Shihan Kenneth Lawrence Wittstock

Shihan Ken started karate at the age of 20 and he is now 74 years old.

He is truly one of SA JKA’s founding fathers – present at the very first meeting in 1963 which gave rise to our beloved SA JKA Karate Association and still serving on our Governing Body. He is still an active instructor at his Randfontein Dojo which has been running for 43 years.

• His achievements are numerous so I will highlight a few significant ones.
• Sensei Ken has been All-styles Kumite National Champion and SA JKA Kata and Kumite South African Champion. In 1972 Sensei Ken represented South Africa as a “Springbok” at the World All Styles Championships where he achieved joint 4th place.
• That same year he was awarded the South African Sport Merit Award for best karate achievement.
• Following that in 1973 he achieved joint 3rd place in both the trial JKA World Championships and the All Japan Championships in Tokyo.
• He was the first westerner to win a medal at the All Japan Champs.
• In 1999 Sensei Ken achieved his 8th Dan in Japan.
• He also holds the qualifications of A class instructor, examiner and judge. These examinations can only be taken in Japan and Sensei Ken has achieved the highest qualifications possible. It is fitting that Sensei Ken was accepted onto the JKA Shihankai (Masters) Council at JKA HQ in Japan 2015.
• He has been travelling to Germany every second year since 1973 to instruct in various areas and gasshukus alongside Sensei Ochi. Sensei Ken we admire and value you and your contribution to SA JKA.