Affiliations

Begin with Purpose

TENSHINKAN KARATE

AFFILATIONS

TENSHINKAN

RYUKYU KOBUJUTSU

Tenshinkan Ryukyu Kobujutsu is a dynamic martial arts system founded by Kancho Mamoru Miwa, specializing in the use of traditional Okinawan weapons. With roots in the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai — passed down from the late Motokatsu Inoue Sensei — the system also blends in Iaido sword forms with the Katana for a complete training experience.

Why Train in Tenshinkan Kobujutsu?

Kobujutsu was once part of the Tenshinkan Karate syllabus, but it grew into its own art because of its complexity and depth. Students learn one weapon per belt level, steadily building their skills until they can master seven classical weapons on the path to black belt.

Weapons You’ll Master

  • Kon – Long staff once used for carrying water or as a walking stick
  • Nunchaku – Two sticks joined by rope, adapted from a farming tool
  • Tonfa – Side-handled baton, originally a rice grinder handle
  • Kama – Curved sickle, used for cutting rice and grass
  • Tekko – Knuckle guard for protection and striking power
  • Sai – Pronged fork, inspired by rice planting tools
  • Katana – Samurai sword techniques from Iaido

 

Training in Tenshinkan Kobujutsu isn’t just about learning weapons — it’s about building discipline, focus, and confidence, while connecting to centuries of martial arts tradition in a way that feels exciting and relevant today.

TINY KARATE TIGERS

Karate for young nursery school kids

Tiny Karate Tigers is a fun and engaging martial arts program designed for children aged 3 to 6 years old. These classes introduce kids to the foundations of Karate through age-appropriate games and activities that build confidence, coordination, and discipline – all while keeping things exciting and playful.

What kids learn

  • Karate Basics – Simple punches, blocks, kicks, and stances
  • Motor Skills – Balance, agility, and coordination
  • Character Building – Courtesy, respect, and self-control
  • Social Skills – Listening, following directions, and teamwork


Why parents love it

  • Kid-friendly classes: Short 45-minute sessions designed for young attention spans
  • Learning through play: Skills are absorbed naturally through games and activities
  • Motivation built-in: Belt systems, reward patches, and fun challenges keep kids excited to progress


Growing With Confidence

As children gain confidence, some dojos also introduce basic kata, sparring, and self-defense techniques. It’s a safe, positive way to channel energy, improve focus, and prepare for future martial arts training.

Green and gold

Karate store

Looking for quality karate suits, protective gear, or martial arts equipment?

The Green and Gold Karate Store has you covered! We specialise in belts, uniforms, and accessories, offering everything you need to train with confidence.

SARMAF

South African Ryukyu Martial Arts Federation

SARMAF is a proud Budo organization dedicated to preserving traditional Okinawan martial arts, including Karate-Do and Kobudo. Since its founding in 2012, SARMAF has grown to represent practitioners across multiple provinces in South Africa.

What SARMAF stands for

  • Traditional focus – Preserving the values, techniques, and spirit of classical martial arts.
  • National reach – Active in provinces such as Gauteng, Free State, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and North West.
  • Events & championships – Hosts major national competitions, including the SARMAF National Championship in Sasolburg, which attracted over 300 competitors.


Disciplines offered

  • Kata (Forms)
  • Kobudo (Wooden & Bladed Weapons)
  • Point & Continue
  • Sparring Grappling & Close Combat
  • Tai Chi Combat Weapons


Notable achievements

  • Home to the Vaalpark Martial Art and Fitness Academy, led by Sensei James Vermaak.
  • Successfully hosted two international martial arts events, with more ambitious plans on the horizon.


SARMAF is committed to promoting traditional martial arts while fostering community, skill, and discipline across South Africa.

KSA

Karate South Africa

Karate South Africa (KSA) is the official governing body for sport karate in South Africa. Recognized by the World Karate Federation (WKF) and affiliated with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), KSA unites practitioners across the nation under one federation.

