History of Shorin-Ryu South Africa

In 1993, a group of former Funakoshi (SA) karateka, led by then Shihan Claude Johnson, identified the need to associate with a unique style of karate, steeped in tradition, but not yet established in South Africa. For this reason, Shihan Claude led a delegation that visited the USA to find a relevant organization that would fit these principles and values.

After many meetings, training sessions, and travels, this visit led to the creation of Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan South Africa on 15 January 1994.

Today, Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate and Kobudo South Africa has been established as one of the foremost karate styles in South Africa and is represented in a number of regions across the country currently.

Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate South Africa practices Kobayashi-Ryu as taught by our late Grandmaster, Shugoro Nakazato, and who’s son, Minoru has since taken over the title.

As a national organization, we are affiliated to Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan karate in Okinawa.