International Martial Arts Academy

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International Martial Arts Academy Expert Tuition in:
Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate (OGKK)
Okinawan Weaponry (Matayoshi)
Kickboxing (SAKA) Other martial arts include Kobudo and Kickboxing.
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Our Dojo Head, Monique started her Karate journey in 1985 at the age of 10. For the past 38 years, living the Karate life has shaped Monique into the individual she is today. Since hanging up her gloves, Monique has excelled as a referee, recently selected to be on the World Goju-Ryu Federation Referees Committee. In South Africa, she is very well known as one of the few national female KSA referees. Although an avid influencer and official in the Sport Karate world, Monique’s passion is for traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, a lifelong art that gives back and grounds one for all interactions and presentation in daily life. In 2014, Monique also started the very challenging art of Okinawan Weaponry. Matayoshi Kobudo is an extremely technically challenging martial art that provides for incredible satisfaction when you are able to master even the most simple weapons basics and partner work. In 2018 Monique achieved her 1st Dan ( Black Belt level 1) in Kobudo. Monique also has 25 years of experience and many gold medals in Kickboxing. On the administration side, Monique served as the Executive as the Treasurer of Karate South Africa – Cape Town Region (Previously known as Western Province...

Qualifications:
Godan (5th Dan) Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai – OGKK
Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo
Yodan (4th Dan) Black Belt in Kickboxing - SAKA
World Goju Ryu Federation: Member of the Referees Committee
Karate South Africa: National Referee
OGKK South Africa: Chief Referee
ETA (Exercise Teachers Academy) Personal Fitness Trainer diploma - ETA
Sport Nutritionist Certification - American council of Exercise
Sport Nutrition Diploma - Stonebridge University, UK. Sport Specific Nutrition - ISSA Certified
Johnny G Master Spinning Instructor – Schwinn, Bradford, UK
Basic First Aid Level 2 – Joan Nortje & Associates RSA
Certified Safeguarding Awareness Officer
Bachelor of Economics (B.Econ) – Stellenbosch University
Bachelor Honours Politics and International Relations Degree (BAHons) – Stellenbosch University

Nicolette Morrison-Hagen started her martial arts journey when she started training Judo in 1982. After giving Judo break for a few years, Nicolette started training various other martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing and Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate. In 2015 Nicolette was selected to represent South Africa at the World Goju-Ryu Karate Championship in New Zealand and then again in 2019 were for a second time, she competed in Malaysia at the WGKF world championship. Nicolette still competes in national and international competitions and serves on the Karate South Africa Cape Town executive as the Secretary-General. Qualifications:
Sandan (3rd Dan) Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai – OGKK
Nidan (2nd Dan) Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo
Sandan (3rd Dan) Black Belt in Kickboxing – SAKA
1st Kyu Brown Belt in Judo
Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu
Certified International C.O.B.R.A.™ Self-Defense Instructor – C.O.B.R.A. USA
Basic First Aid Level 2 – Joan Nortje & Associates RSA
Certified Safeguarding Awareness Officer
Certified Designated Safeguarding Officer
Diploma in Cost- and Management Accounting - ND (CMA)
Diploma in Accounting – ND (ACC)
Member of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)

21/10/2026

IMAA is honoured to be affiliated with the WGKF — World Goju-Ryu Karate Federation, an international organisation that represents the tradition, standards and global spirit of Goju-Ryu Karate.

Being part of the WGKF connects our dojo to a wider international karate family, gives our students opportunities to grow beyond our own walls, and allows us to proudly represent South Africa on the world stage.

For us, this affiliation is about more than recognition. It is about authentic lineage, shared values, high standards, continuous learning and preserving the integrity of Goju-Ryu Karate for the next generation.

We are incredibly proud to be part of the WGKF family and proud of every student who carries those values onto the tatami.

One dojo. One tradition. A global family.

www.imaa.co.za

After 8.5 hours of grading, focus, discipline and sheer determination, two more IMAA students have earned the right to w...
19/10/2026

After 8.5 hours of grading, focus, discipline and sheer determination, two more IMAA students have earned the right to wear their OGKK black belts.

Junior Shodan – Shakeen Gallant
Shodan – Aimee Stephens
A black belt is never just a belt. It represents years of training, setbacks, growth, repetition, resilience and the decision to keep going when things get hard.

We are incredibly proud of both of you for reaching this milestone and for representing the values of our dojo with such commitment.

