- Gichin Funakoshi
About us
Kigai Karate Club, founded in 2013 by Sensei William Graham, is a premier karate club with three dojo locations: two in Pretoria-East (The Wilds Estate Clubhouse & Grootfontein Country Estate) and one in George, Western Cape. Our name, ‘Kigai’ (気概 or きがい), embodies the Japanese concept of ‘strong spirit’—a trait of resilience, toughness, and the will to confront challenges head-on.
At Kigai Karate Club, we specialize in the strict, traditional art of Shotokan JKA Karate, instilling discipline, respect, and strong moral values in our students. Our training is designed to develop self-confidence, mental resilience, and physical strength, preparing students to face life’s challenges with courage and determination.
While deeply rooted in tradition, we also embrace the sporting side of karate, regularly participating in tournaments that provide students the opportunity to test their skills and compete at various levels. Our club is affiliated with the South African Japan Karate Association (SAJKA), the World Karate Federation (WKF), and Karate South Africa (KSA), ensuring that our training meets the highest standards recognized globally.
Our experienced instructors, led by Sensei William Graham, are dedicated to providing personalized and professional training in a safe, friendly environment. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Kigai Karate Club is committed to helping you achieve your personal best and become part of a supportive, strong-spirited community.
Vision
Our vision is to create a community of self-confident, resilient students who are passionate about karate and martial arts, grounded in strong values. We strive to consistently grow as a professionally managed and sustainable club, empowering individuals to face life’s challenges with strength and spirit.
Mission
At Kigai Karate Club, our mission is to build a community where individuals of all ages develop self-confidence, resilience, and a deep passion for karate and martial arts. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures personal growth, grounded in strong values such as respect, integrity, and perseverance.
We offer a comprehensive range of services, including traditional karate training, modern self-defense techniques, and holistic development programs. These programs are designed to enhance both the physical and mental strength of our students, equipping them to confidently face life’s challenges with a strong spirit.
Our commitment to utilising current technology and innovative training methods ensures that our students receive the highest quality training. We prioritise growth and financial sustainability, continually striving to expand our reach while maintaining professional management and operational excellence.
Geographically, we serve our local community but aspire to broaden our impact by being recognised as a dependable martial arts education provider. Our philosophy centers on the belief that martial arts is not just about physical training but also about developing ethical and responsible individuals who contribute positively to society.
Our distinctive competence lies in blending traditional karate values with modern approaches, providing a unique and enriching martial arts experience. We are dedicated to being socially responsible, actively engaging in community initiatives that reflect our values.
We value our instructors as essential contributors to our success. We are committed to their ongoing professional development, ensuring they thrive in a supportive and fulfilling work environment.
Through this mission, we aim to build a strong, sustainable, and impactful martial arts community that embodies excellence, growth, and shared values.
Philosophy
At Kigai Karate Club, we are dedicated to teaching martial arts in a safe and welcoming environment that nurtures compassion, dignity, and respect for all. Our philosophy is to provide more than just self-defense and fitness training; we strive to build a community where students develop the courage, self-confidence, and discipline needed to face life’s challenges with resilience and strength.
We believe in fostering a deep respect for oneself and others, encouraging students to embody the values of courtesy and dedication in all aspects of their lives. Our teaching approach is holistic, focusing on both physical and mental development, ensuring that each student not only improves in martial arts but also grows as a responsible and ethical individual, grounded in strong values.
Through this philosophy, we aim to empower students to achieve personal excellence and contribute positively to their communities, reflecting the spirit and integrity of Kigai Karate Club.
WHY CHOOSE US?
In a world that requires resilience and confidence, Kigai Karate Club provides the solution through traditional Shotokan JKA Karate. We offer a safe and supportive environment where children as young as 3 years old can develop mentally and physically, gaining essential life skills. Our professional training program helps students build self-confidence, focus, and discipline, empowering them to face challenges with strength and a strong spirit. By fostering a sense of community and instilling core values, we ensure your child not only excels in self-defense, fitness, and stress management but also grows into a responsible, resilient individual ready to contribute positively to society.
Self-Defence
Learn to defend against school bullying, to disable, immobilize and protect yourself against an attacker.
Stress Relief
Endorphins release from engaging in sparring, while learning and practicing new skills, no time to think of the days’ problems
Fitness
An all-round fitness, improving cardio, mobility, balance, endurance, & strength. As well as improving perception and reaction time.
Concentration
Karate requires a high level of attention, therefore classes are routine & structured.
Self-confidence
Knowing how to defend yourself, reduces anxiousness in your surrounding and among peers.
Discipline
In order to learn and grow with your self-defense abilities, you have to develop your self-discipline.
CLASS TIMES
THE WILDS CLUBHOUSE
(The Wilds Security Estate – C/O De Villebois Mareuil & Atterbury)
MONDAYS & THURSDAYS
16:30 – 17:00 / Dinky’s (3-5 yrs)
17:00 – 18:00 | Beginners \ White – Orange
17:45 – 18:45 | Green – Red
18:45 – 20:00 | Brown – Black
GROOTFONTEIN
(Grootfontein Country Estate – 288 Anton Street)
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAYS
16:45 – 17:15 / Dinkies (3-5 yrs)
17:15 – 18:00 | Beginners \ White – Orange
18:00 – 19:00 | Green 1 – Purple
White – Blue (+12yrs, Senior Novice)
19:00 – 20:00 | Red – Black
GEORGE
(George Showgrounds – Airport rd R102, SA Sports League Facility)
MONDAYS – THURSDAY
14:30 – 15:00: Dinky’s (4-5yrs)
(Monday & Wednesdays only)
15:00 – 16:00: Beginners / White – Orange
16:00 – 17:00: Green & Red
18:00 – 19:00: Red – Black
(Monday & Wednesdays only)
Our Instructors
Sensei William started his karate career in 1990 and has over 28 years of karate experience. He has taught karate for over 12 years; competed nationally and internationally in both traditional and sports karate. Sensei William also trained in Scotland for 2 years and has a general interest in other martial arts being a temporary practitioner in Krav Maga, boxing, Mutai and Kung Fu. Sensei William is currently a 5th Dan (black belt/Godan).
Annerien started doing karate when she was 10 years old. After 6 years of karate she had to stop due to a knee injury. During those 6 years she received her provincial colours and numerous inter-club awards in kata and kumite. She was also fortunate to be graded under the late sensei Eddie Dorey – who was an early pioneer of Shotokan karate in South Africa.In 2014 she reintegrated with karate and
obtained her Shodan in 2016.
Sensei Heilethe is our Little Ninjas (3-5 year olds) karate instructor. Her passion for teaching inspires our mini karatekas to greatness. Sensei Heilethe manages our Grootfontein branch and is also involved at The Wilds branch. Since starting her karate journey in 2012, she has obtained her Shodan in 2017, achieved numerous district & provincial tournament titles as well as being a SAJKA gold medallist (2014) and competitor in 2015, KSA Zone 6 tournament. She is currently preparing for her Nidan grading in 2021
