Sensei George Best gave karate seminaars in Kempton Park, Makhanda and Brackenfell
The purpose of these seminars was to provide South African Karateka with the opportunity to experience high-level training with one of the world’s most-respected Kumite practitioners and coaches.
FORMER World and European Team Kumite Champion, sensei George Best, was invited by United Shotokan-Ryu to conduct three seminars in South Africa.
The purpose of these seminars was to provide South African Karateka with the opportunity to experience high-level training with one of the world’s most-respected kumite practitioners and coaches.
The first seminar was held in Kempton Park in September.
The seminar saw more than one hundred karatekas of all ages and grades from various federations participate in an invigorating and highly intensive training session.
“While Best may cut an imposing figure in his karate gi, his excellent teaching skills and rapport with the participants ensured that the seminar was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended,” said Paul da Silva.
Best hails from Manchester, England, where he is a full-time karate instructor, and head of Hasha Karate Great Britain.
He was first selected to train with the Karate Union of Great Britain junior and senior squads at the age of 13.
During this time, he trained regularly with some of the most ferocious karate fighters in the world.
“As daunting as this was, his persistence and resolve paid dividends, when at the age of 16, he made his debut as a senior in an international event in 1984,” said Paul.
“During his distinguished career he assisted England and Team Great Britain in winning the European Team Kumite Championships on five occasions, and the World Championships twice, making them one of the most successful karate nations in the world.
“Best’s passion for his art is infectious, and although the seminars were gruelling, his encouraging, humble and gentle manners, inspired and motivated the participants to give of their best until the final exercises and drills were completed,” said sensei da Silva.
“United Shotokan-Ryu chairperson, Gary Grapentin, has already been in discussions with Best regarding a follow up seminar in the future.
Best’s SA seminar marks the third international instructor seminar which Untied Shotokan-Ryu has successfully hosed in South Africa during the past 12 months.
Previous international guest instructors include sensei Pascal Lecourt (France) and sensei André Bertel (Japan).
United Shotokan-Ryu seminars are open to all instructors and karateka irrespective of style, affiliation or association.
For more information about the forthcoming United Shotokan-Ryu International Instructor Seminars, Gauteng representative, Paul Da Silva, may be contacted at paul.swskd@gmail.com.
