Shotokan Karate SA - The Dojo Boksburg. Home of the Dojo Tigers

An icon of karate. May He rest in eternal peace. May he join all our other karate legends that have left a foot print in our karate of today. Oss.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Shihan Norman Robinson.
He passed away peacefully early this morning.

Shihan Norman was a true icon. A mentor, leader, and friend whose influence extended far beyond the dojo. His passion for karate, his wisdom, and his generous spirit lit up every room and touched countless lives across South Africa and the world.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Sally, his children Joanne, Tina, Garth, and Mark, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the entire Robinson family. May you find comfort in the cherished memories and strength in the love that surrounds you.

Shihan, your legacy will live on in all of us.
Oss. 🕊️

So your kid(s) say: **“I DON’T WANT TO GO TO MARTIAL ARTS ANYMORE.” **

Listen, **It happens TO ALL PARENTS AT SOME POINT.**

It’s normal for kids to say this and to feel like giving up at times.

*I was a kid way back when and said the same thing to my parents.

This is when you as a parent can teach a good lesson in life and give your child gift for a lifetime as well. For me 50 years of training and teaching has changed my life big time. It's not just the physical skills, it's more about the mental strength. Training also kept me out of trouble.

Now its not uncommon for your kids to be tired, or bored from the repetition that is needed. Some kids would rather play on their phones these days. Or even sometimes it’s the fear of not being good at the skills compared to others. All are normal.

Tell them " It’s not about being perfect, or playing around for the fun of it; it’s about not giving up. Let them know. **“Every black belt was once someone who refused to quit.”**

Parents please realize that if we allow our kids to quit everything that feels uncomfortable or difficult, or not fun, they won’t figure out how to handle real-life responsibilities.

**Good Martial Arts study build character, discipline, responsibility, and resilience. It's great exercise too.**

So please encourage them, and remind them it's all part of their journey to achieving something special. **If they train for many years it will literally change their life for the better!

"THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPETITION IN CHILDREN'S EDUCATION"

Competitions are not only about winning or losing, they are about learning how to live.

When a child enters a ring, tatami, Dojo - they are not fighting only with somebody. It's confrontation with themselves.

The child is afraid, anxious, brave, frustrated...
And all in a safe environment, surrounded by those who encourage it.

Every championship is a real opportunity to mature.

There the child learns to control their emotions, to concentrate under pressure, to rise after a fall and to understand that effort is not a guarantee of victory but a way to progress.

This is a preparation for maturity - where challenges are everyday, the "opponents" are internal, and the greatest result is not to give up.

Healthy racing teaches empathy, discipline and self-awareness.
The one who competes today is strengthening themself for the world of tomorrow.

Because awards will one day rust.
But what they went through...... will stay in the mind forever.

Instilling martial arts and combat sports in children from a young age is not teaching them violence.. is give them tools.
🥋👊🧠💪🔥

It's to give them security, because a child who knows how to defend himself walks more firmly.
It's to discipline them, because they learn respect and self-control come first.
It's giving them physical ability, reflexes and strength, because an active body is a healthy body.
And it's to give them judgement, to know when to act... and when not. 🧘 ♂️⚔️

In adolescence, when impulses, social pressure or conflicts appear, having self-defense skills can make all the difference.
Not to hurt... but to protect oneself. 🛡️

Martial arts doesn't make kids more aggressive... make them more aware, more focused... and stronger inside and out.
🔥 Plant strength, harvest character. 🔥

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Wilma Jordaan, Μαριος Κοντοζης, Xolani Xolani, Uloshuniie Wamabhinca

Official Media Statement: On behalf of WUKF South Africa, I am pleased to announce that our Federation has been granted provisional membership of Martial Arts South Africa (MASA). MASA is also an officially recognised affiliate of SASCOC.

We would like to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to MASA President, Master Louise Viviers and the MASA Executive for providing us with the opportunity of being part of their esteemed Organisation and the greater Martial Arts Community in South Africa.

I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and support of our incredible WUKF SA Community, the hard work of our Team as well as the support of the WUKF Executive in realising this achievement.

This is a milestone in our ongoing journey towards promoting excellence and fellowship in martial arts, and we look forward to making a significant contribution to their continued growth and popularity in South Africa.

- Gary Grapentin (President for WUKF Africa)