The unique and powerful Goju Ryu Karate of Goju Ryu Karate icon, Grandmaster Morio Higaonna, became globally popular since it’s introduction to South Africa and Europe in 1966, and a world body was established in 1979, recently renamed Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Federation (TOGKF ), SAGA being one of the original foundation members.
The South African Okinawan Goju Ryu Association, SAGA ( the oldest Okinawan Goju Ryu organisation in South Africa) was established by Sensei James Rousseau after a visit to Tokyo to Higaonna Sensei’s famous Yoyogi Dojo in 1966. Subsequently Sensei James left for England and SAGA was led first lead by joint chief instructors, Senseis Etienne Coetzee and Bakkies Laubscher until 1985, when Sensei Bakkies Laubscher became the Chief Instructor.
SENSEI BAKKIES LAUBSCHER
Sensei Bakkies Laubscher, 9th Dan and Master Morio Higaonna’s most senior student world wide, has been practising Karate since 1963 and Okinawan Goju Ryu since 1966. He is an ‘old school’ traditionalist in the true sense, but maintains a flexible approach to Karate and life. He has high personal standards, believes that respect is earned and his well known credo is: ‘Forever in pursuit of Excellence’!