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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.

Find a Dojo Near You

    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.

    Guardian.Logo . with safer together trans

    The safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults is of primary importance.  SA JKA are constantly working to improve the training environment and our SA JKA members experience. It is also a requirement of SASCOC and the law that sporting bodies take appropriate steps to safeguard minors and vulnerable adults. As part of its commitment to this, SA JKA Dojo Heads have undergone safeguarding courses and training and are registered as such. If there are any problems pertaining to a member’s well-being and safety, they can be reported to the Dojo’s appointed Safeguarding officer (with certified Safeguarding Awareness or Designated Safety Officer status).

    Any complaint may also be reported confidentially to SA JKA’s Designated Safety Officer, being Izel Baker at honbu@karate.co.za.

    Calendar 2026

    17 Nov
    Seminar

    Seminar: Shihan Keith Geyer & Sensei Jess Burns (née Geyer)

    📅 November 17, 2026 – November 18, 2026 📍 Honbu Dojo, Wanderers 🥋 Shihan Keith Geyer (8th Dan), Sensei Jess Burns (née Geyer) (6th Dan)
    Seminar with Shihan Keith Geyer (8th Dan) and Sensei Jess Burns (6th Dan), Japan Karate Association. R400pp per class, max 60 per class. Honbu…
    Register Now
    20 Nov
    Grading
    Training

    Sub-Sahara Africa Gasshuku

    📅 November 20, 2026 – November 22, 2026 📍 KZN
    Standardisation training for dojo heads and the senior board, general training, and Dan gradings (blue to black, 18 and over).
    Register Now
    13 Feb
    Tournament

    Eastern Cape (Border) Provincial Championships

    📅 February 13, 2027 📍 TBA
    Provincial karate championships for Eastern Cape (Border).
    19 Feb
    Grading

    Sub-Sahara Africa Grading & International ‘D’ Qualification Examinations

    📅 February 19, 2027 📍 Johannesburg
    Shodan to Godan grading examinations and International ‘D’ qualification examinations.
    20 Feb
    Seminar
    Other

    Standardisation Seminar & AGM

    📅 February 20, 2027 📍 Johannesburg
    Standardisation seminar, with an AGM for all registered dojo heads and senior board members.
    27 Feb
    Tournament

    Northern KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Championships

    📅 February 27, 2027 📍 St. Dominic’s School Sports Hall, Newcastle
    Provincial karate championships for Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
    27 Feb
    Tournament

    North-West (East) Provincial Championships

    📅 February 27, 2027 📍 Vryburg
    Provincial karate championships for North-West (East).
    06 Mar
    Training
    Grading

    Eastern Cape (Gqeberha) Regional Trials, Training & Dan Grading

    📅 March 6, 2027 📍 Walmer MPC Sports Centre
    Regional trials, training, Dan grading and International qualification for DDD.
    06 Mar
    Tournament

    Free State Provincial Championships

    📅 March 6, 2027 📍 Welkom
    Provincial karate championships for the Free State.
    06 Mar
    Tournament

    Limpopo Provincial Championships

    Provincial karate championships for Limpopo.
    06 Mar
    Tournament

    Mpumalanga Provincial Championships

    Provincial karate championships for Mpumalanga.
    06 Mar
    Tournament

    North-West (West) Provincial Championships

    📅 March 6, 2027 📍 Lehurutshe
    Provincial karate championships for North-West (West).
    06 Mar
    Tournament

    Western Cape Provincial Championships

    Provincial karate championships for the Western Cape.
    07 Mar
    Tournament

    KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Championships

    📅 March 7, 2027 📍 Thomas More Ikhwezi Sports Centre
    Provincial karate championships for KwaZulu-Natal.
    12 Mar
    Tournament

    Gauteng Provincial Championships

    📅 March 12, 2027 – March 13, 2027 📍 Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena, Johannesburg
    Provincial karate championships for Gauteng.
    01 Apr
    Training

    JKA HQ Spring Gasshuku

    📅 April 1, 2027 🕒 Date to be confirmed (April 2027) 📍 Tokyo, Japan
    Spring training camp hosted by JKA headquarters.
    07 May
    Tournament

