MARTIALFORCE.COM

 PRESENTS

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Buddy Govender Kyoshi

Goju Ryu Jundokan Karate-Doh

KEIKO

Train the Body, Touch the Mind, Feel the Spirit.

Interviewed by William Rivera Kyoshi

Edited by Lydia Alicea

 MAY 2015

To embody the true essence of Keiko requires that a martial artist recognize that Karate-Do has more to do with than just practicing and training, far more. In the process of preparing the mind, body and spirit, your karate becomes a part of a process, one that has been ongoing for many generations, and will continue far beyond your years. Keiko requires total immersion of one’s self in the richness of Karate’s traditions and teachings, while never losing sight of, and always being true to its applications today, as well as in the future. Your Karate becomes Keiko, continuous as the rotation of the planets around the Sun, affecting all aspects of your life, well-being and others.

Buddy Govender Kyoshi has immersed himself, mind, body, and spirit in Karate, in Keiko. It is in his awakening every day, throughout each of his daily undertakings. Whether it is in his teachings of Goju Ryu, or conducting his TaiBo KickFit classes, his own training, or life with his family, for Buddy Govender it is all about feeling the “spirit,” feeling better than the day before because you have pushed yourself beyond your own limits. As a result, Buddy’s spirit, inherently affects all who encounter him. Buddy lives in the moment and never forgets tradition. He shows honor to the teachers who have come before him and to the soccer legends, a sport that he excelled in the amateur, and professions levels.

Buddy does not live in the past. He deals with various chronic issues that are all too common today. Whether it is bullying, lack of fitness, stress, or any other challenge, what he teaches, applies today and will affect you tomorrow. Buddy Govender is an advocate on human rights not just for his beloved Durban, South Africa, but also for the other nations of Africa and around the world. He is a martial artist who inspires and educates. He is the Jundokan Chief Instructor for South Africa was personally appointed by Miyazato Ei’Ichi O’Sensei in 1997.

Knowledge is power and it is the application of knowledge that benefits you. Buddy Govender Kyoshi teaches how to apply the knowledge.

Lydia Alicea

Writer for Martialforce.com.

Please visit his website listed at the end of the interview. It will inspire and educate.

Martialforce.com: Let us start at the beginning. Where were you born? Where did you grow up as a young boy with your family? As you were growing up, were there circumstances in your environment that may have necessitated a draw to self-defense?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “I was born and raised in the beautiful coastal city of Durban, which is situated on the eastern seaboard of awesome South Africa. I was born on December 3, 1960, and consider that as the day I began kicking (LOL!) I grew up in the inner city during the sad days of Apartheid (segregation) in South Africa. There was a distinct lack of social facilities and opportunities for people of color in those ‘dark’ days of Apartheid.

However, we were not subjected to violence or harm in any way and did not need to protect ourselves as some may think. It was more of a struggle for equal education, quality of life and mutual respect based on who we were rather than the color of our skin – much like what the United States went through in the 1950’ and 1960’s.

In hindsight, as tragic as it was, we can say that due to this inequality being forced upon us, it gave us of a people more strength in character, and an even more dogged determination to never give up until all opportunities were available to everybody. My parents made every opportunity possible available to me and made many sacrifices to ensure that I did not have the hardships in life that they experienced. They supported all my interests and never pushed me into doing anything that I did not want to. For that I am eternally grateful.”

Martialforce.com: At what age did you tap into an interest in the martial arts? What drew you?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “One day, when I was 9 years old, I saw a small group of men in white uniforms and colored belts kicking and punching on an open rooftop of a building across from the apartment block where we lived in. The Sensei of that dojo was Mr. Stan Hart. This display immediately caught my attention and I could not wait for my dad to get home from work so that I could get permission to join them.

