Nihon Karate rolls out ambitious plan
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 7, 2026 06:00
He said during the first edition held in 2021, two students graded for first Dan black belt, two for second Dan black belt and one student qualified as an examiner (licence to grade locally).
Kgorotlhe explained that in 2025, two students graded for first Dan black belt, one of them is a member of JKA Botswana, one graded for third Dan black belt, and they also introduced the JKA Closed Championship, a tournament run in the JKA traditional way. “The Japan Karate Association (JKA) is one of the oldest global Shotokan karate organisations in the world. JKA aims to promote improvement of its skills and self-discipline by research and instruction of Karatedo,” he said.
“During the 2026 Gashuku, we had one student grading for first Dan black belt, two graded for second Dan and another two graded for third Dan.” Kgorotlhe added that the JKA regional director, Shihan Daniel Gombe, issued eight black belts with Diploma certificates from Japan. He noted that a team from Zimbabwe attended the training camp and the tournament.
Kgorotlhe said since they started hosting the Gashuku, the style now has seven black belts qualified (D) instructors, five qualified (D) judges and three qualified (D) examiners. “We intend to host the Africa Cup in 2032, therefore working hard to have as many qualified judges. We will be sending a team of black belts to attend the second edition of Indo Pacific Cup (IPC) 2026, taking place in September in Mauritius.
“The event will start with one week of training with JKA instructors, Shihan Naka and Shihan Okuma from Japan, including South Africa JKA chief instructor, Shihan Johan Lagrange,” he said. The travelling team is made up of Kgorotlhe, Sensei Karabo Samuel, Lucky Radimpe, Neo Tautona, Mpho Hule, Sempais Lesedi Moahi, and Gaosenkwe Tautona. “Myself, Samuel and Radimpe, we will also be judges at the IPC Cup, which is a huge achievement in the history of JKA Botswana,” he added.
Speaking to MmegiSport, Gombe revealed that as JKA director for Sub-Saharan Africa, his mission is to support the growth and development of JKA karate throughout the region.
He said the mission is achieved through conducting training camps, grading, instructor and examiner qualification programmes that help maintain the high technical standards of the Japan Karate Association. “The Botswana Gashuku was very successful and brought together karatekas committed to improving their skills and understanding of traditional JKA karate. Training focused on the three fundamental pillars of JKA karate, Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring),” Gombe added.
“Throughout the sessions, we emphasised correct technique, timing, power generation, posture and application, while also identifying areas where practitioners can continue to improve their execution.”
He said the enthusiasm, discipline and willingness to learn displayed by participants were impressive.
According to Gombe, Gashuku provided an excellent opportunity not only to enhance technical ability but also to strengthen the spirit of karate and further develop the JKA community in Botswana and the wider African region.
“Botswana karate has always stood out within the region, and Botswana karate is well known for its athleticism, dedication and strong fighting spirit.
“These qualities were clearly evident throughout the Gashuku and contributed greatly to the quality of the training. I was impressed by the participants’ physical ability, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn,” he said.
Gombe stated that achieving a black belt is a significant milestone in a karateka’s journey. He said it represents years of hard work, discipline, perseverance and commitment to the principles of karate.
“Receiving an official Dan Diploma from JKA headquarters in Japan is formal recognition of that achievement and confirms that the holder has met the rigorous technical standards of the JKA.
“In many ways, a JKA Dan Diploma is similar to earning a Diploma from a respected educational institution. It is an internationally recognised credential that reflects the karateka’s dedication and accomplishment,” he said. Gombe said he presented JKA headquarters Dan Diplomas from first Dan (Shodan) to third Dan (Sandan). He said each certificate represents an important stage in a karateka’s development.