05/02/2021
The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or in defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” Those are the words of Gichin Funakoshi, the great grandmaster of karate-do and recognized founder of pre-MMA.
It is with these words from the great Master himself that I present to South Africa and the World. Through its first affiliate, Enoeda Karate Club, SKA of South Africa drives the mission of continuing the vision of the original Master of Shotokan: creating complete people with values and principles.
A special thanks to my mentor and instructor, Sensei Mncedisi Masangwana, who introduced me to the various instructors that have collectively carved the quality of man and martial artist that I am.
Sensei Mncedisi Masangwana was an exceptional student of the great Shihan Edward Mtshali, who, in turn, was the late, great Shihan Stan Schmidt.
Shihan Stan Schmidt, played a pivotal role in introducing Shotokan to South Africa when he established the South African branch of the JKA. The results of his exceptional wisdom and experience are evident in his students who have gone on to achieve great things.
Shihan Michael Cindi guided me through the Shotokan syllabus after I met him when he was a Springbok. I obtained my 4th Dan under his tough instruction. For that I am immensely grateful.
Shotokan Karate Association of South Africa is conceived with the combined wisdom and experience of great instructors.
Styles I have trained:
*Judo Kwai Judo under the late Sensei Wellington Qolohle back in 1972. Obtained Blue Belt.
*Samurai Shukokai under Shihan Chris Thompson, who in turn was under the instruction of Shigeri Kimura. Obtained Purple Belt.
*Shotokounthigh under Sensei Mncedisi Masangwana, who was under instruction from Shihan George Karavidas. Obtained 3rd Q Brown Belt.
*Funakoshi under the great then Sensei Tommy Mene who was under the instruction of Shihan Claude Johnson. Obtained 2nd Dan Black Belt.
*Shotokan under Sensei Lhelhe Mashiyane who was a great student of Sensei Sonny Pillay in the 80s. Sensei Sonny Pillay was under instruction from Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa. Obtained 2nd Dan Black Belt.
*Shotokan under Shihan Michael Cindi and obtained 4th Dan Black Belt in front of the Shotokan Academy Panel.
All these styles have influenced my perception and approach to Shotokan. In line with the great Founder of Shotokan himself, I am continually expanding my knowledge and growing Shotokan as a dominant Karate style.
The Shotokan syllabus SKA's Enoeda Karate Club, in Uitenhage, offers is a fine tuned and tweaked version of the original Shotokan Master Funakoshi created from Shorin-ryu and Shorei-ryu. It has been influenced by a range of factors including various styles, circumstances and revelations. I
