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!
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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:
- Affiliated Dojos: Many of our affiliated dojos offer uniforms for purchase on-site.
- 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.
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 2025
1 Mar
Training for All Registered SA JKA and Sub-Sahara Africa Brown & Black Belts AGM - All Registered Dojo Heads & Senior Board Members
Venue: Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena
8 Mar
Eastern Cape (Gqeberha) regional black belt grading's, black belt pre-grading course - grading, & international qualification for DDD
Venue: Gqeberha
8 Mar
Venue: Stellenbosch University Tygerberg Campus Sports Hall
20 May
20th to 22nd May 2025
Venue: Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena
23 May
- 24 May
Venue: Ellis Park Indoor Events Arena
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
6th Dan
Daniel Gombe
Sub-Sahara Africa Director
6th Dan
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
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!!
