success stories
Moktar Fall
This man walked into the hombu dojo as a young man with the drive to succeed, and that he did. He has qualified as an internationally recognized instructor through the very hard uchi deshi system. He has a magic way of getting into children’s hearts and getting the best out of them. He is a gentle giant with a heart of gold.
He is the heavy weight karate champion for 3 years running and currently is a member of the Shoshaloza crew sailing throughout Europe.
Sensei Frank and Moktar have a very special relationship that goes back a long time. Sensei Frank is proud to be the teacher of a student with such great integrity, loyalty and honesty.
Xolisile Hiti
Xolisile takes his appointment to the hombu dojo as a senior uchi deshi extremely seriously. His is always timeous and well mannered. This proud Bantu man has played an integral part in the growth and success of the Guguletu dojo. He is passionate in passing on the knowledge and values of traditional karate to the underprivileged.
The way karate has changed his life is heartfelt and he wants to spread this message to his people. He was well received in Venice when he attended the cultural exchange trip. The Mayor praised him for his attitude and input towards the growth of the children. He is the current SA champion.
Asheko Mda
I come from a family of 3 children, 2 boys and 1 girl. I am the oldest and was born in the late 80’s, at the time South Africa was fighting apartheid. I come from a very average family and as a result, I did my schooling at less sophisticated schools.
In 2002 I met a man called Sensei Frank Brandon. This man took me in when I had nothing. I was a typical “black” person, doing all the things my friends did. At that time I was in Std 7 at Spes Bona Secondary School. I used to fail dismally, getting a ‘F’ symbol for Mathematics on the standard grade. Sensei Frank spoke to me and offered to take me to a more sophisticated school. He told me I just had to pass Grade 10 and he would take it from there.
I was surprised when he said that, I knew that God had answered my prayers. I started at Rhodes High School in 2004 after passing Grade 10. I then took Mathematics on the higher grade and obtained a ‘C’ symbol.
Now I have dreams and now I know where I am heading in life and it is all thanks to GojuKai Karate. My dream is to study civil engineering next year at UCT, and also to grade to my black belt in Japan under Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi.
A wise man once said “If you can dream it you can achieve it”, and I hope one day to achieve all of my dreams.
Asheko's Story Continued...
Date: 2010
Curent age: 23
Qualification: National Diploma Civil engineering
Institution: Cape Peninsula University of Technology Current Company:
Grinaker-lta
Position: Site engineer
5 years ago I had a dream of becoming a civil engineer. Today I am working for one of the biggest companies in South Africa, involved in the biggest project in Africa. Gojukai karate gave me the way and I walked it, and now I am a qualified engineer from a very disadvantaged community. I graduated third in my class and am also currently studying towards my Btek in project management through UNISA. I believe that with determination and perseverance you can achieve anything your heart desires.
Anathi Kalipa
Anathi started Karate in 2003 at the age of 3 at Lady Buxton Creche under the tutorage of Frank Brandon Sensei.
Frank Brandon saw the absolute modest, powerful and kind energy within Anathi and backed him all the way on a journey that started with Anathi being accepted to SACS Pre-School (De Villiers House) and later being accepted to SACS Junior School. It took a year and Anathi was offered a full scholarship due to achievements.
Anathi is currently a member of the SACS Junior School Choir, and an ‘A’ team Rugby and Cricket player as well as an “A” aggregate student. He is the Reigning South African Karate Champion and is currently ranked 2nd in the world for two divisions.
Anathi’s Dream is to one day become an Eye-Surgeon. He has had this idea since age 3, reason being his mother suffers from a deteriorating eye condition.
Olwethu Gusha
I started Karate at the Gugulethu Dojo in 2002 which opened in that same year. We trained with Sensei Frank Brandon and Sempai Hiti twice a week, every week.
When I stared Karate I was very unfit and had very little self-esteem. Karate amongst many things have taught me respect and self-discipline. Karate has taught me that hard work and dedication does pay off and that if you work hard enough, you will be rewarded. In the beginning I trained with many of my friends but most of them left, I stayed. As a result of my dedication I have been rewarded by travelling the world, seeing places and experiencing things I normally would not have and all because of Karate.
In 2004 I was selected amongst 27 other students to travel to Italy with Sensei Frank Brandon and Sensei Craig Kansley during the July holidays as part of a cultural exchange program with the Italian students.
In 2005 I was selected to represent South Africa at the World Championships in Holland. I achieved 3rd Place in my division for Kumite.
In 2008 I was fortunate enough to travel to Japan where I lived, trained and graded for my Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) under Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi, Hanshi Peter Brandon and Masatoshi Yamaguchi Shihan.
I have also been a multiple ‘Western Province Champion’ and was the 2006 South African Champion.
I have applied what I have been taught through Karate into my academic and everyday lifestyle. I am currently at the University of the Western Cape pursuing my BA in English. I have been working extremely hard academically and as a result I obtained a 71,2% average in my 1st year.
Sensei Frank Brandon has been a huge influence in my life. Because of this I look at life in a more positive manner and realise that life only helps those who help themselves. Sensei Frank Brandon has been like a father to me and because of him I have experienced all the above mentioned and I am forever grateful for all he has given me.