Fourth Dan black belt’s mission is teaching the next generation
At BK Academy, James Adam is teaching kids more than self-defence; he’s teaching life lessons.
James Adam, a fourth Dan black belt and instructor at BK Academy of Martial Arts, is dedicated to shaping the future of karate in his community.
Starting his journey at just four years old, Adam trained under the South African Japan Karate Association (SA JKA), founded by the legendary Stan Schmidt, and later honed his skills under Sensei Johan La Grange, the current chief instructor.
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Throughout his career, he has represented his country’s national karate team at numerous world cups in Thailand, Japan, Italy, and Mauritius. He participated in the Mauritius World Cup, obtaining a third-place finish in team kata and kumite, as well as a gold medal in both categories at the Africa Cup and the SA JKA National Championships in 2023.
Adam began his teaching journey at the JKA Honbu dojo, where he started as an assistant coach after earning his junior black belt. He holds a Kenshuse two-year diploma, which provided him with rigorous training and strict teaching methods.
In 2023, he opened BK Academy, a certified affiliate of SA JKA and Judo for Peace, where he continues to share his passion for martial arts. The following year, he obtained his fourth Dan black belt, after having trained in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). His dojo includes black belt instructors for both judo and BJJ, enriching the experience for his students.
Adam added that karate builds character, discipline, dedication, and resilience. “It is about always pushing forward and not giving up. That is what drives young athletes to achieve their black belt.”
He focuses on key principles, which are humility, hard work, and nurturing students at their own pace, whilst feeling confident in themselves in creating a better way of life.
As an instructor, he takes pride in what he does, especially moulding a student, who has a passion for martial arts, and helping them achieve goals. “I love seeing my students exhausted after a tough class, but with huge smiles on their faces.”
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