Aim of Karate

“The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” (Gichin Funakoshi)

Saiki Dojo

Established during August 2012 by Sensei Monya Palmer, a registered member of the South African Japan Karate Association (SA JKA) and of the Japan Karate Association World Federation (JKA WF).  This been the longest established Karate Association worldwide.

Saiki Dojo is the only SA JKA Dojo on the Lower South Coast.

Sensei Monya Palmer has been a martial arts student since 2007 and a teacher since 2010 with a current status of a 3^rd Degree (Sandan) Black Belt in Karate-Do.

Goals and Focus

The goals and focus is to:

• bring our traditional martial arts to the community
• empower the elderly, men, women and children     and
• people with special needs

Students are also introduced to the competitive side of Karate by having them enter Provincial and National events.  These events add to self-confidence, dedication and honour to become great sportsmen and women.

Students that perform well, have the opportunity to represent South Africa in International events such as the Gichin Funakoshi Shotocup, held in various locations globally and Japan.

Karate

We understand and realise the value of karate teaching and training, and that lessons learnt through the sport can be introduced into people’s everyday living.

Karate is a fantastic tool to introduce discipline, self-control, respect and diligence.

Therapeutic advantages and special needs

Children are often referred to us by therapists to assist in their recovery as well as recovering drug and alcohol rehabilitation patients.

Karate is one of few sports that have a special needs division for students with ‘all special needs’ to compete and participate in.

We have students with physical disabilities, as well those with special needs like Autism, that learn karate. Their progress and the emanating results have been amazing.

Five maxims are taught to karateka (student of martial arts)

• Seek perfection of character
• Be faithful
• Put maximum effort into everything you do
• Respect others
• Refrain from violent behaviour

Teaching students that you do not need to be armed to defend yourself, instead, you train the body, mind and spirit to become a weapon.

Success can be achieved from a young age

Sensei Monya Palmer’s daughter Micaela has been training in karate since the age of 5.  She recently turned 17 and is a 1^st degree (Shodan) Blackbelt.

Micaela was chosen for the SA JKA Team and competed at the Gichin Funakoshi Shotocup (World Cup) held in Ireland in August 2017 as well as the Africa Cup in September 2018.

Visit our Dojo – we would love to show you around!