This past week the 10th Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (TOGKF) Budosai was held in the birthplace of karate – Naha City, Okinawa, Japan. The Budosai is a prestigious international event that brings together practitioners from around the world to celebrate, train, and preserve the authentic teachings of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do under the guidance of world-renowned masters.

A group of five karateka from OGKN (Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia) proudly represented Namibia at this year’s Budosai, as well as during the official World Karate Day celebrations held in Naha City. Our delegation included:

Sensei Carl van der Merwe (Chief Instructor OGKN)
Sensei Rowan Carstens
Sempai Thomas Mechnig
Sempai Xenia Brandt
Sempai Peuee Kavekatora

The Budosai featured an incredible week of intensive training sessions, demonstrations, and cultural exchange. Instruction was led by some of the most senior and respected Goju-Ryu masters in the world, including:

Supreme Master Morio Higaonna – Okinawa
Sensei Bakkies Laubscher (10th Dan) – South Africa
Sensei Kazuo Terauchi (9th Dan) – Japan
Sensei George Andrews (8th Dan) – England
Sensei Yonekazu Uehara (8th Dan) – Okinawa
Sensei Masakazu Kuramoto (8th Dan) – Okinawa
Sensei Yoshinori Yonesato (8th Dan) – Okinawa
Sensei Juichi Kokubo (7th Dan) – Peru

OGKN is immensely proud to announce that during the Budosai, Sensei Carl van der Merwe successfully graded for his 8th Dan. This tremendous milestone makes Sensei Carl one of the highest-graded Goju-Ryu practitioners in not only Namibia, but also in Southern Africa – a remarkable achievement that reflects decades of dedication, discipline, and leadership.

OGKN would also like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Sensei Bakkies Laubscher on being awarded his 10th Dan, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to Goju-Ryu Karate and his invaluable role in promoting the art across Africa and the world.

The 2025 Budosai served as a powerful reminder of the unity, respect, and spirit that bind Goju-Ryu karateka across the globe. OGKN looks forward to sharing the knowledge and inspiration gained from Okinawa with all its members back home in Namibia.