Dear SA Team Members and Supporters,

 

For all who returned from Japan, this tour was not only about competition but also about recognising the magnitude and enormity of our organisation. Goju Kai spans across 5 continents, uniting thousands of karateka under one family.

 

At the centre of this global network, we in South Africa hold a very special place: Hanshi Peter Brandon, our leader, is the Vice President of the International Karate-do Goju Kai Association and the President of Africa.

 

This presence was felt strongly in Japan — both during the competition, where the South African team stood proudly amongst 1,600 competitors from 37 countries, and especially at the Sayonara Party, where the entire world came together as one family to celebrate the rich history and legacy of our style.

 

One of the most powerful moments was the short video of Grandmaster Goshi Yamaguchi and his father, the founder, Gogen Yamaguchi. It showed the founder’s old training, including the sacred waterfall training, alongside Saiko Shihan carrying forward this tradition in modern practice. This hard-hitting video touched the hearts of everyone present, reminding us of the depth of our roots and the enduring spirit of Goju Kai.

 

At the Sayonara Party and throughout the tournament, another deeply moving moment was the pledge of loyalty and unity made by all Vice Presidents of IKGA worldwide. Together, they reaffirmed their bond of loyalty, their unity across continents, and their shared commitment to carrying our organisation forward for future generations.

 

South Africa was also held in very high esteem by Saiko Shihan throughout the tournament. This was demonstrated in several ways that were extraordinary:

The most spiritual kata of Goju Kai, Sanchin, traditionally led by Saiko Shihan’s son or a senior Japanese Hanshi, was entrusted to Frank Brandon Shihan of South Africa.

 

This was a deeply significant moment, as Sanchin is the kata closest to the heart of both the founder, Gogen Yamaguchi, and his teacher, Chojun Miyagi.

 

The pledge of the Goju Kai Oath to the world — normally delivered by a senior Japanese master, especially when the championships are held in Japan — was entrusted to Hanshi Peter Brandon, President of Goju Kai Africa.

 

These two honours were unprecedented, and together they showed how highly South Africa is regarded at the headquarters of Goju Kai worldwide.

 

In addition, our Chairman, Stanley Khoza Shihan, accompanied the South African delegation to Japan and was warmly received by Saiko Shihan, recognised as one of the dignitaries of the tournament, and was seated alongside our President Saiko Shihan and the Vice Presidents during the competition and at the Sayonara Party.

 

Goju Kai is one of the only remaining styles directly linked to the oldest and most famous Japanese karate lineage of the Yamaguchi family, whose headquarters are in Japan.

 

Students are given the opportunity to travel to Japan and Europe for cultural exchanges, where they meet new friends and train with top karate practitioners. Every year, cultural tours to Japan allow students to grade and learn directly under world-renowned instructors.

 

Every 4 years, Goju Kai International hosts the World Championships, rotating between 5 continents. This ensures that the spirit of Goju Kai is shared across the globe, and that every generation of karateka has the chance to experience this pinnacle event on different stages of the world.

 

From 7–12 August 2025, the 8th Karate-do Goju Kai World Championships brought together competitors from across the globe to the very birthplace of karate, Japan. Congratulations to all of our South African team members who represented us with pride, strength, and dedication.

 

Behind every competitor stands a family. Our parents and supporters were instrumental in bringing our team together as one — a family of people from diverse regions and cultures across South Africa. This unity has always been what makes SA Goju Kai so special.

 

The success of this tour was made possible through the tireless efforts of many.

 

Our events team, led by Frank Brandon Shihan and Craig Kansley Shihan, worked for 18 months on the mammoth task of coordinating logistics.

 

Our secretary, Kaylene van Dyk, a dedicated member of our family for more than 25 years, managed the immense flow of information and communication with the team.

 

Diane Kemp, who has been part of the organising committee since 2002, once again gave invaluable advisory and logistical support.

 

A special thank you to:

Our coaches Frank Brandon Shihan, Craig Kansley Shihan, Clayton Thom Shihan, Sean Ahmed Shihan and Louie Kritzinger Shihan.

 

Our manager Francious Du Plessis Shihan.

 

To Russell Sim Shihan, South Africa’s Chief Referee, that was appointed to serve on the Referee’s Council as Vice Chief Referee and to our referee’s and volunteers who devoted themselves fully to the success of this tournament.

 

Many of them have given more than 30 years of their lives to Goju Kai, quietly and consistently building the foundation for future generations.

 

Their loyalty and service are what make events like these possible.

 

Special mention must also go to our provincial heads, who have each worked tirelessly in their own provinces to nurture dojos, guide students, and prepare competitors.

 

Many of them have been with Goju Kai since their youth, and their lifelong commitment is both rare and deeply special.A special thank you to Anthony Palumbo Sensei, who worked alongside a Japanese company to negotiate and secure all local transportation and accommodation over the past year.

 

This tour would have been impossible to realise without his help in overcoming the language barrier.

 

Many thanks also to our team doctor, Gideon Titus Sensei, who made himself available to care for our team and did an outstanding job.

 

To our competitors: this was a defining stage in your karate journey. Well done on your commitment, training, participation, and results on the world stage.

 

To families and friends: your encouragement was heartfelt, and it gave our team the confidence and strength to succeed.

 

Every journey we take together is unique. Each tournament, each exchange, each encounter — they all bring something new and unforgettable into our lives.

 

In Japan, there is a proverb: Ichigo Ichie — “one time, one meeting.” It reminds us that every experience is precious and will never happen in exactly the same way again. This tour to Japan was one such moment in time, a memory to be treasured forever.We look forward to the many journeys ahead for our ever-growing Goju Kai family. May we continue to train hard, support one another, and embrace each unique encounter on and off the dojo floor.

 

With best wishes for the year ahead,

On behalf of

The South African Karate-Do Goju Kai Association