Southern Cape Goju Ryu
Since 1981, the spirit of Okinawan Goju Ryu has lived in the Southern Cape.
Guided by Sensei Jannie le Grange, pioneer of traditional Goju-Ryu Karate in the region, the George Dojo was shaped by unwavering dedication to authentic Okinawan lineages. What began as a single dojo evolved into a cornerstone of traditional karate, laying the foundation for both Okiwanan Goju-Ryu & Ryukyu Kobudo clubs across the Southern and Eastern Cape under his technical guidance and leadership.
Today, the George Dojo stands as the Honbu Dojo of the Southern Cape, affiliated with the South African Goju Ryu Kyokai, Shibu of the Kattan Sensei’s, and directly linked to Okinawa, Japan. Supported by Sensei Betsie le Grange, Sensei Rochèr le Grange, and senior instructors of the OGKK, the dojo continues its mission:
to preserve, practice, and pass on traditional Goju-Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo—
as it was meant to be taught.
Okinawan graded. Traditionally rooted. George Shibu Dojo since 1981.
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History
During the summer of 1981 Jannie le Grange and his wife, Betsie and two year old son Rochèr, moved to George from Cape Town .He then held an Nidan grading and was an active member of the South Africa Goju Ryu Karate Association. Two years later he took over the local Karate do club, that was founded by sensei Rob Wiese during the 70’s, and directed the school in a more traditional path with affiliation to Okinawa Japan. As pioneer of Tradition Goju Ryu Karate more Goju Ryu Clubs were opened in the area under his technical guidance and leadership. Students and instructors that assisted him in the great task of founding Goju Ryu clubs were sensei Pierre Coetzee ~ Oudtshoorn, sensei Fanie Dippenaar ~ Knysna, sensei Henry Deal and Nick Gelderbloem ~ Pacaltsdorp, sensei Gert Burger ~ Hartenbos and sensei Andre van Vuuren ~ Mosselbay.
Hall Of Fame
in 2004 Jannie Sensei was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame by the the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport for his unwavering dedication and invaluable contribution to Martial Arts in South Africa.
Sport Legend
In 2008 Jannie Sensei was awarded the prestigious ~Sport Legend~ award in recognition of the unselfish contribution to not only shaping Martial Arts but also the development and growth thereof.
Kyu grades expire if a member trains less than 5 times during 6 months. Not training for 2 years reverts a member back to white belt.
Dan grades do not expire, but members not training for 2 years are required to wear a white belt until invited to wear a black again by the OGKK