About Us
The Villieria Tigers Story
Our Story
The Villieria Tigers Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate Dojo is the oldest dojo in the Moot. It was already a strong dojo back in the 1970's and has survived changes of location as well as instructors over the last 50 years. The current chief instructor, Kyoshi Riaan Coetzee (7th Dan), took over the dojo in 1991, after being a student at this very dojo since 1974, when he started his karate career at the age of 13 years old.
Various styles of Karate and other self-defence techniques have been taught at Villieria Tigers since its inception. When the dojo opened its doors in 1970, we taught Funakoshi Style Karate, until 1980. For a short period between 1980 and 1983 we taught Kyokushin but decided to return to Funakoshi in 1984. In 1994 a very important decision was made to break away from all known styles of karate in South Africa and introduce something completely new to the country. Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan was introduced to South Africa on 15 January 1994, and the Villieria Tigers has been teaching this style of traditional Okinawan karate ever since. Kyoshi Riaan is currently the Vice President of Shorin-Ryu South Africa.
Besides the traditional Okinawan style of Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate, Villieria Tigers also teaches traditional Okinawan Kobudo at the dojo, as well as one-on-one street combat and advanced self-defence techniques.
Through all these changes over the years, the Villieria Tigers slogan has remained the same:
The Villieria Tigers Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate Dojo is the oldest dojo in the Moot. Established in 1970, our dojo has been a beacon of traditional martial arts training in Pretoria for over 50 years.
Our Chief Instructor
Kyoshi Riaan Coetzee (7th Dan) has been leading the Villieria Tigers since 1991. He started his karate journey at this very dojo in 1974 at the age of 13, and his decades of experience and dedication make him an exceptional instructor and mentor.
Kyoshi Riaan currently serves as the Vice President of Shorin-Ryu South Africa, demonstrating his commitment to the growth and development of traditional Okinawan karate in the country.
What is Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan?
Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan is a traditional style of Okinawan karate that emphasizes natural stances, fast techniques, and practical self-defense applications. It was introduced to South Africa by the Villieria Tigers on 15 January 1994, making us pioneers of this authentic martial art in the country.
What We Offer
Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate
Traditional Okinawan karate training
Okinawan Kobudo
Traditional weapons training
Street Combat
One-on-one practical self-defense
Advanced Self-Defence
Modern defensive techniques
Our Philosophy
At Villieria Tigers, we believe in developing the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. Our training goes beyond physical techniques to instill values of respect, discipline, perseverance, and humility.
NO RETREAT – NO SURRENDER!