Stan Schmidt
Karate
JKA-recognised Shotokan Dynamic Karate for children and adults. Three locations across Sandton and Midrand — where discipline becomes a way of life.
The Art of
Empty Hand
The Stan Schmidt School of Karate is the oldest JKA-recognised karate dojo in South Africa — founded in 1963 by the legendary Shihan Stan Schmidt.
We teach Shotokan Dynamic Karate to children and adults at 3 venues in Sandton and Midrand. Karate enhances core strength, flexibility, reflexes, confidence and self-esteem while building well-rounded, disciplined members of society.
Trained by
Champions
Janine Friend Hackett brings over three decades of elite competitive and instructional experience to every class. Having competed and won at both national and international levels, her credentials are unmatched in South African Shotokan karate.
Janine's approach combines technical precision with a genuine passion for developing each student — from white belt beginners to seasoned black belts. Her teaching philosophy honours the rich tradition of the Stan Schmidt legacy while embracing modern training methodologies.
"Young and old aspiring students – from Beginner to Black Belt – could not be in better hands. Janine Friend is an experienced and excellent teacher in whom I have the utmost confidence."
— Shihan Stan SchmidtHaving selected Janine as his successor upon his retirement in 2010, Shihan Stan Schmidt entrusted the school's legacy to someone who embodies everything the dojo stands for — excellence, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the art.
Train with Sensei JanineWhat is Dynamic
Karate?
Dynamic Karate is the unique training system developed at the Stan Schmidt School — combining traditional Shotokan Karate with complementary disciplines that develop the complete athlete and person.
It goes beyond basic kata and kumite. Students develop physical capability, mental fortitude and essential life skills in every session — making this the most comprehensive martial arts programme in the region.
Every class is designed to challenge, motivate and grow each student according to their age and ability level — in an environment of respect, encouragement and high standards.
Start Your JourneyThree Locations
One Family
We offer classes at three venues across Sandton and Midrand. All locations maintain the same exceptional standard of instruction under Sensei Janine — find the dojo closest to you and book your free trial.
Recreation Centre
School
Bluehills
Begin Your
Karate
Journey
Whether you're enrolling a child or yourself, we welcome beginners of all ages. Complete the form and Sensei Janine will be in touch to arrange your free trial class.
The Stan Schmidt
Legacy
The Beginning
Shihan Stan Schmidt first visited Japan to train at the JKA Headquarters. On his return, he established the Stan Schmidt School of Karate in Orange Grove — the first JKA-recognised karate dojo in South Africa.
Building a Legacy
Over 47 years, Shihan Schmidt returned to Japan more than 20 times. The school produced scores of top-level instructors and gold medalists, becoming the flagship of Shotokan karate in Southern Africa.
Origin of Shotokan
Okinawan schoolteacher Master Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate to the Japanese mainland, coining the term "karate" (empty hand). It was soon recognised as one of Japan's nine official martial arts.
Janine Takes the Helm
Upon his retirement, Shihan Stan Schmidt handpicked Sensei Janine Friend Hackett as his successor — entrusting her with the school's storied legacy and the continued development of South African Shotokan karate.
Carrying the Torch
The Stan Schmidt School of Karate continues to grow across 3 Sandton and Midrand locations, producing confident, disciplined students who carry the values of Shotokan into every aspect of their lives.
The history of Shotokan Karate stretches back centuries — born from necessity among the Okinawan nobility who were forbidden weapons under Japanese occupation. Forced to defend themselves with empty hands, they forged one of the world's most refined martial arts.
At the Stan Schmidt School, we are custodians of this tradition. Every technique taught in our dojos carries the weight of centuries of refinement — and the direct lineage of JKA training from Tokyo's legendary Headquarters.
"I first visited Japan in 1963 where I trained at the Japan Karate Association HQ. On my return I established the Stan Schmidt School of Karate in Orange Grove — the first JKA recognised Karate Dojo in South Africa."
— Shihan Stan SchmidtThat lineage — from Tokyo to Orange Grove to Sandton — is alive in every class we teach today.
Become Part of the LegacyContact
the Dojo
Email Us
Head Dojo
Ernest Ullmann Recreation Centre
Morningside, Sandton
Johannesburg
School Dojos
Summerhill School — Midrand
Reddford House Bluehills — Midrand