The vibrant celebration of the 40th anniversary of African GOJU, an indigenous Ghanaian martial arts discipline, and the 50th anniversary of taekwondo in Ghana took place last Sunday at Beda’s Hotel and Events Centre in Ashongman, Accra. The event, attended by martial arts enthusiasts, veterans, and young practitioners, highlighted the enduring legacy of these disciplines in fostering self-discipline, environmental consciousness, and community protection.
Great Warrior Danny Gwira, the founder of African GOJU, urged Ghanaians to embrace martial arts as a tool for instilling discipline among the youth and preserving cultural values. “African GOJU is a unique system of martial arts involving 50 defensive techniques tailored to a typical African setting. It teaches you to endure, react, and be street-smart,” Gwira told Graphic Sports in an exclusive interview. He emphasized that the practice extends beyond self-defense, promoting environmental sanity and societal protection against vices.
The event also honored the milestones of martial arts institutions in Ghana. Hanny Zahabi, the founder of taekwondo in the country, was awarded a black belt by the African GOJU community in recognition of his contributions. Reflecting on taekwondo’s journey, Zahabi noted, “The sport has come a long way and is now a national pastime in many communities.” He urged practitioners to uphold the core tenets of martial arts: self-defense, discipline, and resilience.
Youth Shine in Demonstrations
A highlight of the celebration was the participation of over 20 young practitioners, aged 6 to 15, who showcased African GOJU techniques to the delight of parents, guardians, and attendees. Their performances underscored the discipline’s growing appeal among the younger generation. Certificates were awarded to the youngsters for their dedication, highlighting their role in keeping African GOJU alive.
Veterans and Patrons Honored
The event drew prominent figures, including George Haldane-Lutterodt, a patron of African GOJU and former president of Ghana Athletics, as well as veteran practitioners Donald Gwira and George Hayward Mills. In his remarks as chairman, Ambassador Haldane-Lutterodt praised Master Warrior Danny Gwira for sustaining African GOJU for over four decades. He called on practitioners to uphold the discipline’s values to ensure its legacy endures. “Let us ensure African GOJU stands the test of time,” he said, congratulating all awardees.
A Call to Action
The celebration underscored the transformative power of martial arts in Ghana. African GOJU, with its roots in indigenous fighting techniques, and taekwondo, a global discipline with deep local impact, continue to shape disciplined, community-conscious citizens. Gwira’s vision for African GOJU as a tool for cultural preservation and youth empowerment resonated strongly, with attendees leaving inspired to promote these martial arts nationwide.
Story By: Kwame Lawerh
