Wednesday, April 09, 2008

James Vermaak, Sensei South Africa World Sansei

James Vermaak, Sensei
World Sansei Koryu Gojukai Karatedo Regional Director
Kyoshi James Vermaak was born on 20 February 1964 on the East Rand. His father was a boxer along with the known Ludicks and Toweels. Sensei James was a boxer at his father's club. In 1970. Sensei James started his Goju-Ryu training with Sensei Hans Bothma and Sensei Dave Crause in Westonaria. However, it was during 1983 to 1985, whilst doing his National Defence Force Service that he met up with the late Shihan Ben Du Preez and Sensei Francois Du Preez in the Goju-Ryu Karate Academy. Sensei James obtained his Shodan on 24 November 1984 under Shihan Ben du Preez. When GKA came to an end, Sensei James kept on training with Shihan Pikkas Windell from Goju-Kai and Shihan Hans Haupt from Tenshinkan.
In 1990 Sensei James trained in the USA and became a member and student of World Sansei Koryu Gojukai Karatedo and Kobudo Organisation under Hanshi Manny Saavedra. Since 1990 Sensei James has toured the USA 10 times to train, graded and competed under Kancho Manny Saavedra.
Sensei James competed in the Sansei International World Championships in 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1998. He won the GMAF Middle Heavy Weight International Kickboxing Bout in 1992. Also placed 2nd at the 19th World Silver Cup Championships in Miami. He won the Senior Men's Kumite in 1994 in the GMAF Championship in Florida. Sensei James was appointed to the Sansei International Board of Directors in 1999 and appointed as Shihan and the South African President. Sensei James also trained under Kancho Eddie Cave in the Goju-Ryu Karate Kai SA Organisation and holds the level of 7th Dan. Sensei James has been the Martial Art's co-ordinator for the Metsimahalo Sports Council for the past 4 years and is involved with the development of Martial Arts and is the appointed Chairman of the Metsimahalo Martial Art Academy. Shihan James has been involved in WAKO Kickboxing since 1997 under Kancho Eddie Cave and is the WAKO Northern Free State Provincial Head. He has been SA Champion in WKO in Kata and Kumite numerous times. Sensei James is also a member of the WKO National Squad that competed against a National Team from England. He is also the WKO National Squad Coach. Sensei James has Dojos operating in Vaalpark, Parys, Johannesburg, Roodepoort (FCJ) and Sun City. He also formed the Metsimaholo Martial Arts Academy in 2007. Sensei James is married Sensei Annetjie, who holds a 3rd Dan in Karate. His eldest daughter, Mathilda is a WKO National team member and a 2nd Dan. His youngest daughter, Anika is also a WKO National Team member and a 1st Dan. His son, Nico is a Junior Brown Belt in Karate and Kickboxing.Sensei James is the founder of Gofitnicize, a Martial Arts Fitness programme that is a combination of Aerokickboxing, Pilates, Benches, Calenetics and Cardio training.Shihan James was promoted by the World Sansei Koryu Gojukai Karatedo to the level of 8th Dan .Shihan James Vermaak was appointed the General Secretary for Karate South Africa during 2007.Shihan James is also the appointed Chairman of the Far Northern Free State Karate Association and forms part of the Executive Committee of the Free State Karate Federation.
Shihan James is qualified as a UFAK "Level B" Kata Judge.