Randfontein’s famous karate teacher, Shihan Ken Wittstock, has died at the age of 78.
According to his partner of 29 years, Rencia Krause, Wittstock, who had been bedridden for a long time, sadly passed away due to heart failure at his Homelake home on Friday, 20 March.
“His memorial service has been postponed until after 15 April or until the national lockdown has been lifted,” Krause said.
Sensei Wendy Wannenburg, general manager of the SA JKA Karate Association, said Wittstock was truly one of SA JKA’s founding fathers.
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“He was present at the very first meeting in 1963, which gave rise to our beloved SA JKA Karate Association; and he was a member of the original SA JKA Shihankai and the Senior Board,” Wannenburg said.
She added that Wittstock taught karate at his Randfontein Dojo for more than 50 years, with numerous achievements to his name.
“Sensei Ken was the All-styles Kumite National Champion, and SA JKA Kata and Kumite South African Champion. In 1972 he represented South Africa as a Springbok at the World All Styles Championships where he achieved joint fourth place. That same year he received the South African Sport Merit Award for best karate achievement.
“In 1973 he achieved joint third place in both the trial JKA World Championships and the All Japan Championships in Tokyo.
“Our condolences to Rencia and his children Kevin, Christine, Bridgette and Keith. Another great tree has fallen. Sensei Ken, we are very sad and we will miss you. All of SA JKA are eternally grateful for your contribution to JKA in South Africa,” Wannenburg added.
