Kenwyn Martial Arts Centre

Taught in Okinawa
OKINAWAN DOJO ETIQUETTE
things you should know
* You can do what you want in your style, organization or dojo. This is information for Okinawan Karate styles who follow tradition & ETIQUETTE

Over the past 25 years, the use of the word "Oss or Osu" has become common in many Karate Dojos. However, most people only understand this as some type of "Japanese Greeting", NOT understanding its historical reference in Okinawa.

The term "Oss" in Okinawa, is considered a militaristic term that was used in Japan. In Okinawa, this term may be considered derogatory and insulting (even if they do not acknowledged as so, out of politeness).

If you are training in Okinawan Karate-Do, using this term in Okinawa, to an Okinawan or in an Okinawan Karate dojo, should be avoided, as it's not appropriate.

An alternative expression you can used is "Hai" which basically is an affirmation of yes, a greeting, or understanding or acknowledgement and much more polite in the Okinawan setting. You can also use the Okinawan (Uchina Guchi) language "Hai sai"
Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate - Midwest Honbu Dojo
Bill George - Following the Nagamine Legacy
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🥋 12 Days to Go! 🥋

The countdown is on! Only 12 days until the KMAC Annual Invitational Karate & Kobudō Tournament.

📅 Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026 (Mandela Day)
📍 Venue: Wynberg Military Sports Stadium

We look forward to welcoming karate schools from across the Southern and Northern Suburbs for an exciting day of competition, sportsmanship, and martial arts excellence.

Good luck to all competitors as you complete your final preparations. Let’s make this Mandela Day a memorable celebration of discipline, respect, and unity through martial arts.

See you there! 👊🥋

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Damian Fisher on successfully passing his Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan 4th Kyu (Blue Belt) grading, and to Shane Taft on achieving 6th Kyu (Green Belt).

Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to preserving the traditional art of Ryukyu Kobudo have been rewarded. Continue training with humility, discipline, and the spirit of continuous improvement.

Well done on this important milestone—we are proud of your achievement. Keep striving for excellence! 🥋👏

Registration deadline in 20 days Sunday 12 July.

Click the link to register

KMAC Karate & Kobudo Invitational Tournament

Congratulations to all our Junior Kyu Grade students, especially those who graded for the very first time. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off. We are extremely proud of your achievement and the progress you have made on your karate journey.

Keep up the good work, continue training with the same spirit and determination, and always strive to improve. This is only the beginning of many more successes to come.

Well done everyone – your instructors, parents, and fellow students are very proud of you! 👏🥋💪

Renshu Ichiban – Training First!

Congratulations to all our students who successfully passed their kyu grading last night! 🎉🥋

Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off. Be proud of your achievement and continue striving for excellence on your martial arts journey.

A special thank you to our black belts, Adam Reddy and Damian Fisher Sempai, for their valuable assistance, guidance, and support throughout the grading. Your commitment to helping develop our students is greatly appreciated.

Well done to everyone involved!

Renshu Ichiban 👊🥋

🥋🏆 **KARATE & Kobudo South Africa INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT** 🏆🥋

Kenwyn Martial Arts Centre (KMAC) and JION Karate proudly invite all karateka and kobudoka to join us on **18 July** for a day of competition, friendship, and traditional martial arts spirit.

📅 Date: 18 July
🥋 Events: Karate Kata, Kumite & Kobudo Kata
🏅 Open to all ages and grades

Come test your skills, build new friendships, and celebrate the Way of Karate and Kobudo.

registration information 🥋🏆 **KARATE & KOBUDO INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT** 🏆🥋

Kenwyn Martial Arts Centre (KMAC) and JION Karate proudly invite all karateka and kobudoka to join us on **18 July** for a day of competition, friendship, and traditional martial arts spirit.

📅 Date: 18 July
🥋 Events: Karate Kata, Kumite & Kobudo Kata
🏅 Open to all ages and grades
VENUE: Wynberg Military Sports Stadium

Come test your skills, build new friendships, and celebrate the Way of Karate and Kobudo.

Registration information https://www.kihapp.com/tournaments/24673-kmac-karate-kobudo-invitational-tournament/squads/new/other