SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY
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 organization that would 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, Minoru has since taken over the title. As a national organization, we are affiliated to the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan via Kyoshi Pat Haley
The NATIONAL EXECUTIVE body is:
Claude Johnson (President)
Riaan Coetzee (Vice President)
Tom Hayes
Karl von der Marwitz
Steve Johnson
Anton van den Heever
Joep Joubert (Tournament director)
Erica Maritz (Secretary)