History

Samuel and Michelle Bozzato were running a dojo in Chioggia in Italy. They were training a breakaway version of Goju Kai, which was a mix between kickboxing and some Karate moves. In 1995 they were introduced to Sensei Frank Brandon and invited him to provide input into the Dojo. Frank Brandon immediately set about instituting traditional Goju Kai Karate structures. At this stage, both Samuel and Michelle had been graded to Shodan level within the formal Italian structures.

It was not possible for him to permanently take on the responsibility of assisting the Dojo but trips to Italy were scheduled every year for approximately three weeks per visit where intensive training was provided. Typically, in a three-week period, the personal training with Frank Brandon and the two instructors would take place for eight hours per day, five days per week. In addition, assistance was provided to both the junior and senior classes that attend the Dojo. These would be conducted in the early morning and late afternoon. Gushuku’s have been held in Lietoli once a year attended by the junior and senior students. Due to a high level of interaction with this Dojo, Frank Brandon managed to raise the senior students to Brown Belt level. Trough his interaction and dedication from the resident instructors, 11 of these students have subsequently graded to Shodan level under the auspices of the Italian hombu Dojo, under the guidance of Nomachi Shihan.

Frank Brandon's assistance to this Dojo has provided an opportunity to entrench traditional Goju Kai Karate where previously, none existed. Through his efforts, there is now a permanent instructor base, formal weekly classes, growth and a Gushku program running. Due to the success of this Dojo, Samuel and Michelle Bozzato have opened a second Dojo in Piove di Sacco under the instruction of Stephano, a Shodan who in turn has also been influenced by Frank Brandon.

In a passionate desire to promote Goju Kai in the Venetia region, a number of open-air demonstrations were conducted in the town square and attended by some 1000 members of the public. The net effect of which is the Dojo has changed from one that had 15 students practicing a “sham” version of Goju Kai Karate to 100 regular members participating in Goju Kai Karate in it’s purist form. (As an aside, the Mayor of Chioggia awarded Frank Brandon and Samuel and Michelle Bozzato a medal for their contribution to the Chioggia community).

Italian Tour

As the ties between the Italian Dojo and the Cape Town Dojo’s have strengthened, the ideal opportunity has been created whereby students form South Africa can travel to Italy and be hosted by students from this Dojo. In this way, students who under normal circumstances would never be exposed to cultures outside of South Africa will get an opportunity of a lifetime to interact with students of similar ages under the commonality of Goju Kai Karate. This could start friendships that could last a lifetime.

Who would qualify for the tour?

It must be recognized that a tour such as this will be extended only to those students who have dedicated themselves to the art of Goju Kai Karate - Those who have contributed to their Dojo and their peers in the common goal of striving for improvement. Students between the ages of 8 and 15, and who have strived to achieve in last year will qualify for invitation. Sensei Craig Kansley and Sensei Frank Brandon will extend invitations to those students they feel are most deserving.

Vision

All of us, in a democratic South Africa are feeling the effects of emerging out of years of isolation. Opportunities to travel, experience other cultures as well as the contribution the cyber age has introduced, has collectively made the world a smaller place. Cross-cultural learning is on the increase and South African Goju Kai Karate certainly does not fall behind in this respect. The close ties that have been formed with the Italian Dojo, will be used as a springboard to increase the level of interaction between the two countries.

It is envisioned, that every second year, a tour to Italy will be conducted while in the alternate years, and Italian tour will be lead to South Africa.

Gushuku’s will be held where the students from both countries will interact in teams competing for honours each year. When in South Africa, the Italian students will fall in line with the House System that is already in existence and when the South African students are in Italy, they will fall in with a similar structure that has been set up in Italy.

Based on the success of this interaction, it is envisaged that the program be broadened and students form other countries be invited to participate in similar interactions.