When Chris Anthony’s older brother forced him to practice karate before he could go outside and play with his friends as a child, a love affair with the sport was started.
That was more than 40 years ago. Since then Anthony has gone on to become one of the top trainers around with his Dan Triangle Club.
He has also trained under some of the most accomplished karatekas in the game.
Names such as Stan Schmidt, Nigel Jackson, shihan Malcolm Dalfin and some trainers in Japan have all worked with the man from Dalpark.
Anthony has trained numerous students and one who sticks out the most is his own son Christopher.
The younger Anthony has won back-to-back world championships.
“That’s my proudest achievement,” he said.
Outside of karate he is proud of his daughter Sharike.
“You know she got seven distinctions in matric,” he said.
It is clear that Anthony is a proud father as he talks of his children and their achievements.
Of course Anthony has done some remarkable things himself.
His club has held free demonstrations for schools and churches over the years.
So what has been the biggest challenge for Anthony?
“Building the club was the biggest challenge,” he said.
“It takes years.”
With all that Anthony has no intentions to stop training students.
“I’d rather die than retire,” he said.
He does, however, have a succession plan for the Dan Triangle Club.
“God forbid if something happens to me my son will take over,” said Anthony.
The son of the local shihan has some experience as an instructor.
“He used to teach homeless children for free,” Anthony explained.
“Unfortunately he had to stop when he completed his marketing degree so he could start working.”
With the father having trained the younger Anthony to two world championships, one can only imagine that the Dan Triangle will always be in good hands.
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