Sensei Rocher received the rare distinction of receiving his Nidan Grade (2nd Dan) in Ryukyu Kobudo that adds him to the list of the few South Africans to ever receive a Kobudo dan ranking in Okinawa.
Sensei Jannie is a regular visitor to the island researching the Okinawan fighting arts of which he has dedicated 44 years of his life. According to sensei Jannie, to understand the Okinawan martial arts it is imperative to research and understand the Okinawan culture and heritage as all forms of martial arts are protected and regulated by their department of Culture.
"So many Goju Ryu instructors claim to be teaching Traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu and yet have never set foot on Okinawan soil. This can be noted by the implementation of titles to their Yudansha Grading system which is in fact more a Japanese mainland custom where in Okinawa it is custom to approach all instructors and masters as 'sensei', irrespective of dan ranking. This humble approach can be seen in their culture as well as in their martial arts approach," said Jannie le Grange.
The George Okinawa Goju Ryu dojo strives to uphold these values and traditions in both Karate and Kobudo.
Sensei's Rocher and Jannie le Grange with sensei Masanari Kikugawa (centre) at his Yunabaru dojo Okinawa.