At that time, there were only adult men in that ‘open air’ dojo and the training was, as it was in the early 70’s, hard and quite physical. My dad did not have any reservations about me joining as there was a relative of ours in that dojo that encouraged my dad to make this decision. That relative was Mr. Vassie Naidu who now resides in Los Angeles and is one of the senior teachers of Seiwa Kai Goju Ryu in the U.S.”

Martialforce.com: Today, as well as back then, people often perceive the martial arts as violent. Was this the case for you? If so, was this the appeal?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “No, not really. Back then, the Bruce Lee era had kicked in and people training in the martial arts were intent on developing reputations of being “deadly” (LOL!) For me, the aspects of athleticism and technique made the martial arts appealing. I was not interested in being seen as neither “dangerous” or as a “fighter.” All I wanted to be was fit and quick – like Bruce Lee!

Martialforce.com: Your initial instructors were Stan Hart, and Leo Lipinski in Goju-Ryu. Tell us about how you were introduced, and about their teaching methods.

BUDDY GOVENDER: “Yes, the dojo was run by Stan Hart Sensei in Durban and overseen nationally in South Africa by Mr. Lipinski. The style in question was Yamaguchi Gogen Sensei’s Goju Kai. Due to the Apartheid laws governing South Africa at that time, non-whites (which is how we were classified) could not train at the Gardener Street Dojo of Stan Hart Sensei because it was located in a so-called ‘white area’ of town. Hence, to cater to ‘non-whites,’ Hart Sensei opened up a satellite dojo in the ‘non-white’ part of town, and, the only venue he could secure was a roof top of single story Laundromat.

There were no lights, no shelter from the elements, and a raw concrete flat roof for a floor. However, the spirit, and effort that we gave was immense to say the least and more than compensated for the lack of decent facilities. I guess the ethos of hard work under adverse conditions in order to achieve anything meaningful is what permeated through our society and gained South Africa our democracy in 1994. ‘We never give up – the harder the conditions, the harder we try!’

The sessions were much the same every night, a thorough warm-up, then a big circle where we practiced Kihons (basics), Jodan/Chudan/Gedan punches, blocks, kicks with each person in the circle counting for each arm and leg – 100’s of punches/kicks/blocks. Kihon Ido (basic movement) followed this up and down the length of the rooftop. We then practiced kata followed by the highlight of each evening, kumite! Tough and furious was the fighting, and often with little regards for control. One had to be ‘a man’ in those days! I was hammered all of the time, as I was the youngest and obviously the smallest.

Most often, half way through the sessions, it would get dark, and became even more difficult to see the kicks, and punches coming towards you. The famous Bruce Lee quote made much more sense to me then, ‘Don’t think, Feel!’”

Martialforce.com: Who were some of your early influences?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “There were many people that impacted immensely. They believed in and encouraged me to do whatever I felt would be of benefit. I come from a sporting family where my uncles were involved in professional football and my dad was a lifeguard at the beach.

My late parents, Yvette and George supported me through to their last days. I cannot begin to describe the impact they made on my life. They never failed to tell me when I could try harder or do better; they had a balanced sense of encouragement. My schoolwork had to be at an acceptable standard consistently, and then, my sports would follow in that order. They watched me play my very first game of football (soccer) at the age of 11 and followed me around the country when I competed professionally. They also attended all my Karate grading from the very first one in 1970 right up to Shodan in 1976. They were awesome! My grandmother, Bella Abdie, many of my schoolteachers, Stan Hart Sensei, Vassie Naidu Sensei, Ian McTavish Sensei and many more, were all huge influences on my life. My grandfather, Bud Gengan, was a South African champion boxer in the 1930’s and 1940’s. I spent a lot of time with him in his later years and did not grasp the enormity of this gentle and kind natured man at the time. He was a legend in our city back in the day and I feel quite honored to have his blood flowing in my veins. I was blessed to have walked amongst ‘Giants.’”

Martialforce.com: What martial arts have you studied?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “I have studied Goju Ryu Karate-Doh and Seitei Iaido.”

