Edenvale Goju Kai Dojo

A huge Congratulations to Leira ,who has been selected to compete in the UFAK AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS in ALGERIA ,(10-13 September 2026) we are so proud of you. She will be competing in the Female Junior Category for Kata.

Happy Woman’s Day to all our fierce Ladies.

A Proud Moment for Goju Kai Edenvale

Today we celebrate an incredible milestone. Zea Morgan earned her Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) at a special grading ceremony in Cape Town last week.

Seven years ago, Zea stepped onto the dojo floor with courage and determination. Through every challenge, every lesson, and every grading, she showed resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the spirit of Goju Kai Karate.

A special thank you to SHIHAN Johnny and SHIHAN Tanya for visiting our Dojo and being part of the SHODAN ceremony.We appreciate and value your time.

Zea, we are immensely proud of the karateka and the person you have become. Thank you for inspiring your fellow students and representing the values of our dojo so well.

From your Goju Kai Edenvale family—congratulations on your Shodan. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

Furthermore they were privileged and honoured to train in the ALL AFRICA MASTERCLASS .This incredible Seminar was given by SAIKO Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi ,HANSHI Peter Brandon and HANSHI Masatoshi Yamaguchi. A moment to treasure !

Good Luck to our students doing Kata today in the KSA Open Elite Championships Tournament taking place in Durban this weekend.

We are already proud of you !

The Journey Continues :
👊Earned not Given
👊Discipline
👊Respect
👊Strength
👊Growth

Congratulations to the following Students on passing their Grading 💪We are proud of you 👏

1 . Caidin Rilley : PURPLE
2. Isabella Skippers : ORANGE
3. Milan Naidoo:ORANGE
4. Hiranya Naidoo:ORANGE
5.Zachary Armugan :RED STRIPE
6.Unarine Matsheni: RED STRIPE

📢 "True champions are not defined by their medals, but by their ability to rise after a Setback . Sensei Allen’s journey at the UFAK Region South Competition in Angola reminds us that the heart of karate lies in the courage to continue."

We Salute you Sensei 💪

This weekend I competed at the 23rd UFAK Region South Karate Tournament hosted in Angola.

There were some setbacks which were mentally draining but through years of mental conditioning and a strong spirit it felt like a major victory.

On the competition day I was informed that there were no veterans for me to compete against. This was devastating, all the hours of preparation, training and traveling felt like a complete waste of time.

I had 2 options, take a gold medal for simply showing up, or take on competitors that are half my age and at the literal peak of their powers.

I don't believe in being rewarded for just showing up, so I decided to compete against the best of the best. Knowing that I might embarrass myself in front of my Karate South Africa team, coaches and instructor and that my opportunity for a continental medal will be non-existent.

After losing my first bout against the eventual champion was devastating mentally and I almost walked away to find a place where I could hide my broken spirit. But that is exactly where the miracle happened.

I got out of my own way and made it to the bronze medal round. I didn't win the medal, but I have proven to myself that I can still compete at the highest level and the accolades that came before this were no fluke.

I have been reborn with a completely new drive to succeed and more importantly to just be better.

Thank you to my team mates, coaches, management and my instructor. Congratulations to my competitors, it was an honor sharing the tatami with you!

We move, we improve and eventually we will come out on top.

Here are the results from our Senpais at the UFAK South Regional South Championships in Angola : Leira Ahmed won Gold in Kata and Bronze in Kumite, while Caitlin Christian and Chiyi Cheng both secured Bronze in Kumite. Well done on your achievements! We are proud. 🇿🇦

Congratulations to our Edenvale Dojo members departing for Angola today — Sensei Allen and Senpais Caitlin, Leira, and Chiyi — proudly representing South Africa at the UFAK Region South Championships 🇿🇦🥋

A special congratulations to our dojo’s first Proteas, Caitlin and Leira. After 10+ years of dedication, resilience, and never giving up, we are incredibly proud of your achievement.

Team South Africa — trust your training, support one another, and give it your all on the tatami.

Go make South Africa proud! 🇿🇦