About

Border Goju-Kai is part of the South Africa Karate-do Goju-Kai Association. Our Hombu dojo (Head Office) is in Cape Town and we are affiliated to the International Karate-do Goju-Kai Association (IKGA). Border Goju-kai currently comprises the following areas:

  • Alice
  • East London
  • Elliot
  • Mdantsane
  • Queenstown

Karate literally means empty hand. It is a weaponless or unarmed martial art and self-defence system that developed and formalised in Okinawa in the 17th century. There are various different styles of martial arts and of karate itself. “Go” means hard and “Ju” means soft. Goju karate is therefore a style that combines a variant of hard and soft aspects in its teachings and techniques.

The late Gogen Yamaguchi, a descendant of the Samurai, was the founder and father of our specific style Goju-Kai. His son, Goshi Yamaguchi, is currently the president of the International Karate-do Goju-Kai Association (IKGA).

 

Classes

Our classes are typically an hour long and most dojos offer two classes per week. The classes start with a formal bowing procedure which will be explained in detail by the instructor. After a comprehensive full body warm-up the class commences. Classes incorporate a variety or training including kihon (basic movement combinations), kumite (pre-arranged partner work and free sparring), kata (choreographed movement patterns / forms, bunkai (application of kata), self defence techniques and supplementary training exercises. Classes end with a formal line-up and bowing procedure.

Who can train

Students of all race, gender and age groups are welcome. However we typically only accept students from the age of 6 when they are able to cope with the demands of a class in terms of concentration, understanding and endurance. There are certain dojos that accommodate younger students.

Instructors

Each dojo has a head instructor and assistants (other black belts) who help to train students during classes. There are various instructor titles, but they are generally referred to as Shihan (master), Sensei (teacher) or Sempai (assistant instructor).

Grades

Classes are typically divided into a junior and senior class based on grade. Grades descend down in numbers from 10th Kyu (white belt) until it reaches 1st Kyu, the highest level of brown Belt. Once you obtain your black belt (1st Dan), further qualification follows ascending to 10th Dan. Each grade has certain requirements in terms of syllabus knowledge and technical expertise with minimum training periods and age requirements applying at a higher level.