IOGKF-Singapore

The Instructor
Chris de Wet Born in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, Chris was introduced to physical culture and combat sports by his father in 1975. Menno de Wet was a former boxer, and part-time coach who decided that his son needed some informal instruction in the sweet science of Boxing, which he continued with until boxing for his military unit in 1990. At the tail-end of 1976 an impromptu fight with a Karate-ka friend led Chris to the start of a journey that has thus far taken him to four continents and more than 20 countries.

Karate: Despite being graded in other systems, Chris has focused on Okinawan Goju Ryu and Kyokushinkai. He has represented South Africa, the USA and Singapore at the World Championship level in open Karate competition, and has trained with many of the world’s greatest Masters of Karate. He is currently a personal student of Higaonna Morio Sensei, the “Lion of Okinawa”, and is mentored by Bakkies Laubscher Sensei, and Danie Steenkamp Sensei.

His own students have graded in front of Higaonna Sensei for their own dan grades (Shodan and Nidan), and all have not only passed, but been commended for their effort and positive attitude.

Chris continues to go to Japan and/ or Okinawa every year for advanced training. Most recently the 2005 Okinawan Instructors Gasshuku, an invitation only event, held during December 2005.

He will be returning to Okinawa again soon, both for the the International Chief Instructors Gasshuku, and additional training in Karate and Kobudo.

The Organisation IOGKF-Singapore is small, currently only having two Dojo, one public and one private. The reasons for this are twofold. Firstly, de Wet Sensei believes in quality over quantity. With now three IOGKF dan grades in the country (one of whom is on a short term assignment), it is his responsibility to make sure that the next generation of instructors are well taught, not simply pushed through the ranks. Secondly, time is an issue. With limited time, it isn't feasable to run several facilities concurrently. This might have a serious impact on reason one. The IOGKF does have a number of member countries though, and there are Dojo in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand if students want to visit nearby instructors. We also have members in many other countries, and all are very welcoming to IOGKF members who would like to drop by. Check http://www.iogkf.com for more details. (Please note that members who are visiting other Dojo require a letter from their home instructor.)
The Instructor Chris de Wet Born in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, Chris was introduced to physical culture and combat sports by his father in 1975. Menno de Wet was a former boxer, and part-time coach who decided that his son needed some informal instruction in the sweet science of Boxing, which he continued with until boxing for his military unit in 1990. At the tail-end of 1976 an impromptu fight with a Karate-ka friend led Chris to the start of a journey that has thus far taken him to four continents and more than 20 countries. Karate: Despite being graded in other systems, Chris has focused on Okinawan Goju Ryu and Kyokushinkai. He has represented South Africa, the USA and Singapore at the World Championship level in open Karate competition, and has trained with many of the world’s greatest Masters of Karate. He is currently a personal student of Higaonna Morio Sensei, the “Lion of Okinawa”, and is mentored by Bakkies Laubscher Sensei, and Danie Steenkamp Sensei. His own students have graded in front of Higaonna Sensei for their own dan grades (Shodan and Nidan), and all have not only passed, but been commended for their effort and positive attitude. Chris continues to go to Japan and/ or Okinawa every year for advanced training. Most recently the 2005 Okinawan Instructors Gasshuku, an invitation only event, held during December 2005. He will be returning to Okinawa again soon, both for the the International Chief Instructors Gasshuku, and additional training in Karate and Kobudo.			Important note: Partner work Okinawa Goju Ryu is full of partner work. Note the use of the word partner. Goju Ryu is not antagonistic, and we are careful to treat each other with respect. Partners are necessary for us to progress, and abusing Dojo members is not tolerated. As Higaonna Sensei says, "Challenge Yourself!"
Training in Goju Ryu Okinawa Goju Ryu is a system unique in both content and approach. Because of this, training is well structures, with an individual syllabus for each level. Karate is much like an inverted pyramid, with each block building on the next, and becuase of the need for a strong foundation, significant time is spent on conditioning and basic training. Outside of the Junbi Undo (warm ups), Hojo Undo (supplementary exercises) and Kihon (basic training), we have the heart of Goju Ryu, the Kata (Form). My view is best explained by using a painting analogy, the first three are like learning what a brush is, how to hold a brush, and how to move the brush. The Kata are the great works of the Masters, and we must try to copy them carefully and exactly, until we are infused with the message of the art. Only then will we be able to express them, and attempt to make the art ours. Kumite Okinawa Goju Ryu has many forms of Kumite (Loosely translated as sparring, but this can be misleading). From Kihon work with a partner where the exercises is limited to individual techniques (eg: Tanren or conditioning), to Yakosuko Kumite (promised sparring), to San Dan Gi (three level sparring), to Kakie Kumite (push hands sparring) to Bunkai Kumite (application sparring) to Iri Kumi Go and Ju (Okinawan free fighting)			Facilities and equipment We have some excellent facilities and equipment. The majority of the floor space is matted for the practice of throws and takedowns, and we have a boxing ring available for those who wish to persue the full-contact Karate option. We have several hanging bags, mirrors, pads, mitts, skipping ropes, Chi Ishi, Nigiri Game, Makiwara, Tesu Sashi and a Kongoken etc. at the public Dojo, and on special occasions we bring some of the other Hojo Undo equipment from the private Dojo for members to use.
			Visitors and prospective members Visitors and prospective members are welcome to come to our open Dojo, and either watch or participate in a class. We encourage participation, because we do not believe that Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate can be adequately experienced otherwise. Please come on down!

	IOGKF-Singapore
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