OUR TRAINERS
Welcome to Shugoryuu Dojo
Our name in Japanese means Guardian Dragon, and as such, we endeavour to practice the art form of karate with the focus on the many benefits of martial arts, from cognitive development in children to the obvious and crucial self-defence skills.
We study karate with respect to the Sensei’s that influenced us, but with the knowledge of modern sport science to complement and enhance our sport.
Our dojo operates differently to other clubs; we encourage family participation and a love for the art form, whilst our teachings convey a deep
understanding of martial arts that comes with almost 4 decades of study.
OUR TRAINERS
Sensei Gerhard
Gerhard started training at the age of 9, and has never stopped.
Three and a half decades later, he has trained with some of the best local and international karate masters, and has a passion for the life skills and values that the sport teaches, as well as understanding the huge movement-, health- and learning benefits of practicing the sport.
Gerhard competed Internationally from 1995 (World Championships in the USA), won the Five Nations in 1997 and continued to win numerous national
and international events in many divisions, including kumite, kata and weapons.
Sensei Gerhard is also a Sport Scientist from UP and brings the science to class as well.
Sensei Erin
Sensei Erin started training in 2000, and quickly established herself as one of the best female karateka’s of the time.
She has been a Sensei since 2006, and her focus is on the junior class and the benefit of the movement, and in the senior class leads the traditional weapon disciplines.
Sensei Erin has competed at the highest levels of the sport, and has hosted international sporting tournaments in South Africa, Morocco, Mexico, Jamaica and Canada.
Sempai’s Jaden & Kendra
The oldest children of sensei Gerhard & Sensei Erin, they have been in the karate world their entire lives.
They wear their black belts with pride and assist with all aspects of class to ensure that all students enjoy the attention they deserve.