Martialforce.com: Tell us about each of your instructors, and their influence on your martial arts.

Buddy Govender: “There were many that have instructed influenced, and motivated me over the years and continue to do so till today. However, there are several who stand out.

When I was 7 years old, I went to a Karate/Judo club where my cousins trained. The instructor was an Indian gentleman; Mr. Raku who I heard learned his ‘stuff’ from books and the odd seaman that knew a few things. Sitting there, watching the sessions excited me, and, although I was never taught by this man I often thought about him. I believe he was my very first influence even before the Bruce Lee craze.

Stan Hart Sensei was my first formal Karate teacher. He was a good technician, had a nice personality.

Whilst I felt his attention was not on me per se, (there were many men in his class that went on to become senior Goju Kai people) he did leave me with a good impression.

Vassie Naidu Sensei was an instructor who afforded me a lot of time and attention. A superb Goju Ryu man with a wonderful personality as well. He opened the very first full-time Karate Dojo in Durban in the mid-1970 and allowed me the courtesy to train there as often as I wanted to. He would stay after class with me for an extra hour going through various weight-training exercises that improved my strength. I was quite skinny back then.

Naidu Sensei would spend hours going through the various Goju Ryu Kata with me, over, and over again, but with the utmost patience, and care to ensure that we got it right to the best of our knowledge. I cannot thank him enough. I must also point out the fact that he never asked me for payment at any time.  One of the highlights of my life thus far was to train and teach at his Santa Monica Goju Ryu Dojo in 2003. To this day, I still consider him my Sensei…Love the man!

Bruce Anthony Sensei was a leading Kyokushinkai teacher in Durban during the 1970’s. His dojo was just around the corner from where we lived in the city center, and all of his instructions were powerhouse, impact sessions.

I would often go there just to watch and absorb the massive energy that permeated from his teaching. At that time, Kyokushinkai was at its height and considered the ‘Strongest Karate’ by many. I wanted that stuff and felt that it would benefit me. After going to their dojo, bowing with respect and sitting in a corner for a few months, Bruce Anthony Sensei eventually came over and asked me if I would like to train with them as well. An offer I did not want to refuse. Eventually my daily schedule went something like this; back home from school at 2:45pm, (I was in grade 8 at the time) have a snack, and then off to Vassie Naidu Sensei’s dojo for the 3:00pm to 4.30pm class. Run across town to Bruce Anthony Sensei’s dojo for the 5:00pm – 6:30pm session, then back home to do my homework and have dinner.

Anthony Sensei immigrated to Australia in the early 1980’s and his dojo sadly did not continue. I am grateful to him for ‘toughening’ me up in some way. He called me out to fight a junior Brown Belt of more or less the same age as me from his dojo and I fought him quite well. Not satisfied, I think he called out an older more senior student of his who proceeded to blast me with those devastating gedan mawashi geri’s to my thigh. Boy was that a great wake-up call for me! However, this just made me go back as often as I could and get better, and obviously find a way to deal with the painful thigh kicks! A slight man in built, yet his fighting spirit was awesome and I think he came out 16^th in that very first and infamous World Kyokushinkai Championships in Tokyo in the late 1970’s.

Bob Davies Sensei was a sort of Shito Ryu teacher in Durban in the late 1980’s and had a lovely dojo in town. He was also one of the first teachers that taught kobudo and that attracted me. However, his knowledge of Kata was superb and his organized strategy of facilitating classes was the best I have ever seen thus far. He is a very technical teacher and I reveled in that. His kumite was also very good and he always looked to exploit the weaknesses in my defense, which in turn made me aware of them to close them up so to speak – similar to the strategy behind ‘Sanchin shime.’ (testing) The short time I spent with him turned my thinking around in terms of teaching and trying to understand Karate more intensely. I believe he now resides in New Zealand.

