Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan, South Africa

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Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan – Morning Training Session

This morning’s class was well attended by Dirk Ackerman Sensei, Ian Arendse Sensei, Brian Eksteen Sensei, and Brendon Alexander Sempai.

During the session we covered Bo basics 1–7, focusing on correct grip, stance, striking lines, and coordination. We also practiced the Bo kata Akamine Bo Kihon Dai Ichi and Sushi No Kon Sho, working on rhythm, power generation, and technical precision.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a focused and productive training session. Consistent practice of these fundamentals strengthens our Kobudo foundation.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu.

A warm welcome to Brian Eksteen Sensei( 5th dan shotokan) of Gichin Karate to the Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan family.
We look forward to growing together in the spirit of tradition, respect, and lifelong learning.
Welcome, Brian Sensei 🙏

Yesterday we conducted an introductory Ryukyu Kobudō class at Jion Martial Arts, hosted at Dirk Ackermann Sensei’s dojo in Plumstead.

The session covered foundational basics of Bō, Sai, and Nunchaku, giving students an insight into the principles, structure, and spirit of the Ryūkyū Kobudō Shimbukan system.

The class was ably assisted by Sean Bailey, Taqee Appleby, and Yusuf Appleby, all Shodan holders in Ryūkyū Kobudō, whose support and demonstrations greatly enhanced the learning experience.

Thank you to Dirk Ackermann Sensei and Jion Martial Arts for the opportunity and warm hospitality. We look forward to continued collaboration in preserving and promoting authentic Okinawan Kobudō.

First Kobudo class this morning 2026.

https://youtu.be/C3Mhbk3TEjk

Karate Island - Heritage from Ryukyu - / 空手の島～琉球からの遺産～ 沖縄空手ユネスコ登録推進協議会（会長：沖縄県知事）では、沖縄空手のユネスコ無形文化遺産登録に向けて取り組んでいます。The Committee for the Okinawa Karate UNESCO Listing is working hard to promote Okinawa karate for i...

🙏 Heartfelt Thanks from the KMAC & Jion Tournament Team 🙏

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our KMAC & Jion Traditional Karate & Kobudō Tournament a resounding success!

🌟 Special appreciation to Sensei Mary Ann Landers, our Chief Referee, for her incredible leadership and efficiency across all floors — truly world-class.

🤝 Thank you to Dirk Sensei for your partnership and shared vision. Together, we continue to grow stronger.

To every official, volunteer, competitor, and supporter — your energy and commitment were the heartbeat of this event. Whether on the tatami, at the tables, or working behind the scenes — you made it happen.

👊 Gratitude to the following dojos and schools for their spirited participation:

🥋 Gichin Bellville South
🥋 Gichin Karate SA
🥋 Gichin Karate Bridgetown
🥋 Helderberg Shotokan Karate Academy
🥋 Kenwyn Martial Arts Centre
🥋 NWS - Jion
🥋 NWS Neko Karate
🥋 Senshi Dojo
🥋 Shorin-ji Bergvliet
🥋 Shorin-Ji Tulbagh
🥋 Tiger Academy of Martial Arts

Because without ‘U’, there’s no sUccess.
With respect and gratitude,
Kamal Hamdulay

Gold medals in short and long weapons at (WUKF)World Championships in Sweden. Congratulations to Marius Madgwick sensei of Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan and to his sensei, Stephan Coetzee.

🥋 Mark your calendars! 🥋
The Kenwyn and Jion Martial Arts Collaboration proudly presents:

🌟 Traditional Karate & Kobudō Tournament 🌟
🗓 Date: Saturday, 5 July
📍 Venue: Wynberg Military Sports Stadium

Join martial artists from around the region for a day of spirited competition and community celebration.

📌 Register your dojo now on Kihapp:
🔗 https://www.kihapp.com/tournaments/18353-traditional-karate-kobudo-no-michi-invitational-tournament/squads/new/other

Let’s celebrate the way of karate and kobudō—together!

TRADITIONAL KARATE & KOBUDO NO MICHI INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

International Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan Training Seminar – George, South Africa

Over the course of three inspiring days, the dojo in George hosted a world-class training seminar under the guidance of Kaicho Hiroshi Akamine Sensei from Okinawa, assisted by Dell Hamby Sensei. Kobudoka from Namibia, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town gathered to deepen their understanding and practice of traditional Ryukyu Kobudo.

Day 1
The seminar began with a 3-hour intensive session focused on Bo and Sai basics and kata. The energy and traditional spirit in the dojo were undeniable as students trained under expert guidance.

Day 2
A technical deep dive into kata and bunkai up to 4th Dan challenged participants to refine both form and application. The day ended with a warm and joyful Sayonara Party, celebrating shared growth and camaraderie.

Day 3
The final session focused on advanced 6th and 7th Dan katas, offering insight and precision to senior practitioners. A relaxed farewell lunch and drinks closed the event, before participants were dropped at the airport.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Hiroshi Akamine Sensei for his world-class instruction, to Dell Hamby Sensei for his support, and most of all to Jannie le Grange Sensei and Betsie Le Grange Sensei for hosting and making this exceptional seminar possible.