Martial Arts milestones celebrated as African GOJU marks 40 years and taekwondo turns 50 in Ghana
Two anniversaries in Ghana’s martial arts history were commemorated last Sunday as African GOJU celebrated its 40th year and taekwondo its 50th in a vibrant ceremony held at Beda’s Hotel and Events Centre in Ashongman, Accra.
The event attracted martial arts veterans, patrons, young enthusiasts, and community leaders, all gathered to honour the disciplines’ enduring legacies and evolving relevance in Ghanaian society.
The celebration was headlined by Danny Gwira, the founder of African GOJU, who called on Ghanaians to embrace indigenous martial arts not just as a form of self-defence, but as a vital instrument for youth discipline and cultural preservation. “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,” he told Graphic Sports in an exclusive interview.
Gwira stressed that African GOJU’s impact extends far beyond the physical, citing its emphasis on environmental consciousness and community protection. He described the discipline as a lifestyle, rooted in African values and designed to equip citizens with the mental and physical fortitude to combat societal vices.
The event also paid tribute to the pioneers of Ghana’s martial arts journey. Hanny Zahabi, who introduced taekwondo to Ghana five decades ago, was honoured with a black belt by the African GOJU community in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the growth of the sport.
Reflecting on the evolution of taekwondo in Ghana, Zahabi said, “The sport has come a long way and is now a national pastime in many communities.” He urged current and future practitioners to remain true to the core values of martial arts—discipline, self-defence, and resilience.
A key moment of the event featured more than 20 young practitioners, aged between 6 and 15, performing African GOJU techniques. Their demonstrations thrilled spectators and offered a compelling glimpse into the growing popularity of the indigenous martial art among Ghana’s youth. Each participant received a certificate of dedication, symbolising their commitment to carrying the legacy forward.
The occasion also brought together respected personalities from the martial arts fraternity. Ambassador George Haldane-Lutterodt, a former president of the Ghana Athletics Association and patron of African GOJU, chaired the event.
In his address, he commended Gwira for maintaining the discipline’s relevance and urged stakeholders to safeguard its future. “Let us ensure African GOJU stands the test of time,” he said, acknowledging the honourees and reinforcing the importance of continuity.
Veteran practitioners including Donald Gwira and George Heward-Mills were also in attendance, adding weight to the day’s celebrations. Their presence underscored the event’s purpose: not just to honour the past, but to inspire the next generation of martial artists in Ghana.
The double celebration highlighted the power of martial arts as a transformative force in Ghanaian communities. African GOJU, with its deep roots in indigenous philosophy, and taekwondo, a globally respected discipline with a strong local footprint, have become more than sports—they are tools for nation-building.
As Gwira’s vision of youth empowerment and cultural integrity gained resonance throughout the event, a renewed call was made to institutionalise and support martial arts across schools, communities, and national platforms.
