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Karate is becoming increasingly popular among young people in South Africa. This phenomenon has led to the opening of new dojos in areas such as Fourways and Cosmo City. According to Leon Greyling of the International Japan Karatedo Association South Africa (IJKA SA),...

I have been doing karate for 55 years. For many people/students karate is a sport, a frustration breaker, a getaway to blow off steam, some for the discipline and many other reasons. WHO CAN DO KARATE? Karate can be done by anybody - children, women, men, of all ages....

The Fourways area has exploded in recent years with lovers of karate joining established and newly opened dojos. In the words of Sadashige Kato, founder of the International Japan Karate-do Association, 'To train in karate is to create and be part of an ideal society...

The launch of the new website for IJKA SA is a huge step for our style. IJKA SA is relatively new in South Africa and Africa - we have only been going since 2021 and we have already made huge steps in the karate world. The website shows what we stand for, and with...

By Christelle Fourie (5th Dan Godan) I started my karate career when I was sixteen years old. A friend wanted to start karate classes an I have always been intrigued by the martial arts, so I decided to join Middelburg IJKA Karate Centre. Fortunately, my parents...

By Chitani Ian Zimba (1st Dan) "No matter how long the road to your goals/dreams.....never give up!!! It will all be worth it in the end." April 2002 I started my first karate class, and I since then I swore I will never stop training as long as I live. At first the...

By Nikara Soorju (16 years, Black belt) Karate for me has been an interesting journey. To take up karate is unlike any sport, it’s a lifestyle. You learn to balance your mind with your body. It involves dedication, discipline and determination. Something that I...

1. What is IJKA and how does it differ to other forms of martial arts? The International Japan Karate-Do Association (IJKA) is a Japanese martial art with its Headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. IJKA karate is based on the ancient Japanese tradition of bushido (the way...

Karate, an art with a rich history, is much more than physical combat; it’s a journey of self-discovery and discipline. Originating from Okinawa, Japan, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, emphasising not only physical strength but mental and spiritual fortitude....

By Elri Bester (1st Dan) My karate journey started when I was 8 years old. At first it was just a sport I did twice a week, but now it's a part of my life. "You had to learn how to protect yourself", was my father's words when I began karate at Middelburg IJKA karate...

By Tshepo Motsoeneng, IJKA National Coach I started karate when I was 15 years old. I am now forty and it is still going strong. I didn’t fully understand what it was it really about at first. I thought it was all about learning how to fight and I thought I was going...

(by Bernard Buys, 6th Dan, Chief Instructor) Let’s talk about the JOURNEY to becoming a Black Belt or shodan (1stDan) as it is also more commonly known. It is perhaps important to explain the PROCESS in a little bit more detail, in order for you to have a better...