About Us

Practitioners of traditional Shotokan Karate-do.

Opened in 2016 by Nico von Stade Sensei after identifying the need for a more traditional approach to training and reverting back to the founding Maxims and values of Shotokan Karate-do with the focus not only on physical training but mental wellness , character building and becoming part of a team. With assistance from JSKA (Japan Shotokan Karate Association) chief instructor Soon Pretorius Sensei 8th Dan the decision was made to affiliate with JSKA South Africa to be part of a Japan rooted traditional Shotokan organization.

Our Story

From 1977 heading into the future

In 1977 Nico von Stade started training karate in the style of Gojo ryu under the leadership of Andre Du Preez Sensei.

During 1982 his training dojo decided to follow a more traditional Shotokan path and started training in the style of Yuishinkan kobujutsu (Ryu Kyu Kobujutsu) and included Kubudo (Okinawan weapons).

During 1986 at the the age of 16 , Nico earned his 1st black belt (Shodan).

During 1989 Nico earned his second black belt (Nidan)

During the 1990s to early 2000s Nico served as a member of the SANDF & SAPD and trained occasionally and also practiced thai chi during this time.

In 2011 Nico joined JKA (Japan Karate association) and re-graded to both Shodan & Nidan and became a instructor.During this time both his children (Nico Jr. & Charnee') trained and later recieved shodan level (Charnee'would continue to train and become a instructor more below!)

in 2016 Nico broke away from JKA and opened Waterberg Karate Academy.

During 2016 Nico graded to his 3rd black belt (Sandan)

During 2020 Nico graded to his 4th black belt (Yondan)

Nico also holds a "AAA" instructor , judge & evaluator license.

Nico plans to continue and build on his career as a karate-do practitioner and instructor and now coaches full time at Waterberg Karate Academy.

Charnee' started training in 2011 at the age of 9 and found a love for karate-do from early on. She excelled and started assisting in training activities after earning green belt and never stopped since then. She trained when ever Nico trained and joined in on the senior classes from a young age. Charnee reached 2nd Kyu Brown in 2015 at the age of 13 and graded to 1st kyu brown in 2016 at the age of 14. She completed her junior black belts thru 2017 & 2018 and graded to black belt (Shodan) at the age of 16 years old.

Charnee' proceeded to grade to 2nd black belt (Nidan) in 2020.

Charnee holds a " A "class instructors License," B " class Examiner License & " D "class Judge License.

Charnee' Plans to continue and build on her career as a karate-do practitioner and instructor and now coaches full time at Waterberg Karate Academy.