Key facts

  • Formed – June 2005, following the disbandment of KASA
  • President – Kyoshi Sonny Pillay, a leading figure in South African martial arts
  • Membership – Over 200,000 practitioners in 1,400+ clubs nationwide
  • Styles represented – All major karate styles


Achievements

  • Zone 6 Africa championship – Team KSA won a record 100 medals, with 37 fighters crowned champions
  • International WKF events – Recently earned a bronze medal in Men’s Team Kata


International presence

  • KSA athletes regularly compete at World Karate Federation events, including the World Youth Cup in Greece
  • Coaches and officials attend international seminars for accreditation and development


KSA is committed to promoting excellence, unity, and growth in South African karate, both nationally and on the world stage.

SASCOC

South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee

SASCOC is the official body responsible for overseeing high-performance sport in South Africa. It plays a key role in preparing and managing Team South Africa for major international multi-sport events, including:

  • Olympic Games
  • Paralympic Games
  • Commonwealth Games
  • World Games
  • African Games
  • Youth Olympic Games


What SASCOC does

  • Coordinate and support National Federations and Provincial Sports Councils
  • Award National Protea Colours to athletes and officials who meet selection criteria
  • Endorse bids to host international sporting events
  • Promote talent identification, transformation, and nation-building through sport


Governance and recognition

SASCOC is recognized by major international sports organizations, including:

  • International Olympic Committee (IOC)
  • International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
  • Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
  • International World Games Association (IWGA)


Its General Assembly, comprising all affiliated members, serves as the highest decision-making body.

ICO

International Combat Organisation

The International Combat Organisation (ICO) is one of the world’s largest martial arts bodies, founded in October 2009 to promote and sanction multi-discipline combat sports across more than 45 countries.

What ICO offers

  • Disciplines Covered:
    • Kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai, K1, Points Fighting, Light Contact, Full Contact, Karate, and more
  • Events:
    • Hosts major international tournaments, including the ICO World Combat Martial Arts Championships 2024 in Frankfurt
  • Support for Clubs & Coaches:
    • Coaching qualifications from Cadet Leader to Masters Diploma
    • DBS checks and child protection courses
    • Insurance options for clubs and events
    • Title sanctioning and official referee packages


Mission and reach

  • Promotes both amateur and professional competition
  • Welcomes all styles, associations, and groups
  • Led by World President and Founder A. Hennessy, a 7th Degree Black Belt


ICO is committed to raising standards in combat sports worldwide, supporting athletes, coaches, and clubs every step of the way.

KSA WEAPONS

Karate South Africa Weapons

Tenshinkan Ryukyu Kobujutsu is a dynamic martial arts system founded by Kancho Mamoru Miwa, specializing in the use of traditional Okinawan weapons. With roots in the Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinkokai — passed down from the late Motokatsu Inoue Sensei — the system also blends in Iaido sword forms with the Katana for a complete training experience.

Why Train in Tenshinkan Kobujutsu?

Kobujutsu was once part of the Tenshinkan Karate syllabus, but it grew into its own art because of its complexity and depth. Students learn one weapon per belt level, steadily building their skills until they can master seven classical weapons on the path to black belt.

Weapons You’ll Master

  • Kon – Long staff once used for carrying water or as a walking stick
  • Nunchaku – Two sticks joined by rope, adapted from a farming tool
  • Tonfa – Side-handled baton, originally a rice grinder handle
  • Kama – Curved sickle, used for cutting rice and grass
  • Tekko – Knuckle guard for protection and striking power
  • Sai – Pronged fork, inspired by rice planting tools
  • Katana – Samurai sword techniques from Iaido

 

Training in Tenshinkan Kobujutsu isn’t just about learning weapons — it’s about building discipline, focus, and confidence, while connecting to centuries of martial arts tradition in a way that feels exciting and relevant today.

TENSHINKAN

RYUKYU KOBUJUTSU
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is karate for are young nursery school karate kids

GREEN AND GOLD

Karate Store
The Green and Gold Karate Store Looking for karate Suits or martial arts equipment or Protective Equipment Looking for top notch karate equipment Specializes in belts and martial arts accessories. You can browse their range
GREEN AND GOLD
South African Ryukyu Martial Arts Federation

ICO

INTERNATIONAL COMBAT ORGANISATION