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 Trophy Awards
Important Reminder
Karate Awards Trophy Orders
Important:
All orders must be submitted before Friday, 30 October 2026 with full payment.
No payment, no trophy.
Late replies will not be accepted.
TENSHINKAN KARATE TROPHY AWARDS 2026
Important Reminder: Trophy Orders
Dear Students and Parents,
I trust that you are all well.
This letter serves as an important reminder regarding trophy orders for the upcoming Tenshinkan Karate Awards Ceremony 2026.
To ensure that all trophies are ordered and prepared correctly, all students who wish to receive a trophy must submit their trophy order before Friday, 30 October 2026, together with full payment.
Important Information
✅ Trophy orders close on Friday, 30 October 2026
✅ Complete the official online trophy order form before the closing date
✅ Karate Students only may order trophies
✅ Full payment must accompany the order
✅ No payment, no trophy
✅ Late orders and late payments will not be accepted
✅ Final orders will be submitted to the supplier immediately after the closing date
✅Hanshi Attie Coetzer and Shihan Chester Coetzer Students Only
Please note that we are unable to accommodate any late submissions, as trophies must be ordered and personalized in advance. We therefore encourage all students and parents not to leave their orders until the last minute to avoid disappointment.
Your cooperation will help us ensure a smooth and successful awards preparation process as we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our students throughout the year.
Should you have any questions regarding the trophy ordering process, please contact your instructor before the closing date.
Thank you for your continued support of Tenshinkan Karate South Africa. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of all our students at this special Awards Ceremony.
Kind Regards,
Tenshinkan Karate South Africa
IMPORTANT
ALL TROPHY ORDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE FRIDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2026 WITH FULL PAYMENT.
NO PAYMENT, NO TROPHY.
LATE REPLIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Link Will Be Send Out On
Tenshinkan Karate
Whatsapp Group Please follow the link
Payment Reference:
When Making Payment, Please Use The Student’s Name, Surname, Karate School/Dojo, And Award Category As Your Payment Reference.
Tenshinkan Karate Trophy Awards
Online Orders 2026
The Price Includes One Trophy, A Badge, And A Certificate.
Important:
All orders must be submitted before Friday, 30 October 2026 with full payment.
No payment, no trophy.
Late replies will not be accepted.
Dear Parents
Tenshinkan Karate Trophy Awards Online Orders 2026
We are pleased to announce that Tenshinkan Karate Trophy Award orders for 2026 are now open.
This opportunity applies to all students who have been enrolled with Tenshinkan Karate for longer than three months. Students who are actively training may be selected for one of the following prestigious awards:
- Most Disciplined Student
- Most Improved Student
- Most Diligent Student
- Best Champion Achiever
- Leadership Award
- Karateka of the Year
To be considered for an award and to receive a trophy, parents are requested to complete the Online Attendance Form, which will be sent by Hanshi Attie Coetzer on the Tenshinkan Karate WhatsApp Groups. Full payment must be made, and proof of payment must be uploaded through the online form.
Please note that the instructor will make the final decision regarding award allocations.
Payment and Form Information
A secure online payment gateway is available directly on the online form for your convenience. Parents may use this facility to make payment for trophy orders. The form also includes a section where proof of payment can be uploaded.
When completing the form, please ensure that the following information is provided accurately:
- Student’s full name and surname
- Karate school or dojo where the student trains
- Parent/guardian email address
If you experience any difficulties with the online payment gateway or need to submit proof of payment directly, please contact us immediately.
Important Information
All orders must be submitted with full payment before Friday, 30 October 2026.
No payment, no trophy.
As these trophies are custom-made, they cannot be purchased off the shelf. Late submissions or payments cannot be accepted.
To secure your trophy order, please ensure that the following are submitted before the cut-off date:
- Completed online order form
- Student details
- Full payment
- Correct payment reference
- Proof of payment
Payment Reference
When making payment, please use the following as your payment reference:
Student Name + Surname + Karate School/Dojo + Award Category
For example:
John Smith | Brakpan Dojo | Most Improved Student
The online order link will be distributed on the Tenshinkan Karate WhatsApp Groups. Please follow the link and complete all requirements before the closing date.
(Hanshi Attie Coetzer and Shihan Chester Coetzer Students Only)
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Yours sincerely,
Tenshinkan Karate Team
Link Will Be Send Out On
Tenshinkan Karate
Whatsapp Group Please follow the link
Payment Reference:
When Making Payment, Please Use The Student’s Name, Surname, Karate School/Dojo, And Award Category As Your Payment Reference.
Tenshinkan Karate
North Gauteng Championships
- Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk - Brakpan-Wes
- 1 Paul Kruger St, Dalview, Brakpan, 1541, South Africa
- 7 November 2026
- 08:00
Age groups: 5 and over
Belts: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Pre-Black and Black
Important Information:
No enrollment at the venue.
Pre-Black belts, Black belts, and table workers must arrive by 07:00.
Competitions will be organised by age and belt groups, with categories for Kata, Weapons, and Kumite.
