A message from our Chief Instructor
A warm karate welcome to you!
Thank you for choosing to study with our organisation. I trust that you enjoyed a refreshing summer holiday and that you and your families are safe, healthy, and ready for an exciting year ahead.
As promised last year on our 25th Anniversary of SKKSA, the next 25 years will be shaped by innovation, inclusivity, higher standards, and a renewed commitment to excellence. Thus, as we step into 2026, we look forward to a year filled with growth and opportunity for learning, both on and off the dojo floor.
We have several exciting karate events planned for the year, with the highlight being training seminars to be presented by the esteemed Rikuta Koga Hanshi and Toni Racca Sensei, planned for August 2026. We can also look forward to WUKF provincial and national tournaments, several invitational tournaments as well as our bi-annual grading examinations. We encourage all karateka to take full advantage of these valuable opportunities to learn, develop and challenge themselves.
IMPORTANT EVENTS TO DIARISE FOR 2026
Please take careful note of the following key events for the year: (a full calendar will be published on our website and MyDojo)
- WUKF KZN Provincial Championships: To be held during February 2026 – date TBC
- WUKF National Championships: 29 April 2026 to 04 May 2026. Venue: The Boarwalk Convention Center. Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
- Mid-Year Winter Course & Colour-Belt Grading: 4–5 July 2026
- Training seminar by Koga hanshi and Racca sensei: 07-10 August 2026
- Summer Course & All-Belt (White–Black Belt) Grading: Friday, 4 December – Sunday, 6 December 2026
- Annual Awards Evening and Dinner Banquet: Saturday 12 December 2026
Further details and schedules specific to each grading will be communicated closer to the respective events. Karateka wishing to grade will be required to attend the compulsory sessions relevant to their grade. Please note that compulsory sessions are non-negotiable.
SKKSA maintains a training focus of 90% karate and 10% competition training, ensuring a strong foundation in traditional karate while still offering opportunities for competitive development.
We follow the traditional Shotokan style and practise the philosophy of the founder of modern karate, Gichin Funakoshi, emphasising character development, respect, humility, and lifelong learning.
In 2026, we are also excited to introduce new digital innovations designed to enhance communication, streamline administration, and support learning beyond the dojo. These initiatives will make it easier for families and karateka to stay informed, engaged, and connected throughout the year—more details will be shared as they roll out.
Thank you for your continued support. Please feel free to make regular contact with me or your dojo instructors should you wish to discuss any aspect of your or your child’s progress in karate.
Wishing you a healthy, energetic, and rewarding sporting 2026.
ANEEL DOWLATH SENSEI
Chief Instructor & Technical Head
(Rokudan — 6th Dan black belt)
Correct Attire
Karateka are required to wear the correct gi at all times while training.
Note: protective gear is required at competitions. Your dojo instructor will advise on the appropriate approved items, and where they may be purchased from.
SKKSA badges may be purchased from your instructor. If you have any questions regarding the correct karate attire, please speak to your dojo instructor.
Grading Exam Policies
Please read the following policies carefully regarding grading examinations:
- No student will be allowed to grade in July if they registered after 31 March 2026.
- No student will be allowed to grade in December if they registered after 15th August 2026.
- Students who submit Registration Forms between the 1st April 2026 and 14 August 2026 may only grade in December.
COLOUR BELT EXAMINATIONS
There are two examinations a year: Mid-Year Exams occur in July at the Winter Course; Final Exams occur in December at the Summer Course. A student may not attempt an exam if:
- They have not attended at least 80% weekday classes in the current year (2026)
- They are not wearing the correct karate attire
- A student may only participate in an exam upon recommendation by their dojo instructor.
BROWN BELT EXAMINATIONS
There is only one examination a year, at the Summer Course in December.
A brown belt karateka, or a karateka currently purple belt and eligible to undertake a brown belt examination, may only do so by fulfilling the following requirements:
- Completed a minimum of two Saturday sessions per month, consistently throughout the year. Intermittent progress reports of your attendance will be provided to your dojo instructor.
- Completed at least 80% of their weekday classes.
- Brown and black belt examinations are done once a year at the Summer Course, dates to be announced.
- All brown belt karateka are required to complete all sessions at the Summer Course in order to qualify for examinations. This requirement is not negotiable. Refer to brown belt grading policy.
- Black belt exams: refer to Black Belt Exam Policy
*The Senior Grading Policy for brown/black belt candidates can be found in the Documents section from the main menu in MyDojo.
Grading Books
Each student is issued with a grading book when they join SKKSA. These books serve as a record of your karate career.
Please keep your grading book safe – replacing the grading book incurs a fee of R60 per book.
REPLACING A LOST GRADING BOOK
Please notify your dojo instructor. SKKSA Student Records will then liaise with your instructor to process the request for a replacement.
Payments for replaced grading books may be done with your instructor; new grading books are only issued once payment is received.