornelius – Godan

Our seminar concluded with a fabulous feast at Mama Roma to celebrate.

The trip offered many learning opportunities. It created an opportunity to foster and strengthen existing bonds of friendship. We have returned invigorated and excited to share the knowledge we have gained with our Border family. We are so proud of group of karateka and look forward to returning to Hombu dojo in future.

Shihan Seminar 2023🥋

Graded four new 5th dans (Xolisile Hiti, Franco Botha, Buffy-Mae Retief and Quito Du Preez), 2 new 6th dans (Hans Haasbroek jnr and Siyabonga Ntlama), and one more 7th Dan (Hans Haasbroek Snr). All karateka were graded by Peter Brandon Hanshi and Saiko Shihan Yamaguchi via zoom from Japan.

We are going into the new week with new Shodans, Nidans and Sandans 💪

Over the weekend of 8 and 9 September 2023, a number of students graded at the Hombu Dojo at the Little Japan Seminar.

This group included 14 Free State and 6 Eden members. The seminar included gradings from Shodan all the way through to Sundan.

Congratulations to all the students that participated and successfully graded. It was a weekend of hard work and showcased exceptional technique from upcountry students.

Peter Brandon Hanshi All Africa Karate Do Goju Kai President 🥋

Wishing all our western province karatekas all the best for Western Province Trials! 💪🥋

Date: 2 September 2023
Time:
8:00-9:30 Cadets/Juniors/U21/Senior Male and Female
10:00-11:15
6/7/8/9 years old boys and girls
11:30-12:45
10/11/12/13 Years old boys and girls

The African Goju Kai Karate group of 238 people traveled on a adventure of a lifetime.

https://www.gojukaisa.com/

Our karate members took part in the European open tournament where we participated against more than 20 countries and came 2nd overall. We stayed in a beautiful resort with a private beach where over 700 Goju Kai members and family members shared quality time together.

Students trained with our President from Japan Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi and both the European Head Ingo De Jong Hanshi and Africa Head Peter Brandon Hanshi as well as 12 country heads.

Our Goju Kai family experienced Puglia and Rome together. This tour reinforced just how special our Goju Kai family is.

Students from Western Province, Eastern Province, Eden, Free State, Gauteng, Border, Overberg and Namibia enjoyed a journey that was truly life-changing.

Goju Kai under the leadership of the Yamaguchi family continues to grow as the only true bloodline under Gogen Yamaguchi’s family

Announcement 🚨

Clayton Thom Shihan,Head of Eastern Province and Russell Sim Shihan,National Chief Referee has successfully passed to 6th Dan (Rokudan)
at the 36th European seminar held in Puglia,Italy.

Grading Panel

Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi
IKGA President

Peter Brandon Hanshi
IKGA Vice President

Frank Brandon
All Africa Vice President

Our students learn discipline, honour, loyalty and respect through karate. These values empower one to break out of the shackles of harsh realities. These learnings are self-empowering and over time causes a shift in mentality that inspires people, young and old to dream of possibilities to have a better quality of life.

Since the advent of the organisation, it has grown exponentially from 10 students to over 350 across the country. Consequently, our founders can no longer sustain it on their own. African Warriors of Light now homes students all over South Africa at our dojos’ in Cape Town, George, the Eastern Cape, East London, Gauteng, and Border.

🚨 make a difference. Donate now.

Send a message to learn more

On 6 May 2023 Bloemfontein hosted their Provincial seminar and had the privilege of having Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan here in Bloemfontein. More than 100 students attended from all over Bloemfontein and Zastron, Sean Ahmed Shihan’s dojo from Gauteng supported the seminar.

We had a full day of training, fun and excitement starting off with an early morning senior black belt training session.

After which our colour belts and white belts had the opportunity to train with Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan.

The days training included sessions for beginners up to a Shihan rank, and we ended the day off with a successful shodan grading.
All the feedback I received from our students were very positive which gave us a huge sense of pride, to be part of such and an amazing organisation.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan for taking time out of their very busy schedule to share their knowledge with us. It is always a pleasure having them here.

Free State is excited to host the 2024 Goju Kai National Tournament.

Louis Kritzinger

On 9th to 10th of June 2023, the South Africa Goju-Kai Karate-do presented a technical Seminar in East London which was hosted by Glenn Cunningham Shihan.

We had over 120 students attending, of which a large group was from our development community.
The seminar catered for everyone from beginners up to 7th dan. The Friday was focused on shihan and black belt training under Peter Brandon Hanshi and Frank Brandon Shihan. On the Saturday, our beginners and colour belts got the opportunity to train and this was followed by black belt training and a dan grading. Two students from Border and five students from Qgeberha (PE) successfully graded to shodan and one student to nidan.

It was a wonderful event, well supported by both students and parents. We are excited to prepare for a massive national championship in Bloemfontein in 2024 and our global championships in Tokyo Japan in 2025.

Some of the magical moments captured at our Punchathon fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who contributed, helped and supported this cause and made it the special event it was 🤍

Our punchathon was a resounding success and helped many of our underprivileged children from across South Africa. The funds raised are dedicated to Khayelitsha Dojo, Eastern Province Development Fund and East London Development Fund.
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We would like to assist Clayton Tom Shihan from Eastern Province, Sensei Hiti and Sensei Mzi from Khayelitsha, and Glen Cunningham Shihan and Anel Cornelius Shihan from East London in their efforts to uplift their underprivileged communities. We thank these instructors for their selflessness and dedication towards the underprivileged Goju Kai family members.
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Winners of the day
Ages 6, 7, 8, 9
Most punches: Finn Fergason & Saoirse Abrahams
Highest donation: Razeen Ismail
Punching game won by Jason Bernado
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Ages 10, 11, 12 ,13
Most punches: Zara Scholtz
Highest donation: Melle Zuidgeest
Punching game won by student: Jude Barton
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Cadet, Senior & Above:
Punching game won by Ofure Omure-Kessi

We are so grateful for the opportunity to help and change lives together

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