In celebration of tradition, dedication and heritage, Windhoek, Namibia played host to the Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate 45th Anniversary Gasshuku on April 12th-13th, 2024. The two-day Gasshuku (Training Camp) marked a significant milestone in the history of Goju-Ryu Karate in Namibia, commemorating 45 years of unwavering commitment to the art.
With a lineup of 10 seasoned instructors boasting a collective 370 years of karate experience, the Gasshuku promised an unparalleled opportunity for growth and learning. Instructors included:
Sensei Bakkies Laubscher (9th Dan) – Chief Instructor TOGKF South Africa and Vice Chief Instructor TOGKF
Sensei Carl van der Merwe (7th Dan) – Chief Instructor OGKN
Sensei Vince February (8th Dan)
Sensei Marion Bause (5th Dan)
Sensei Sam Ekandjo (5th Dan)
Sensei Karin Brockmann (5th Dan)
Sensei Hermann Hentschel (4th Dan)
Sensei Stefan van der Merwe (4th Dan)
Sensei Rowan Carstens (4th Dan)
112 participants including karateka from OGKN’s Honbu and Shinto Dojos as well as karateka and instructors from TOGKF South Africa, convened to celebrate their shared passion and deepen their understanding of Goju-Ryu Karate.
As the sun set on the final day of the Gasshuku, participants gathered for a ‘Sayonara’ or Farewell Party where the Karateka, Instructors and Black Belt Alumni came together to reflect on the profound impact of Goju-Ryu Karate on their lives and reminisce on old stories over the past four and a half decades.
I would like to thank all our members, TOGKF South Africa, Sensei Bakkies and fellow instructors as well as our event sponsor FNB, for helping make this momentous event possible. It is a blessing to be able to be a part of this organization and I thoroughly look forward to the continued growth of Goju-Ryu Karate in Namibia. – Sensei Carl van der Merwe