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The South African home of traditional JKA Karate, recognized by the JKA World Federation Head Quarters, Japan. ‘The Keeper of Karate’s Highest Tradition.’

We are the officially registered South African branch of the Japan Karate Association (日本空手協会; Nihon Karate Kyokai) founded on May 27, 1949. SA JKA is the largest group of JKA karate practitioners in the world outside Japan. Our grades are recognised internationally and in Japan. Our senseis train at the infamous Honbu in Tokyo as often as possible to ensure that standards remain at the highest level. Join us to benefit from the hard won lessons learnt by generations of traditional martial artists. Oss!

ENROL NOW!

Use this map to zoom in on the area where you live and click on the nearest dojo pin for contact detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost associated with joining a dojo is determined by the head instructor of that particular dojo. If you’re interested in joining, we encourage you to reach out directly to the dojo of your choice. You can easily get in touch with your preferred dojo by selecting it from the map on our website. This selection will guide you to a contact form that you can use to inquire about membership costs and any other information you may need.

Our association is proud to have dojos in various locations. To discover the nearest dojo to your area, we recommend using our interactive map. Alternatively, you can utilize the search bar by entering the name of your locality for a convenient search option. This way, you can easily locate the most suitable dojo for your training needs.

For your convenience, you can acquire a high-quality uniform (gi) through multiple avenues:

  1. Affiliated Dojos: Many of our affiliated dojos offer uniforms for purchase on-site.
  2. Bushido Martial Arts Supplies:  Find top-quality uniforms for sale  accessible at www.bushidosuits.co.za.

The training schedule for each specific dojo is set by its head instructor. If you’re considering joining, we recommend reaching out directly to the dojo you’re interested in. You can effortlessly contact your preferred dojo by selecting it from the map featured on our website. This selection will lead you to a contact form, which you can utilize to inquire about training times and any additional information you require. We encourage you to get in touch to align your training with your preferences.

Our dojos (training centers) gladly welcome children as young as 5 years old, but it’s important to understand that the final decision regarding the appropriate age for training lies with the head instructor of each dojo. We encourage you to directly connect with the instructor to discuss the best starting age for your child’s training. Rest assured, we have specialized programs designed to meet the specific needs of young karate enthusiasts, ensuring a safe and age-appropriate training environment. In addition, some of our dojos offer Dinky Karate for children aged 3 and 4.

Receiving credit for grades and certificates earned in the past is a possibility, but this is a matter that should be discussed directly with the head instructor of the dojo you are considering joining. To initiate this conversation, we recommend reaching out to the instructor through the maps available on our website. Simply select your preferred dojo, and you will be directed to a contact form where you can pose your inquiry to the instructor. They will provide you with the necessary guidance and information regarding credit for your previous achievements.

Absolutely, our belt grading system holds international recognition and accreditation from the International JKA Headquarters, also known as the Honbu, in Japan. This means that your belt ranks and achievements are not only esteemed within our association but also carry significant value and acknowledgment on a global scale.

If you have a complaint or concern, please reach out to our dedicated support team through the Contact Us section on our website. We take all feedback seriously.

Yes, we are committed to inclusivity. Please inform us of any special needs or accommodations required, and we will work to provide a comfortable and supportive training environment.

Calendar 2024

24
February

Freestate Provincial Championships

Venue: Welkom

24
February

Mpumalanga Provincial Championships

Venue: Secunda

1
March

Sub-Sahara Africa Black Belt Gradings

Shodan to Godan and International "D" Qualifications Examinations

Venue: Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena

2
March

Standardisation Seminar

Training for all registered SA JKA Black Belts (Incorporating Judging and potential National Team members training.)
AGM - All registered Dojo Heads and Senior Board Members

Venue: Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena

9
March

Limpopo Provincial Championships

Venue: Generaal Piet Joubert Skool Polokwane

9
March

Eastern Cape (Gqeberha) Regional Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-grading Course - Grading, and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: Gqeberha

9
March

Northern KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Championships

Venue: Newcastle

9
March

North West Provincial Championships

Venue: TBA

9
March

Western Cape Provincial Championships

Venue: Cape Town

15 & 16
March

Gauteng Provincial Championships

Venue: Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena

6
April

Eastern Cape (Border) Provincial Championships

Venue: East London

13
April

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Championships

Venue: Thomas Moore School, Hillcrest

18-21
April

JKA HQ Spring Gasshuku

Venue: Okinawa, Japan

17 & 18
May

SA JKA National Championships

Selection of SA JKA National Team up to 17 years old

Venue: Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena

1
June

SA JKA National Team Selection

Trial 19 years and older

Venue: TBA

20
July

Okuma Sensei Training and Grading

Venue: Cape Town

24 & 25
July

Okuma Sensei Training and Grading

Venue: Johannesburg

7
September

Eastern Cape (Border) Regional Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-grading Course - Grading, and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: East London

