Help Junaid get to Sweden to represent Team NZ for KSI World Champs (Martial Arts) in July 2018

Hi Everyone,

I have been selected for the New Zealand Men's KSI (Kimura Shukokai International; Martial Arts) team to compete at the World Champs held in Stockholm, Sweden in July 2018. I am part of a 8 man squad, and only 1 of 2 from Auckland who will be representing New Zealand at the World Champs. Because I am not a full time athlete, I have no sponsors and do not get paid to train and compete. I am a late inclusion into the National side, and urgently need to raise funds to keep the dream alive.

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, I started training at age 8, and started competing at age 9. Winning most local and national junior competitions, I was the youngest karate student selected for the National squad. I went on to represent South Africa in Finland 2006 at the World Champs. A year later, I moved to Auckland, New Zealand with my family. 11 years on, I now have the chance to represent New Zealand at the World Champs, a longterm goal of mine. I train at a small dojo in Auckland, where I will be preparing for the Worlds later on in July.

What is Shukokai ?

The literal meaning of the two Japanese characters which make up the word “Karate” is “Empty Hand”. Modern karate as we know it originated in Okinawa, then spread to Japan and is now practiced world wide. There are four major styles of karate in the world: Shito-ryu, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, & Shotokan. Kimura Shukokai falls within Shito-ryu.

Karate training can be divided into four main disciplines:

Kihon (basics)

Kumite (sparring)

Kata (Form)

Tournament Kumite (fighting) & Kata (form)

"Shukokai" was founded after the second world war by Master Tani who resided in Kobi City, Japan. Master Tani sort to perfect his style by studying the mechanics of the human body and developed techniques which can be delivered with maximum efficiency. Kimura Shukokai International (KSI), was formed in 1995, after the untimely death of Soke Shigeru Kimura 10th Dan. Kimura Shukokai International today is headed by the late Master Kimura's four most Senior students, Shihan Eddie Daniels 9th Dan from Great Britain, Shihan Bill Bressaw 9th Dan from U.S.A, Shihan Chris Thompson 9th Dan and Shihan Lionel Marinus 9th Dan both from South Africa. All four Shihan's, trained with Master Kimura for at least 25 years, and continue to teach and develop Master Kimura's unique technique. Today Kimura Shukokai International is continuing to grow, and spread its wings to many different countries around the world including Europe, North America, Africa & Asia.

I thank you for your time, and appreciate your support.