Sensei James began his training in the 1960/1 and after extensive training in Japan under Sensei Kase (Shotokan), gaining his Shodan at the JKA in 1963. In 1966 he came across the Yoyogi dojo of Higaonna Sensei and was hooked on Okinawan Goju-Ryu.

He came to the UK in 1974 as a 5th Dan, with the objective of establishing Okinawan Goju-Ryu throughout Europe. During the six months Sensei James was here he established two dojos in Oxford and set up the BGKA (British Goju Ryu Karate Association). The BGKA later became EGKA when the Scottish clubs formed their own group.

After he returned to South Africa, his brother, Peter, led the BGKA. In 1978 Sensei James returned and settled in Bournemouth to begin his study of Chiropractic. He now is one of the UK’s leading chiropractors.

Sensei James, Sensei Morio Higaonna and Sensei Teruo Chinen were the founding instructors of the IOGKF (International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation), which was established in Poole, England in July 1979. Our instructor Sensei Len (then 2nd Dan) was the only UK instructor present at the founding discussions held in Sensei James’ home.

The founder dojos of the GKI were ex-members of the English Goju-Ryu Karate Association. The other senior instructors who formed the GKI were Senseis Len Sim, Gary Weber, Paul Stiffle, John Boyle, Henrieheta Sim, Paul Coleman, Steve Thomson, Craig Nevitt, Kevin Nason, Tim Cooper and Dave Thompson.

Today he lives just south of Birmingham, almost next door to the hall where the GKI holds its winter Gasshuku.

Early Picture of Sensei James