Discover the art of
Traditional Shotokan Karate
Join Benoni JKA Karate, a Proud Member of the South African Japan Karate Association, for Self-Confidence, Fitness, and Self-Defence Training.
About us
Join Benoni JKA Karate
Join Benoni JKA Karate, a proud member of the South African Japan Karate Association.
Discover the art of traditional Shotokan karate while enhancing your self-confidence, concentration, and physical fitness.
We also teach self-defence by the application of moves derived from Katas (forms).
At Benoni Dojo we believe in making training enjoyable yet structured, with a focus on setting and achieving goals.
We extend a warm welcome to individuals of all ages and skill levels.
Our kids’ classes cater to children as young as 5 years old, while our later classes are tailored for seniors and adults,
from beginners to advanced practitioners.
Saturday morning classes are available for students with some experience from Yellow Belt and above.
Everyone is invited to experience the benefits of training at Benoni JKA Karate.
Self Confidence
Concentration
Physical Fitness
Self Defense
Meet our Experienced and Dedicated Instructors
Our Instructors
Mike Forner embarked on his journey in the world of karate in January 1974 under the guidance of Sensei Buddy Gibson at Dynamic Karate Benoni. Over the years, he honed his skills and expanded his horizons, participating in various training sessions and championships. His dedication and commitment led him to achieve significant milestones, including earning his Shodan (1st DAN) and Nidan (2nd DAN) grades. He has achieved success in Tournament Karate at all levels from Dojo through All Styles, Provincial and National competition in both Kata and Kumite over many years. Despite facing challenges such as a change in employment and a back injury, Mike’s passion for karate remained unwavering. He resumed training in 2009 and continued to excel, obtaining his Sandan (3rd DAN) and Yondan (4th DAN) grades, as well as instructor qualifications. In 2023, Mike obtained his Godan (5th DAN) as well as Examiner and Tournament Judge Qualifications.
In 2019, Mike founded the Benoni JKA Karate Dojo, nurturing a community of over 50 students. Under his guidance, the dojo has achieved remarkable success in tournaments, winning numerous medals. Mike believes that karate is more than just a martial art – it is a way of life. He strives to impart his passion for karate to his students, teaching them valuable life lessons and encouraging them to embody the principles of Character, Sincerity, Effort, Etiquette, and Self-Control.
Sensei Mike Forner
5th Dan
For two decades now, I’ve been immersed in the practice of karate, a journey that has profoundly shaped my character. The discipline, tenacity, and self-control instilled by this martial art have enriched every aspect of my life. Achieving the rank of Sandan (3rd Black belt) in another respected style before joining SAJKA nearly three years ago, I’ve found a new home in this community. Throughout this journey, Sensei Mike Forner has been a pillar of support, elevating my karate skills to new heights through his deep knowledge and unwavering passion for the art.
Sensei Amy Prinsloo
3rd Dan
I began my karate journey 12 years ago, and it has been a transformative experience. The discipline and self-control ingrained in this martial art are far more valuable than any belt earned along the way. These principles extend beyond the dojo and have enriched every aspect of my life. While I haven’t trained under Sensei Mike at Benoni JKA Karate for the entirety of my karate journey, I can confidently say that my skills have flourished under his guidance. A significant portion of my progress and competitive success can be attributed to him, and who prepared me for my Shodan Grading in March 2023. Joining JKA has exposed me to a high level of competition both provincially and nationally. With dedication and hard work, there’s no limit to what you can achieve under this prestigious brand.