Emile van Heerden

Emile van Heerden started Karate at the age of 16 after joining the South African Air Force in 1968. His first instructor was Sensei Johan Roets, first of Shokukai Ryu, South Africa later SA JKA Karate. Sensei Johan only taught Emile for about a year but this patient teacher left a young Emile with a good basis that paid off years later when he finally found his way to Okinawa. Emile was involved in many of the military karate competitions during his seven years in the SAAF.

Emile worked in many different places around South Africa and found himself practicing various martial art styles at various Dojo. Unfortunately Emile did not find the style of martial art that suited him. Finally after settling in Pretoria for a time, he and his wife Penny had the opportunity to practice at the Dojo of the late Professor Sam Tonkin, Snr Jikishin Ju-jitsu. Uncle Sam introduced them to the magic of Ryukyu Kobudo. Emile finally found what he was looking for, the art of Ryukyu weapons. Uncle Sam visited Okinawa many years ago and on noticing Emile’s enquiring nature, mentioned that it may be a good idea for him to go to the origins of the art to have a look. Research was done with the encouragement of Sensei Uncle Sam and Penny.

Penny and Emile travelled to Okinawa in March 1996 to join the Honbu Dojo of the late Kobudo Master Eisuke Akamine in Tomigusuku City. The couple spent 5 years in Okinawa and both were awarded their teaching licences and were granted dojo licences in 2001 before returning to South Africa.

Emile and Penny had a opportunity to return to Okinawa after a 2 years work contract in Tokyo where they practiced and taught martial arts with friends at Yashio Park and Tsurumi

Emile and Tim Jurgens are responsible for the Association’s home page.