The Legend of Our Style Celebrates his 80th Birthday

On the evening of 17 September 2016, Shihan Norman Robinson, the father of our style in South Africa celebrated his 80th birthday in a once in a lifetime legendary manner.

Shortly after his birthday on 6 September 2016, he traveled to Scotland for the 4th JKS World Shoto Federation Karate Do Championships 2016. He said his daughter would not have forgiven him if he didn't spend his birthday here with his South African family rather than his Japanese family. It was clear from the heartwarming speeches from his wife, daughter and grand daughter that he puts his family first. He taught many of them how to drive, to have fun, to be driven in all they do and to strive to be the best they can be.

During the World Championships in Scotland, his student and friend, Sensei Andre Kok won the gold medal in both his kata and koten kata divisions. Shihan Norman was very proud. The South African team did really well, ranking 6th place of the 22 participating countries.

Upon the SA team's return home, Shihan Norman held a Legend of Legends Karate Tournament on the 17th of September 2016 where many participated in his honour. It was a friendly all styles competition with many coming from far and wide.

On the evening of the tournament a celebration of his life and contributions to the judo and karate communities in South Africa was held in Pretoria. It is not often so many legends in the martial arts come together and celebrate their friendship and legacies. Shihan Norman was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the president of KSA Sonny Pilay Hanshi. Many more stories were shared, mostly with laughter and awe at what these legends of legends have achieved through the years and what they still are achieving in there arts. Shihan Norman will soon take up singing lessons in order to sing his favourite songs to his wife, children and grandchildren. Watch out world, this Legend is one determined man.

From left to right: Chris Thompson, Arnold De Beer, Soon Pretorius, Cass Sehloho, Norman Robinson, Malcolm Dorfman, Pikkas Windell, Andre Kok, Sonny Pillay. Photo courtesy of Greg da Silva Photography.