Goju Ryu chief instructor in town

Nerves and excitement filled the dojo on Tuesday 17 November. It was no ordinary training day as the chief instructor for the International Shorei Martial Arts Academy was in town.

Sensei Arnold de Beer has been practicing the art of Goju Ryu (hard and soft style) karate for 48 years. He currently holds an eight dan, which is an impressive accomplishment for any karateka.

“I think he is one of the top karatekas in South Africa,” sensei David Krause from the West Village Goju Ryu Karate Club told the News.

The two senseis have trained together and the old friends met again when Arnold visited David’s class. Arnold travels all over the country to help with regulations and grading at dojos.

Arnold has been a student of the art for 48 years, he said. “We are all students of the art.”

Echoing many senseis, Arnold spoke of the discipline karate requires and compared it to ballet. These arts, he said, are equally technical.

Arnold has his own dojo in Glenvista and has produced many world champions. In 1975 he was part of the South African team that won the tri-nations tournament.

David has great admiration for the chief instructor and believes he is a good example for all aspiring karatekas.

“But remember, karate is not about being the toughest guy; it’s about restraint and discipline,” Arnold said.

The dojo looks forward to more sponsors so that it can accommodate the growing class.

“We recently won five medals at the interschool development tournament,” David added.

Also read:

• [VIDEO] Karateka-family world champions

• Young karatekas impressive medal count

• Karate helps toddlers with discipline