East Cape Shotokan-Ryu
Port Alfred
The oldest of all the ECSR Dojos, Kowie Martial Arts as it was then known, was established in 1992 by Johan Zweistra.
Beginners’ classes commence in February/March and July/August each year. Beginners should be 7 years of age. Children 5 & 6 years of age will be accepted on provision that a parent also joins them for training. Our rates are affordable, and we offer family discounts for more than one member per an immediate family.
Class schedule
Beginners
Guide Hall, Causeway Rd, 16:30 – 17:10, Mon & Thurs: Gary Grapentin, Assisted by Kevin Aitchison and Ashton Court
Novice
Guide Hall, Causeway Rd 17:10 – 18:00, Mon & Thurs: Gary Grapentin, Assisted by Kevin Aitchison and Ashton Court
Intermediate & advanced
Guide Hall, Causeway Rd 18:00 – 19:00, Mon & Thurs: Gary Grapentin, Assisted by Kevin Aitchison and Ashton Court
Gary Grapentin
ECSR Head Instructor
Gary has practiced Shotokan karate since 1985 and is the head instructor for East Cape Shotokan-Ryu. He first began instructing karate in Port Alfred in 1995. Gary is a founder member of United Shotokan-Ryu (USR) and also serves as Chairperson. Concurrently he serves as President of the United World Karate (UWK) General Karate Commission in South Africa and was inducted into the International Shotokan-Ryu Karate-do Shihankai (ISKS) in 2017.
In addition to attending seminars with notable South African instructors, Gary has also had the privilege of training with Kanazawa Hirokazu Sensei, Abe Keigo Sensei, Kagawa Masao Sensei, Murakami Manabu Sensei and Andre Bertel Sensei. In 2016 Gary was graded to rokudan (6th dan black belt) by Sensei Koos Burger.
You can contact Gary Grapentin via WhatApp or the form on this page. The website for the club is at ecsrkarate.co.za/