Imtiaz Abdullah Sensei, who was a childhood friend of mine, was instrumental in making me aware of Okinawan Goju Ryu. He was a student of Hokama Tetsuhiro Sensei and brought him over to my home in late 1989. It was good to meet and ‘feel’ the Goju Ryu of Hokama Sensei. It was then that I realized Goju Ryu Karate-Doh. For that, I thank Imtiaz.

Taira Masaji Sensei was one of the standout teachers in the Jundokan. I first met him in 1997 whilst training at the Jundokan in Okinawa. He is also a teacher that leads by example and is a ‘supreme example’ on the dojo floor. His personal training routine continues to be an inspiration to all that witness them. One evening, I went to dinner with him to an Okinawan restaurant that used to be located around the corner from the Jundokan dojo. Every few minutes whilst eating, he would ask me to stand up in the aisle between the tables and go through various Kata Bunkai with him. At the end of the evening, my forearms were full of bumps and bruises – a priceless dinner evening I might add!

Tetsunosuke Yasuda Sensei is the current most senior teacher at the Jundokan. I used to train under Yasuda Sensei every afternoon between 3:00pm and about 6:00pm at the Jundokan back in 1997. He is a no-nonsense teacher and is not one for excuses or lack of effort on the dojo floor. His English is exceptionally good as well as his ability to explain various technical elements of Kata. Over the years of training at the Jundokan, Yasuda Sensei has always afforded me his time and energy. When I was at the Jundokan in 2007, my son, Saif was a year old and Yasuda Sensei insisted that he buy some clothes and pajamas as his gift for my little man. One morning, he picked me up and off we went shopping. I had to ask him to stop, as he had already bought quite a bit of stuff, such was the man’s generosity.

However that same afternoon I arrived at the dojo about 30 minutes later that our scheduled time. Yasuda glared at me with those sharp eyes stating that ‘’I was late!’ Such was the man’s commitment to Keiko!

Miyazato Ei’Ichi Sensei was a dream to meet, train, and spend time with. This was one of the most senior, direct, and long-term students of Miyagi Chojun Sensei. He is a direct link to the founder himself. His training and advice to me was, and is priceless till today. A man of little words, but when he spoke you understood clearly. His presence on the dojo floor was immense. Being corrected and taught by Miyazato Sensei is a dream come true and will remain in my heart for all my days. He once sat me down, and said that I could ask him anything that I wanted to know. This proved to me that he was an open book, and rumors, speculation, hearsay aside, he would answer anything that was asked directly to him, of him, or his Jundokan. This is an approach that I too have adopted in my life.

There are others but those I have mentioned above are the ones that still continue to influence me in many ways.”

Martialforce.com: Give us a snapshot of when you competed, where, at what age, some of the challenges you may have faced and how you overcame them.

BUDDY GOVENDER: “As a junior in the mid to late 1970’s, I often competed at various local and national tournaments. I competed in both Kata, and Kumite. I often won most of the events (both Kata, and Kumite) in my division as I found myself to be physically quicker than most of my opponents.  As much as there was a good ‘rush’ that accompanied participation at a tournament, I must confess it was something that I neither enjoyed nor wanted to pursue.”

Martialforce.com: Is there any particular competition that stands out for you, why?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “There was an ‘open’ team tournament where several neighboring countries participated in. That morning, I received a call from my Sensei saying that I have been included in a team put together at the last minute due to another team withdrawing. It was an adult tournament and I was 16, or 17 years old at the time.

The program was set up where each team would send out a representative to perform kata, and the judges would then score; later, you would glove up and face each other for kumite, and the judges would then score. We defeated each team and eventually fought in the final against the team from Zimbabwe (known as Rhodesia at that time.) We won by a close margin to become overall champions.

The fact that we were not even scheduled to participate made it memorable, but being the youngest participant on that day, and not having lost a single round of my kata and kumite, stands out for me.”

