MEET SHIHAN HENNIE DE VRIES
7th Dan Goju Ryu | 5th Dan Ryukyu Kobudo
Head Instructor – School of Martial Arts (SMA) Australia
With over 50 years of experience in traditional Okinawan martial arts, Shihan Hennie de Vries is one of Australia’s most respected practitioners of Goju Ryu Karate and Ryukyu Kobudo.
Shihan Hennie began his martial arts journey in 1971 as a full-time uchi deshi (live-in student) in Cape Town, South Africa. By the time he achieved his 3rd Dan, he had already established Goju Ryu Karate as a powerful force in Namibia — representing the country as a national team member, coach, referee, and official. He also served as Technical Director of Zone 6 Africa and Chief Referee of the Namibian Karate Union, helping to shape karate across Southern Africa.
In 1992, he deepened his studies in Japan, spending a full year in Okinawa training under Grandmaster Uehara Ko, a student of the legendary Taira Shinken. This experience led to his certification as a 5th Dan in Ryukyu Kobudo, along with advanced teaching and dojo licensing credentials from the Ryukyu Martial Arts Preservation and Promotion Association (RMAPPA) and Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai.
Shihan Hennie also holds multiple coaching and judging qualifications, including:
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Continental Kata Judge (UFAK)
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IOC-recognised coaching certifications
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Diplomas in Remedial Massage from Switzerland and the Australian School of Therapeutic Massage
Since relocating to Melbourne in 1999, he has continued his life’s work as the founder and head of School of Martial Arts (SMA) Australia in Donvale. His mission is clear: to preserve the traditions of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo, and to empower students of all ages — from children to seniors — with strength, discipline, and purpose.
“I have had over 50 years’ professional experience in successfully teaching, coaching and practicing highly skilled forms of karate at an international level.
As part of my professional standards, I maintain a high level of fitness, a sound knowledge of physical education and of martial arts.
I enjoy working with people and seeing them grow to achieve their goals. The highlight of teaching karate to adults, seniors and children is seeing them empowered with confidence, skills for self-defence and increased fitness.”
– Shihan Hennie de Vries