Our Dojo Head, Monique started her Karate journey in 1985 at the age of 10. For the past 36 years, living the Karate life has shaped Monique into the individual she is today. Other martial arts include Kobudo and Kickboxing. Since hanging up her gloves, Monique has excelled as a referee, recently selected to be on the World Goju-Ryu Federation Referees Committee. In South Africa, she is very well
known as one of the few national female KSA referees. Although an avid influencer and official in the Sport Karate world, Monique’s passion is for traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, a lifelong art that gives back and grounds one for all interactions and presentation in daily life. In 2014, Monique also started the very challenging art of Okinawan Weaponry. Matayoshi Kobudo is an extremely technically challenging martial art that provides for incredible satisfaction when you are able to master even the most simple weapons basics and partner work. In 2018 Monique achieved her 1st Dan ( Black Belt level 1) in Kobudo. Monique also has 24 years of experience and many gold medals in Kickboxing. On the administration side, Monique currently serves as the Executive as the Treasurer of Karate South Africa – Cape Town Region (Previously known as Western Province...
Qualifications:
Yondan (4th Dan) Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai – OGKK
Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo
Sandan (3rd Dan) Black Belt in Kickboxing - SAKA
World Goju Ryu Federation: Member of the Referees Committee
Karate South Africa: National Referee
OGKK South Africa: Chief Referee
Certified International C.O.B.R.A.™ Self-Defense Instructor – C.O.B.R.A. USA
ETA (Exercise Teachers Academy) Personal Fitness Trainer diploma - ETA
Sport Nutritionist Certification - American council of Exercise
Sport Nutrition Diploma - Stonebridge University, UK. Sport Specific Nutrition - ISSA Certified
Johnny G Master Spinning Instructor – Schwinn, Bradford, UK
Basic First Aid Level 2 – Joan Nortje & Associates RSA
Bachelor of Economics (B.Econ) – Stellenbosch University
Bachelor Honours Politics and International Relations Degree (BAHons) – Stellenbosch University
Nicolette Morrison-Hagen started her martial arts journey when she started training Judo in 1982. After giving Judo break for a few years, Nicolette started training various other martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing and Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate. In 2015 Nicolette was selected to represent South Africa at the World Goju-Ryu Karate Championship in New Zealand and then again in 2019 were for a second time, she competed in Malaysia at the WGKF world championship. Nicolette still competes in national and international competitions and serves on the Karate South Africa Cape Town executive as the Secretary-General. Qualifications:
Nidan (2nd Dan) Black Belt in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai – OGKK
Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo
Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt in Kickboxing – SAKA
1st Kyu Brown Belt in Judo
Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu
Certified International C.O.B.R.A.™ Self-Defense Instructor – C.O.B.R.A. USA
Basic First Aid Level 2 – Joan Nortje & Associates RSA
Diploma in Cost- and Management Accounting - ND (CMA)
Diploma in Accounting – ND (ACC)
Member of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)