Well done, Shakeen and Aimee. You earned this.

A proud double podium moment for Sensei Nicolette at the 2026 World Goju-Ryu Federation Championship in Pune, India.🥉 Br...
12/10/2026

A proud double podium moment for Sensei Nicolette at the 2026 World Goju-Ryu Federation Championship in Pune, India.

🥉 Bronze – Female Masters Kata
🥉 Bronze – Female Masters Kumite

Competing on the world stage in both disciplines takes skill, courage and years of dedication. We are incredibly proud to see Sensei Nicolette representing South Africa and bringing home two bronze medals.

Well done, Sensei Nicolette. 🇿🇦🥋

PODIUM MOMENTS & PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN!What a finish to the 2026 World Goju-Ryu Federation Championship in Pune!Our Sout...
12/10/2026

PODIUM MOMENTS & PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN!

What a finish to the 2026 World Goju-Ryu Federation Championship in Pune!

Our South African Male Senior Kumite Team took GOLD — followed by a very proud National Anthem moment on the podium.

Our South African coaches were awarded 2nd Place for Best Coaches, recognising the dedication behind every athlete.

And two more podium moments with bronze medals in Kata and Kumite.

Medals, memories, team spirit and plenty to be proud of. Proudly South African, always.

A glimpse behind the scenes as our Western Cape athletes prepared for their first day at the 2026 World Goju-Ryu Federat...
08/10/2026

A glimpse behind the scenes as our Western Cape athletes prepared for their first day at the 2026 World Goju-Ryu Federation Championship in Pune.

Those final moments before stepping onto the tatami are all about focus: warming up, sharpening techniques, settling the nerves and backing one another as a team.

Then it was go time.

With competitors from around the world giving everything they have, the atmosphere is electric and the standard is high.

Our athletes are ready, focused and proud to represent.

Let’s go, Western Cape. Let’s go, South Africa! 🇿🇦

Sensei Nicolette: highly experienced martial artist, international official, team manager… and apparently now also a tra...
08/10/2026

Sensei Nicolette: highly experienced martial artist, international official, team manager… and apparently now also a travel vlogger specialising in unexpected detours. 😂

From missed turns and questionable shortcuts to finally finding their way around India, Nicolette has been documenting the Team SA adventure with equal parts karate, chaos and comedy.

If you’d like to follow the journey, the behind-the-scenes moments, and see whether Google Maps eventually earns her trust again, follow her here:

https://www.facebook.com/nicolette1111

FROM TRAVELLING TO TOURNAMENT MODE!After the journey to Pune, it was time to refocus for the 2026 World Goju-Ryu Federat...
07/10/2026

FROM TRAVELLING TO TOURNAMENT MODE!

After the journey to Pune, it was time to refocus for the 2026 World Goju-Ryu Federation Championship.

The team trained, reset, built spirit, and each athlete stood up to share their personal goal for the competition — a powerful way to own the moment and the work ahead.

Meanwhile, all the team admin is officially done: registration, payments, accreditation, briefings and congress.

We’re registered. We’re ready. Now it’s time for the tatami.
The goals have been spoken.
The work has been done.

Now it’s time to represent South Africa. 🇿🇦

🥋🔥 OGKK SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 — WE’RE UNDERWAY! 🔥🥋And so it begins! 🇿🇦The OGKK National Championships...
03/10/2026

🥋🔥 OGKK SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026 — WE’RE UNDERWAY! 🔥🥋

And so it begins! 🇿🇦

The OGKK National Championships 2026 have officially started!

We opened the day with our traditional March On, followed by a very special moment — everyone coming together on the floor to perform Gekisai Dai Ichi Kata as one. 🥋❤️

What an incredible way to start the championship — united by our passion for Goju-Ryu and ready for a fantastic day of competition.

The atmosphere is building, the competitors are ready and the tatami awaits!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Good luck to every competitor stepping onto the floor today. Give it your all and, most importantly, enjoy the experience!

03/10/2026

The atmosphere is building, the competitors are ready, and the tatami awaits.
Let the games begin!

Good luck to every competitor — give it your all and enjoy the experience.

Address

The Reserve Business Park 1, Unit 5, 8 Capricorn Way
Brackenfell
7560

Opening Hours

Monday 19:00 - 20:00
Tuesday 17:00 - 21:00
Wednesday 19:00 - 20:00
Thursday 17:00 - 21:00

Telephone

+27836968802

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