After more than four decades in Parktown North, veteran karate instructor Malcolm Dorfman has stepped onto a new mat, opening a heritage dojo in Parkwood that reflects a lifetime dedicated to the martial art.

Now nearing 80, Dorfman shows no signs of slowing down. Instead, he has chosen to reinvest his energy into a space that captures the essence of what karate has meant to him for over 60 years.

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His new dojo on Cardigan Road is set within a restored heritage building, carefully developed to mirror the tradition and discipline he has long upheld.

For Dorfman, the move is also deeply personal. Having spent his early years living nearby, the return to the area brings his journey full circle.

He describes the space as one that aligns with his lifelong appreciation for heritage, something reinforced through years of training and visiting Japan.

Karate, he insists, has always been about more than competition.

While his students have achieved success at national and international levels, including world titles, Dorfman continues to emphasise learning, respect, and personal development as the foundation of the discipline.

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The new dojo has been designed to inspire both current and future students. Many of his members have trained with him for decades, and he believes the environment will encourage them to continue striving for excellence.

Plans are already in place to take a strong team to Japan in 2027, with the aim of both gaining experience and competing at the highest level.

The broader Dorfman Karate legacy continues through his son, Shane Dorfman, who runs the Melrose dojo, ensuring continuity across generations.

The Parkwood space also shares its setting with Michele’s Pilates, adding a complementary focus on strength, conditioning, and overall wellness.

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Although the project required a substantial investment, Dorfman views it as a long-term contribution, rather than a business venture. His goal is to leave behind a meaningful space where his students can continue to train and grow.

As he looks ahead, Dorfman remains committed to teaching for as long as he is able.

For him, the new dojo is not just a change of address; it’s the culmination of a life spent in pursuit of mastery, and a foundation for the next generation to build on.

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