Page 19 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 2 2025

ESTATE NEWS
THE BIG PICTURE
ESTATE MATTERS
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But it’s more than just training. Through South Africa’s governing bodies. The first thing new students
"I never thought I’d use
a partnership with the Yokohama Design learn? How to place their
College, students can participate in an While sport karate under the World Karate shoes neatly outside the dojo.
the estate’s amenities,
exchange programme, studying Japanese Federation (WKF) gets funding, IJKA stays Not exactly Fight Club, is it?
language, culture, and even subjects like true to traditional karate, which means but I do. Having a place to
anime and design—all while training under students must fund their way. “Karate isn’t about
run or play golf without
some of the best karate instructors in the aggression,” Bernard explains.
driving somewhere makes
world. So, Bernard and his team have taken “It’s about control. We teach self-defence,
matters into their own hands. yes. But the first lesson is always: walk
a difference."
AND NEXT YEAR, BERNARD IS Each year, IJKA hosts fundraising events— away.”
TAKING THINGS FURTHER. including:
In July 2026, IJKA will send a select group • An annual golf day in May (held at If walking away isn’t an option? That’s when
of students to Japan for a month-long Dainfern) the training kicks in.
experience that includes training, cultural • Paddleball tournaments
immersion, and participation in the • Sushi nights In traditional Shotokan karate, every kata
Continental Cup tournament. The goal? To fund the top students fully for (fighting sequence) starts with a block, not
international competitions. This year, IJKA is an attack. Defence first.
“It’s crucial for them to see karate in its true sending students to the European Open in
context,” Bernard says. “You can’t separate Bulgaria. Next year, they want to send a strong But here’s the thing—blocking in karate isn’t
karate from Japanese culture—they are South African team to Japan—fully funded. soft. A well-executed block can break an
intertwined.” opponent’s arm. Karate teaches students to
BREAKING THE MYTHS: KARATE IS neutralise a threat instantly without throwing
FUNDING THE FUTURE: MAKING NOT ABOUT FIGHTING a single punch.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
KARATE POSSIBLE karate? That it’s all about violence. “Kindness is not weakness,” Bernard
One of the biggest misconceptions about
says. “Karate people are calm, respectful,
“People hear ‘karate’ and think MMA,
Of course, getting students to Japan isn’t
boxing, street fights,” Bernard says. “It’s
disciplined. But if they need to react, it’s
cheap. And unlike other sports, traditional
karate doesn’t get financial backing from
instant and effective.”
nothing like that.”
BEYOND THE DOJO THE BIGGER PICTURE:
KARATE FOR LIFE

For Bernard, karate isn’t just a sport. It’s not just an
after-school activity. It’s a lifelong discipline that stays
with students forever.

And it is not just for school kids. From early childhood to
university, school leadership to global careers, karate
shapes strong, capable, disciplined individuals.
Taking up karate at any age has immense benefits;
some have only started at retirement. It is never too late
to start. With the exchange programme, international
competitions, and the growing demand for karate in
education, Bernard believes IJKA is just getting started.
“Our students aren’t just learning karate,” he says.
“They’re learning how to carry themselves in the world.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
• IJKA’s golf day at Dainfern in May – raising
funds for international student competitions.
• A new batch of students heading to the
European Open in Bulgaria.
• The 2026 Japan exchange programme—
offering South African students a chance to
train, compete, and experience Japanese
culture first-hand.
• August’s education supplement, where
we’ll explore how karate improves school
performance, focus, and leadership skills.

GET IN TOUCH WITH IJKA
For more information on karate classes, competitions,
and the Japan exchange programme, contact:
• Bernard Buys – bernard.buys@ijka.co.za
• Website – www.ijka.co.za
• Follow IJKA SA on social media – Search for IJKA
SA

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