Welcome to Tenshinkan Karate South Africa
Where tradition meets excellence, and where martial arts are more than just a practice, they are a way of life
For decades, Tenshinkan Karate South Africa has been committed to promoting the timeless values of respect, discipline, focus, and integrity, while fostering a supportive community for practitioners of all ages. Rooted in the teachings of Kancho Mamoru Miwa, World Chief Instructor and 10th Dan, Tenshinkan Karate is a unique and comprehensive martial art that integrates traditional techniques with modern principles.
Our schools across South Africa aim to uphold this legacy, providing students with a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow as individuals and martial artists. Tenshinkan Karate is about more than kicks and punches; it is a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Through training, students learn to build confidence, manage emotions, and face challenges with resilience and perseverance.
*Event Reminder 2026*
Tenshinkan Karate
Referee Training
- Brakpan Dojo
- Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk - Brakpan-Wes
- 1 Paul Kruger St, Dalview, Brakpan, 1541, South Africa
- 13 June 2026
- 09:00
Dear Tenshinkan Karate Members,
We are pleased to announce an upcoming Karate Referee Training Seminar designed to strengthen knowledge, sharpen officiating skills, and uphold the standards of Tenshinkan Karate.
Details
Focus: Rules, judging, and referee protocols
Audience: All karateka interested in becoming certified referees or improving their officiating skills
Outcome: Enhance understanding of competition regulations and ensure fair, professional tournaments
This training is an excellent opportunity for personal growth, leadership development, and contributing to the success of our federation events.
We encourage all members who are passionate about karate and its traditions to join us in this important step forward.
Kind regards, Tenshinkan Karate Federation South Africa
South Africa Chief Instructor & World Liaisons Officer Hanshi Attie Coetzer, 9th Dan
Can't Wait To See You All There
Dont be late
Follow Link For More Info
No Enrollment At Venue
Tenshinkan Karate
Announcement
Today is a very sad day
for our karate
community as we mourn
the passing of James
Vermaak a true friend, a
respected karateka, and
an inspiration to
generations of students.
Tenshinkan Karate
Congratulations
Shihan - Dai Leon Gagiano
Receiving Your Shihan - Dai 5th Dan Rank Title
Congratulations Shihan‑Dai Leon Gagiano!
Tenshinkan Karate Federation, extend our heartfelt congratulations on achieving your Shihan‑Dai 5th Dan rank title.
Your dedication, discipline, and commitment to the way of karate inspire us all. This milestone reflects not only your skill but also your perseverance and spirit in upholding the values of Tenshinkan.
On behalf of the Federation, our teams, and myself as South African Chief Instructor & World Liaisons Officer, Hanshi Attie Coetzer (9th Dan), we proudly honor your accomplishment and look forward to the continued growth and excellence you bring to our karate family.
Yours in Karate, Hanshi Attie Coetzer, 9th Dan Tenshinkan Karate Federation Teams
Follow Link For More Photos
Tenshinkan Karate
Examinations
- Brakpan Dojo
- Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk - Brakpan-Wes
- 1 Paul Kruger St, Dalview, Brakpan, 1541, South Africa
- 20 June 2026
- 08:00
Dear Tenshinkan Karate Students
Tenshinkan Karate Examinations
Are here, and we cannot wait to see each of you step forward with spirit, discipline, and determination. This is your moment to shine train hard, stay focused, and show the growth you’ve achieved.
Good Luck to All Karate Students
Yours in karate, Tenshinkan Karate Team
South Africa Chief Instructor & World Liaisons Officer Hanshi Attie Coetzer, 9th Dan
Can't Wait To See You All There
Dont be late
Follow Link For More Info
No Enrollment At Venue
Sarmaf
Sa National Championships
White Belts - Black Belt
- 13 Harry smith Street Sasolburg Indoor Sport Center
- 27 June 2026
- 07:00 - 08:30 Registration
- 09:00 Championships
Spectators Entrance Fees To Be Payed At
Venue
Dont be late
Follow Link For More Info
No Enrollment At Venue
From our youngest beginners to our most advanced black belts, we strive to instill the values that define the Tenshinkan spirit. We take pride in our role as a beacon for karate in South Africa, hosting and participating in prestigious tournaments, championships, and demonstrations that showcase the skill, dedication, and sportsmanship of our karateka.
Beyond competition, our mission is to inspire future generations, empowering students to lead with humility, courage, and strength—both on and off the mat.
Whether you are new to karate or a seasoned practitioner, you are welcome to join our Tenshinkan family. Together, we honor the traditions of our art, strive for excellence, and build a future where karate continues to inspire and unite people across South Africa and beyond.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
We look forward to sharing the mat with you and working together to achieve greatness.
Yours in karate -
The Tenshinkan Karate South Africa Team
Tenshinkan Karate is a unique style -
three different systems into ONE
Aikido, Ju-Jitsu (Goshin Jitsu) and Karate
At the death of Gichin Funakoshi Sensei in 1957 Mamoru Miwa was only 18 years old. He then fell under the ranks of Chidoka Sensei (Chidokan) with Takeshi Sasaki.
Takeshi Sasaki Sensei was the top Chidokan instructor at that time. Mamoru Miwa practised Chidokan with Takeshi Sasaki Sensei until 1965. Whilst with Chidokan, Mamoru Miwa won many Regional, Prefectural and National Championship titles in Kumite and Kata.
Upon obtaining his 7th Dan Mamoru Miwa decided to part ways with Takeshi Sasaki Sensei and believed that he had a moral duty to implement the original way of Funakoshi Sensei’s system of training which incorporated Tai Sabaki, Ju-Jitsu and Kobujitsu. Mamoru Miwa was also open for development and he also implemented improvements in the Art which he researched intensively and, if he found the technique or method superior in a workshop, he would implement it.
Academically, Mamoru Miwa holds a degree in Business Administration obtained at the University of Japan.
In September 1965, Mamoru Miwa established the Tenshinkan Karate Federation.
He incorporated Aikido and Jui-Jitsu techniques (Goshin Jitsu) and Kobudo (weapons) as part of the Tenshinkan Karate system, therefore forming a complete Martial Art. His Tenshinkan Karate concepts are unique since they are based on Tai Sabaki and Ashi Sabaki (avoidance).
Tenshinkan Karate is a Japanese style with headquarters in Japan.
