South African History and Executive

In 1993, a group of former Funakoshi (SA) karateka, led by then Shihan Claude Johnson, identified the need to associate with a unique style of karate, steeped in tradition, but not yet established in South Africa. For this reason Shihan Claude led a delegation that visited the USA to find a relevant organisation that would be fit these principles and values.

After many meetings, training sessions and travels, this visit led to the creation of Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan South Africa on 15 January 1994.

Today, Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate and Kobudo South Africa has been established as one of the foremost karate styles in South Africa and is represented in a number of regions across the country currently.

Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate South Africa practices Kobayashi-Ryu as taught by our late Grandmaster, Shugoro Nakazato and who’s son, Manoro has since taken over the title. As a national organization we are affiliated to the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan via Kyoshi Pat Haley

 

Currently the NATIONAL EXECUTIVE body is comprised by Claude Johnson (President), Riaan Coetzee (Vice President), Tom Hayes, Steve Johnson, Karl von der Marwitz, Anton van den Heever, Joep Joubert (Tournament director) and Erica Maritz (Secretary).