Blog
Explore Our Latest Insights
Dive into the world of Karate with our blog. Training tips, event recaps, and community stories.
Want to Experience It Yourself?
Join Palm Court Karate and become part of our story
Book Your Free Trial
Dive into the world of Karate with our blog. Training tips, event recaps, and community stories.
Join Palm Court Karate and become part of our story
Book Your Free Trial
Mario Sequeira
1 August 2024 • 5 min read
In the world of martial arts, it is easy to become consumed by the "sport" aspect—pursuing medals and accumulating points. At Palm Court Karate, however, we never lose sight of the fact that Goju-Ryu is a living history, rooted in the soil of Okinawa.
In July 2024, a delegation from our dojo—including Sensei Mario, Sensei Ché, and Sensei Nic—embarked on a pilgrimage to Yonabaru, Okinawa, to train at the legendary Kikugawa Dojo.
This was far more than a sightseeing expedition. It was a "return to the source" to validate our techniques against the highest standards in the world. Training under Okinawan masters demands a level of precision and humility that defies description. Every stance is scrutinised; every breath is corrected.
We are immensely proud to report that our instructors successfully graded during this journey, with Sensei Mario and Sensei Ché achieving their 6th Dans, and Sensei Nic achieving his 5th Dan.
Why does this matter to a student in Roodepoort?
It matters because it ensures the Karate you are learning is authentic. We do not teach a diluted version of the art. When you step onto the floor at Palm Court, you are practising techniques that have been validated in the birthplace of Karate itself.
The intensity of Okinawa forged a stronger resolve in our instructors, and they have brought that fire back to the dojo floor.