    SA JKA National Championships

    📅 May 7, 2027 – May 8, 2027 📍 Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena, Johannesburg
    National championships, including selection of the SA JKA National Team (up to 18 years old) and Veterans for the Funakoshi Gichin Cup. Trials for…
    07 Aug
    Tournament

    Karate Syndicate Championships

    📅 August 7, 2027 📍 Johannesburg
    Karate Syndicate championships.
    28 Aug
    Grading
    Training

    Eastern Cape (Border) Regional Black Belt Gradings

    📅 August 28, 2027 📍 East London
    Black belt pre-grading course, grading and International qualification for DDD.
    11 Sep
    Grading
    Training

    Northern KwaZulu-Natal Regional Black Belt Gradings

    📅 September 11, 2027 📍 Newcastle
    Black belt pre-grading course, grading and International qualification for DDD.
    18 Sep
    Grading
    Training

    KwaZulu-Natal Regional Black Belt Gradings

    📅 September 18, 2027 📍 TBA
    Black belt pre-grading course, grading and International qualification for DDD.
    24 Sep
    Tournament

    SA JKA Open Championships (Weight Divisions)

    📅 September 24, 2027 – September 25, 2027 📍 Johannesburg
    Open championships in weight divisions. Dates tentative.
    02 Oct
    Training
    Grading

    Sub-Sahara Africa Pre-Grading Training, Grading & International ‘D’ Qualification Examinations

    📅 October 2, 2027 📍 Wanderers
    Pre-grading training (all), grading (Shodan and Nidan, 17 years and younger) and International ‘D’ qualification examinations.
    09 Oct
    Grading
    Training

    Free State Provincial Black Belt Gradings

    📅 October 9, 2027 📍 TBA
    Black belt pre-grading course, grading and International qualification for DDD.
    16 Oct
    Training

    JKA / WF Autumn Gasshuku

    📅 October 16, 2027 – October 19, 2027 📍 Tokyo, Japan
    Autumn training camp hosted by the JKA and World Federation.
    22 Oct
    Tournament

    Funakoshi Gichin Cup (JKA World Championships)

    📅 October 22, 2027 – October 24, 2027 📍 Takasaki Arena, Japan
    JKA World Championships.
    06 Nov
    Grading
    Training

    North-West Provincial Black Belt Gradings

    📅 November 6, 2027 📍 Vryburg
    Black belt pre-grading course, grading and International qualification for DDD.
    13 Nov
    Grading
    Training

    Western Cape Provincial Black Belt Gradings

    📅 November 13, 2027 📍 Cape Town
    Black belt pre-grading course, grading and International qualification for DDD.
    26 Nov
    Training
    Grading

    Sub-Sahara Africa Gasshuku

    📅 November 26, 2027 – November 28, 2027 📍 KZN
    Incorporating standardisation training for dojo heads and the senior board, general training and Dan gradings (blue to black belts, 18 years and older).
    04 Dec
    Grading
    Training

    Limpopo Provincial Black Belt Gradings

    📅 December 4, 2027 📍 TBA
    Black belt pre-grading course, grading and International qualification for DDD.

    Shihankai

    Johan la Grange

    Chief Instructor - 7th Dan

    Bruce Smith

    President - 7th Dan

    Bradley Korras

    International Affairs Director
    7th Dan

    Charles Beckenstrater

    Chairman
    7th Dan

    Chris Seabelo

    Development Transformation Director
    7th Dan

    Daniel Gombe

    Sub-Sahara Africa Director
    7th Dan

    Warren Bainton

    Warren Bainton

    Events and Tournament Director
    6th Dan

    Wendy Wannenburg

    Operational Director
    7th Dan

    Development Transformation Board

    Chris Seabelo

    7th Dan

    Daniel Gombe

    7th Dan

    Johan la Grange

    7th Dan

    Paul Hlobo

    Wendy Wannenburg

    7th Dan

    News

    8923SAJKA Sensei Bruce President Announcement 04

    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