Celebrating Achievements and Authenticity: A Milestone Ceremony at OGKK HONBU Dojo

Nicolette Morrison-Hagen

Earned the 3rd Dan in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Do Kyokai and the 2nd Dan in Matayoshi Kobudo.

Monique Morrison-Hagen

Achieved the prestigious 5th Dan in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Do Kyokai.

Every so often, we encounter moments that are both rare and deeply meaningful. Our recent honour at the OGKK HONBU Dojo was one such unforgettable occasion. Receiving authentic Okinawan certificates wasn’t just a recognition—it was a powerful affirmation of our dedication to martial arts.

These meticulously crafted certificates, prepared at the OGKK headquarters in Okinawa, symbolize more than just rank or accomplishment; they represent our journey and passion for martial arts.

The half-stamped red seal on each certificate adds a touch of tradition, ensuring their authenticity and safeguarding.

This ceremony was a testament to our commitment, reflecting the values that have guided us throughout our martial arts path. It’s not just about personal milestones but being part of a larger legacy.

Our Dan Ranks: A Journey of Dedication

Monique Morrison-Hagen: Achieved the prestigious 5th Dan in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Do Kyokai.

Nicolette Morrison-Hagen: Earned the 3rd Dan in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Do Kyokai and the 2nd Dan in Matayoshi Kobudo.

Dylan Badenhorst: Secured the 2nd Dan in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Do Kyokai.

Pierre van Staden: Attained the 1st Dan in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Do Kyokai.

Aiden Fortuin: Achieved the Junior 1st Dan in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Do Kyokai.

The Symbolic Shift of Nafuda

A deeply symbolic moment of the ceremony involved moving our Nafuda, or wooden name plates, to their new positions on the Nafudakake, the name-plate rack. This traditional act serves multiple purposes. It not only highlights our individual achievements but also informs fellow members of

each Dan’s rank, fostering a sense of community and shared accomplishment.

Our Proud Lineage

As senseis, we stand as proud representatives of the 5th generation in our distinguished lineage, a legacy that stretches across decades and continents. Our lineage is far more than a mere list of names; it’s a living testament to the rich traditions, teachings, and mastery that have been lovingly passed down through generations. It’s a privilege and an honour to continue this legacy, upholding the values and standards that define our martial arts practice.

In today’s martial arts landscape, authenticity is often claimed but rarely proven. Many dojos and practitioners assert their lineage without the substance to back it up. We encourage you to dig deeper, to ask the tough questions:

Training with the Masters: Has your instructor had the privilege of training directly under the watchful eye of the masters? There’s no substitute for firsthand experience and mentorship from those who have dedicated their lives to the art.
Photographic Evidence: A picture is worth a thousand words, and in the world of martial arts, it can be the ultimate proof. Do they have authentic photographs documenting their training with the masters? These visual records not only validate their claims but also provide a fascinating glimpse into the historical journey of their martial arts lineage.

Authenticity isn’t just about lineage—it’s about respect for the art, dedication to continuous learning, and a commitment to passing on the true essence of the discipline to the next generation. We’re honoured to be part of a lineage that values these principles and are always ready to share our story, our teachings, and our authentic journey in martial arts.

A Ceremony Beyond Ordinary

The ceremony was nothing short of extraordinary. We were honoured with meticulously handcrafted calligraphy certificates, each one crafted with impeccable attention to detail at the OGKK headquarters in Okinawa. These aren’t your everyday certificates. Each one is adorned with an

authentic half-stamped red seal, symbolizing its counterpart securely held in Okinawa. This careful process not only ensures their authenticity but also safeguards them, distinguishing them from any locally printed versions.

The Essence of Dan Recognition

Achieving a Dan rank in Goju Ryu is a significant milestone that reflects a profound understanding of the art and a commitment to its authentic practice. As we ascended through the ranks, the ceremony served as a poignant reminder of a sobering truth: “Out of every 500 people who start

karate, only 1 makes it to black belt.” This reality was vividly illustrated as we celebrated the achievements of over 20 individuals who earned their Shodan grades, contrasting with the select few—just 4—who attained their Godan grades.

Here’s a glimpse into our lineage:

Miyagi Chojun Sensei: Founder of Goju-Ryu in 1931, a direct student of Aragaki Ryuko Sensei and Higaonna Kanryo Sensei.
Miyazato Eiichi Sensei: Founder of Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-do Kyokai (OGKK) in 1969, a direct student of Miyagi Chojun Sensei and Higaonna Kanryo Sensei.
Kikugawa Masanari Sensei: A 10th Dan, an Intangible Cultural Asset for the art and practice of Karate, and our direct master.
Our Kattan Senseis: Direct students of Kikugawa Masanari Sensei, they visit Okinawa regularly to train with the masters.
Morrison-Hagen Senseis: Direct students of Kikugawa Masanari Sensei and the Kattan senseis, we continue our weekly training to preserve the traditional techniques.

Being 5th in line in this rich lineage is a true honour that few can claim.