MEET THE CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
SHIHAN HENNIE DE VRIES
Beginning his karate career in 1969 in Cape Town, South Africa as a full- time student, Hennie has over 40 years of karate experience.
As a 3rd Dan black belt in 1979, he branched out on his own and was responsible for making Goju Ryu a powerful force in Namibia where he headed the style up until 1999.
Hennie has travelled frequently to Japan and Okinawa to train and grade under renowned Goju Ryu master Uehara Ko as well as Ryukyu Kobudo master Akamine Hiroshi Soke.
At present Hennie is Head of School of Martial Arts in Melbourne, Australia. He began the school in 1999 and currently holds a 7th Dan in Goju Ryu Karate and 5th Dan in Ryukyu Kobudo. He is accredited the title of Shihan, a Japanese word for expert instructor, in these fields.