A one-day Martial Arts Seminar in African Goju was held in Accra last Saturday as part of efforts to teach the act of self-defence among Ghanaians.
The event was aimed at promoting African Goju, an indigenous style of Martial Arts to become an acceptable form of martial arts in Ghana and replicated globally.
The seminar brought together past and present practitioners, as well as children to be trained to become African Goju champions in future.
Speaking at the seminar, the founder of African Goju, Prof Danny Gwira, said the seminar was necessary as it would go a long way to teach the children, especially the benefits of African Goju and the need for its sustainability.
“The event marked 38 years of African Goju which was not only about building physical strength, but also the holistic development of an individual,” he stated.
He added that, they were present in over 34 countries and efforts must be made to promote the sport in Africa and not rely on other countries as far as martial arts was concerned.
The future, he said was bright for African Goju, and need everyone to come on board to support as it would go a long way to produce great personalities from Ghana.
He said the kids represent the next generation of African Goju and urged them to take the sport seriously and be disciplined.
The Chief Instructor and seventh degree black belter holder, said they were hoping stakeholders would come on board to grow the sport as a martial art, a style, self- defence and a philosophy using the kids who would take the sport up in future.
There were demonstrations from the children (next generation of African Goju) and other senior practitioners including Patrick Mintah, delighted patrons after breaking a beer bottle with his head as part of his presentation.
African Goju was formed in Ghana in 1985 by Danny Gwira, a student of Professor Ron Van Clief,(founder of Chinese Goju).
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