Martialforce.com: Your love for both karate and soccer started at the age of nine. Was there a transfer of skill between the arts? (MMA fighters extol on the power and dexterity that soccer gives as a foundation to many fighters)

BUDDY GOVENDER: “Not really. I did not associate the transfer of skills between the two at that time. However, looking back it was my martial arts training that enabled me to perform well on the football field, in the swimming pool, and on the athletic track. The development of the hips and abs in Karate obviously played a huge role in my ability to go faster, further, and being stronger.”

Martialforce.com: You were awarded your Shodan in 1976 by Yamaguchi Goshi Shihan. Please describe.

BUDDY GOVENDER: “I remember being very nervous and apprehensive and it affected my performance. The grading panel, which expected me to perform well, was disappointed, but despite a higher expectation, I did well enough to make the grade. However, what stood out most for me was receiving my Shodan grading certificate signed by Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei himself.”

Martialforce.com: In 1997, you trained at the Jundokan in Naha, Okinawa. When did the change from Japanese Goju Ryu to Okinawan Goju Ryu start for you, and can you describe their differences? (Was there a change in training, or is it more stylistic?)

BUDDY GOVENDER: “In 1989, my awareness of Okinawan Goju Ryu came about when a friend, Imtiaz Abdullah brought over his teacher Hokama Tetsuhiro to my home. Hokama Sensei’s Goju Ryu seemed more ‘soft’, pliable, and DEVASTATING! This more natural and less stiff way of performing Kata was appealing to me, and made so much more sense. It was like putting less pressure on yourself, and more pressure on your opponent. The inclusion of hojo undo eg: Makiwara, chi ishi, kongoken, ude tanren, was something that we never practiced in the Goju Kai. Sanchin and Tensho kata were also practiced more naturally, and more often as well. I felt that this is an integral part to my own personal development, and found it to be an important part of Okinawan Karate. It was not a difficult transition for me as I felt comfortable in this type of training from the onset.”

Martialforce.com: Discuss your instruction in Okinawa with Sensei Miyazato Ei’Ichi Hanshi.

BUDDY GOVENDER: “I made a few telephone calls to Miyazato Sensei in late 1996 and found the language barrier a problem. However, the one thing he kept saying to me was ‘come and train!’ I can still hear those words today.

At that time, I was also in contact with Chinen Teruo Sensei who invited me to come to Spokane, Washington to train with him. Both these invitations were very appealing, but, as I had not been to Okinawa, there was no uncertainty as to where my priorities were. Chinen Sensei understood and supported my decision.

In June of 1997, I appeared at the door of the Jundokan in Asato, Naha, Okinawa. Miyazato Sensei welcomed me with the words, ‘dozo,’ meaning ‘come.’ The training under both Miyazato, and Yasuda Sensei was usually one-on-one, and it became ingrained in my body, mind, and spirit. Sadly, Miyazato Sensei passed away two years later, but I know that everybody that met and trained with this great man, feels him every time they step foot on that famous Jundokan floor. I feel his spirit every time I put my Karate Do Gi on.”

Martialforce.com: Talk to us about your Soccer career. You began as a semi-professional at the age of 16 (about the same age you received your Shodan.) How did you train in two very strenuous disciplines?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “As you know, football (soccer) is very popular in South Africa. We would play it on the streets, in the park, at school for our local teams on Saturday afternoons, and then go to watch the professional games on Sunday afternoons. The area I lived in produced a few professionals, and that obviously made an impact on us boys. Junior club football was very competitive as well. As I got stronger with the aid of my Karate training, I became a better player. Bigger clubs began to take notice, and I received offers to play for them. As I moved up the ranks, I knew that I could make the push towards becoming a professional as well. With the support of my parents, family and friends, I accepted a contract to play in the National League against the best players in the country.

With the travelling and football training every day, it became harder for me to go to the dojo on a regular basis. However, I practiced with every opportunity I could, and knew that when I was done with football, I would return committed to Karate-Doh training. I played 9 seasons in South African top flight, later retired from football, and headed back into the dojo.”