14
September

Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal Regional Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-grading Course - Grading, and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: Newcastle

28
September

Kwa-Zulu Natal Regional Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-grading Course - Grading, and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: TBA

5
October

Sub-Sahara Africa Black Belt Gradings

Shodan to Godan and International "D" Qualifications Examinations

Venue: Wanderers

12
October

Freestate Provincial Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-Grading Course, Grading and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: TBA

18 - 21
October

JKA / WF Autumn Gasshuku

Venue: Tokyo Japan

25 - 27
October

Gichin Funakoshi Cup

Venue: Takasaki Arena

2
November

North West Provincial Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-grading Course - Grading, and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: TBA

9
November

Northern Cape Provincial Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-grading Course - Grading, and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: Kimberly

16
November

Western Cape Provincial Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-grading Course - Grading, and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: Cape Town

22 - 24
November

Sub-Sahara Africa Gasshuku

Incorporating standardisation training for Dojo Heads and Senior Board, general training and Dan gradings (Blue to black belts 18 years and older).

Venue: KZN

30
November

Limpopo Provincial Black Belt Gradings

Black Belt Pre-grading Course - Grading, and International Qualification for DDD

Venue: TBA

Shihankai

Johan la Grange

Chief Instructor - 7th Dan

Johan Roets

President - 8th Dan

Bruce Smith

Vice President - 7th Dan

Bradley Korras

International Affairs Director
7th Dan

Charles Beckenstrater

Chairman
7th Dan

Chris Seabelo

Development Transformation Director
6th Dan

Daniel Gombe

Sub-Sahara Africa Director
6th Dan

Warren Bainton

Warren Bainton

Events and Tournament Director
6th Dan

Wendy Wannenburg

Operational Director
6th Dan

Development Transformation Board

Chris Seabelo

6th Dan

Daniel Gombe

6th Dan

Edward Mtshali

7th Dan

Johan la Grange

7th Dan

Paul Hlobo

Wendy Wannenburg

6th Dan

News

Two More 7th Dans for SA JKA

7th Dans 01
Sensei Chris Seabelo, Sensei Daniel Gombe and Sensei Mark Strydom at OR Tambo International Airport
0807SAJKA Sensei Mark and Sensei Chris 7thDan Congratulations

There was pomp and fanfare at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg this Tuesday as the South African Japan Karate Association (SAJKA) welcomed two of its senior members Sensei Chris Seabelo and Sensei Mark Strydom who successfully graded to seventh Dan in Japan.

Senseis Seabelo and Strydom join 10 other senior members of the SAJKA to have attained the prestigious rank of 7th Dan, who are still active.

The 10 are Senseis Johan la Grange, Bruce Smith, Mike Lester, Norman West, Edward Mtshali, Ian Le Roux, Charles Beckenstrater, Bradley Korras (all 7th Dan) and eighth Dans Johan Roets and Robert Ferriere.

South Africa is one of a few Japan Karate Association (JKA) member countries to boast such a big contingent of members that are seventh Dan and above.

The latest additions to this contingent, Senseis Seabelo and Strydom are testimony of the huge strides that the association, led by Sensei la Grange, has made in its 60 years of existence.

Speaking soon after receiving the two senseis,  SAJKA senior board member, Sensei Daniel Gombe (6th Dan), congratulated Senseis Seabelo and Strydom for their achievement.

“It’s a remarkable achievement. In the whole world, they (7th dans) are not that many. This is something you get through years of dedication”, said Sensei Gombe, who is also the JKA Director for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sensei Gombe urged the two senseis to continue inspiring other members of SAJKA.

Sensei Ezekiel Seabelo (2nd Dan) also congratulated the two senseis and, on behalf of his family, thanked SAJKA for supporting his brother Chris.

SAJKA is one of the biggest member associations of the JKA, who are the most subscribed Shotokan karate association in the world.

JKA belt ranks go up to 10th Dan (10th degree black belt) with 7th Dan being the last level where candidates undergo examinations before a panel of highly qualified international instructors.

Grades above 7th Dan are only bestowed on members who have offered years of dedicated service to the art.

There are only a handful of karateka graded above 8th Dan, with two of them being SAJKA members.

ISSUED BY SA JKA

Seven new rokudans. Well done (L to R) – Gareth Crowe Sensei, Bernard Raubenheimer Sensei, Warren Bainton Sensei, Riaan La Grange Sensei, Konrad Steyn Sensei, Pano Wills Sensei, Gordon Stevens Sensei. Oss!!

0677SAJKA Sensei Johan 7th Dan congratulatory post 01
Sub Sahara Africa Grading PlaceHolder 04

Past Events