Funakoshi Karate was founded during the early sixties by Shihan Eddie Ward, and is based on the basics laid down by the late Master Gichin Funakoshi. Shihan Eddie  Ward at that time was graded JKA (Shotokan) 3rd Dan. Shihan Ward, who  presently lives in Canada, is a man who harbours an intense feeling for  the Martial Arts and has developed and moulded our style into one of the  most dynamic and successful karate systems in the world.

After the departure of Shihan Eddie Ward in 1981, Kancho Chris Botha was  appointed as Chief Instructor. Kancho Chris lead the Funakoshi Style for  26 years. On 12th September 2006 Kancho Chris Botha appointed Shihan Sanette Smit (7th Dan) as the new Chief Instructor for Funakoshi Karate SA and Funakoshi Karate International. Kancho Chris Botha (8th Dan) remains the  Head of the Style.

Management Committee:
Shihan Sanette Smit Chairperson
Sensei Mark Grobbelaar Vice Chairperson
Sensei Florence Harding General Secretary
Sensei Veronica Mann Treasurer
Sensei Karen Johnson Public Relations Officer
Sensei Chrissi Smith Affiliations/Data base
Sensei Steve Botes Constitution

Technical Panel:
Kancho Chris Botha
Shihan George Harris
Shihan Sanette Smit
Sensei Veronica Mann
Sensei Mark Grobbelaar
Sensei Des Whitehead
Sensei Chrissi Smith