Martialforce.com: Did you ever consider giving up one art for the other, or were they so much a part of your life that the thought never entered your mind?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “Never! I knew that Karate-Doh would be what I will be doing to the end of my days; football was also a ‘gift’ from above, and I did my best to acknowledge, and thank God for that, but I knew that my calling was in Karate-Doh.”

Martialforce.com: Talk to us about TaiBo KickFit.

BUDDY GOVENDER: “I began teaching TaiBo KickFit classes in 1997. The response to these classes was phenomenal. I am not an aerobics instructor. What I did was to take my Karate training and synched it into a routine that was easy for anybody to participate in, have fun, and get healthier. It was something that I felt would help those that did not want to bother with the discipline of Karate and, did not want to go and ‘compete’ with others at a gym. Here we work hard, and nobody has the time to worry about what others are wearing, etc. It was an inner-inspiration that made me do this. However, it is never brought into my karate or dojo training, it is a separate thing all together – different venue on different days.”

Train the Body, Touch the Mind, Feel the Spirit.

Here are just some comments from people who have experienced TaiBo KickFit…

“TaiBo class with Buddy Govender is a holistic workout that includes taibo, karate & yoga techniques that address the mind- body balance needed in our modern lives...Buddy combines the ancient arts with contemporary moves & music to give us an inspiring session that benefits the mind-body & soul. Best gift I have given myself.” GJ

“Wow! What a workout! I love the energy of the class. It is vibrant and awe inspiring. Buddy Govender, your interaction with the group and individuals, makes the session so worthwhile. The time spent in your classes, allows one to go home knowing that it is not just the body; but also the spirit that is being benefited. Thank you for your investment in MY life Buddy. I really appreciate that you invited me at 63 to participate in your class.” LvdB

“I have been attending Buddy Govender's Taibo KickFit classes for about 8 years now - with the odd break for work or home commitments in between. First up, I LOVE the classes. The energy and intensity leave me feeling refreshed especially after a hard day at work. I have noticed my fitness level has gone up considerably over the years, and note that my flexibility and muscle tone have also improved.

I also love the link to the martial arts aspect, as I have learnt some pretty nifty "moves" and feel I would be able to throw a good punch or kick-if ever I'm put in a position where I need to defend myself.

The energy, intensity and pace of the classes are fantastic, and the workout is well balanced, to ensure we work the entire body during the session. I love the close off with the Ten Sho kata, as I feel it relaxes me and brings me back into focus.

By the way - my kids attend Buddy's karate classes during the weekends, and they too love it. I feel they have come a long way in building self discipline, body strength & flexibility & I am sure will be able to defend themselves if the need arises.

Finally if I had to "hashtag" Buddy's classes...it would be #totallyaddicted.” FO

“Started training 12 yrs ago with Buddy Govender, just to lose weight. My twins were just 4 months old at that time but I ensured that I never miss a session! Buddy's martial arts technique, together with his enthusiasm, is in a class of its own - no other match, WORLD CLASS!” FS

“I've been training with Buddy since 2011 and can proudly say I'm the fittest I've ever been. Those training with me have also noticeably grown in strength, health and confidence. Buddy's Taibo KickFit and Goju Ryu karate accomplish what many fitness institutions fail to do, physical performance is tied to spiritual resilience and the result is technique that resembles art in motion. If you've surprised yourself by making it through THE most intense session, be assured there's a better one to follow. Always challenging, fun, inspiring... Taibo KickFit is second best to none.” FA

Martialforce.com: Lastly, is there a word, quote, or saying that best describes you?

BUDDY GOVENDER: “Keiko! Keiko! Keiko!”

Inspiration and Education is what you will encounter at Buddy Govender Kyoshi website.

Please visit www.eastcoast.co.za/buddy

Martialforce.com would like to thank Buddy Govender Kyoshi for the opportunity to present this interview to our readers.