Dont be late
No Enrollment At Venue
Follow Link
Tenshinkan Karate
Examinations
- Brakpan Dojo
- Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk - Brakpan-Wes
- 1 Paul Kruger St, Dalview, Brakpan, 1541, South Africa
- 28 November 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
No Enrollment At Venue
Dont Be Late
Follow Link
Ico France
World Championships 2026
- Thonon Les Bains France
- October 2026
A Historic Achievement for Tenshinkan Karate South Africa The South African Tenshinkan Karate team has delivered an exceptional performance at the ICO World Championships 2026 in Thonon-les-Bains, France. With 24 competitors representing our nation, the team returned home with an impressive haul of 84 medals, placing 7th in the world, while two athletes achieved rankings among the world's top ten. This achievement reflects the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication of our athletes, instructors, officials, and supporters. Congratulations to every member of Team South Africa. You have represented your country with honor and distinction and have made us immensely proud.
Ico France
World Championships
- Thonon Les Bains France
- October 2026
The ICO International Combat Organisation
is excited to host the France World Championships
Tour in October in France 2026
Follow Link To ICO France World Championships & Photo Albums
Ico France
World Championships 2026
Two World Champions One Karate Suit
- Thonon Les Bains France
- October 2026
Two World Champions. One Karate Suit. One Spirit. At the ICO World Championships in Thonon-les-Bains, France, an extraordinary story of dedication, humility, and perseverance unfolded. Shihan Chester Coetzer had not planned to compete this year and did not even have a karate gi available for competition. In a true display of camaraderie and martial spirit, student, Juan Pretorius, shared the very karate gi he had brought to compete in. What followed was nothing short of inspirational. Teacher and student stepped onto the tatami wearing the same karate suit, united by years of hard work, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to the values of Karate. By the end of the championship, both had achieved the highest honor, becoming World Champions while competing in the same karate gi. This remarkable achievement reminds us that success is not measured by the equipment we possess, but by the spirit we carry within. It demonstrates the strength of the bond between instructor and student and proves that true champions are built through dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance. "Champions are not defined by what they wear, but by the courage, character, and determination they bring to every challenge." Congratulations to World Champions Shihan Chester Coetzer and Juan Pretorius. Your achievement will inspire generations of martial artists to come. Osu! Tenshinkan Karate South Africa is proud of both of you. 🥋🏆
Ico France Training
World Championships
- Thonon Les Bains France
- October 2026
There are moments in life that test us, not physically, but emotionally. When our tournament was suddenly cancelled, many of us felt disappointed, hurt, and heartbroken. Months of preparation, sacrifice, and dreaming seemed uncertain. It would have been easy to lose focus, motivation, and belief. Instead, we chose a different path. Together, we went for a run through the beautiful streets of Thonon-les-Bains, France. That run was never about our sadness. It was about clearing our minds, lifting our spirits, and reminding ourselves who we are. It was about finding strength in each other, staying united as a team, and refusing to let disappointment define us. As we ran side by side, we rebuilt our focus, renewed our determination, and strengthened the bond that makes this team so special. We encouraged one another, laughed together, and reminded ourselves that champions are not only measured by medals, but by their ability to overcome adversity. When the tournament was finally back on, every one of you stood your ground. You stepped onto the tatami with courage, heart, and determination. You gave everything you had and represented South Africa with pride, dignity, and true martial spirit. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Your achievements at the ICO World Championship in Thonon-les-Bains were remarkable, but what makes me proudest is your resilience, teamwork, and character. You kept our name flying high and showed the world what South African karate is all about. That run through Thonon-les-Bains will remain one of my most cherished memories as an instructor. It was more than a run. It was a lesson in perseverance, unity, and the unbreakable spirit of this team. It was a moment where athletes became an even stronger family. Thank you for your dedication, your courage, and your commitment to excellence. Never forget what you achieved together, and never forget the strength you found within yourselves when circumstances became difficult. I will always be proud to call you team. Osu! 🇿🇦🥋
Tenshinkan Karate Dojo
Disclaimer & Protocol
Tenshinkan Karate Dojo
DISCLAIMER & PROTOCOL
Karate is a contact sport.
By entering and training in this dojo, you acknowledge and accept the following:
⚠️ LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
• The dojo, instructors, and affiliates take no responsibility for any harm, damage, broken bones, or injuries sustained during training.
• All training is undertaken at your own risk.
• Students are responsible for their own health, safety, and medical readiness to participate.
🥋 DOJO PROPERTY
• Any damage caused to karate dojo tatami mats or other karate dojo equipment or property must be replaced at your own expense.
• Respect the training place and maintain its condition for all members.
🙇 ETIQUETTE & CLEANLINESS
• Bow before entering the dojo.
• Bow again before stepping onto the karate tatami mats.
• No shoes, dirty feet, or wet feet are allowed on tatami floors.
• Wash and clean feet before stepping onto the mats.
• Keep the dojo clean and orderly at all times.
• Respect the dojo, respect the tatami, respect karate.
🚫 PARENTAL CONDUCT
• Parents are not permitted inside the dojo during training.
• If parents enter, they must wear a karate gi and join the training session.
• Never be late for training lateness shows disrespect to the dojo, the instructor, and fellow students.
• Always arrive with a clean karate gi (not dirty or untidy).
天真館空手道連盟
RESPECT • DISCIPLINE • BETTER YOU
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.
