Accra: Professor Danny Gwira, a renowned self-defence expert from Ghana, has urged martial arts practitioners to avoid engaging in physical altercations unless absolutely necessary. He highlighted the importance of restraint and the prioritization of safety over physical confrontation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Gwira shared these insights during an awards ceremony in Accra, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Martial Arts Institute. The event also marked 40 years since the founding of African Goju, a unique self-defence system developed in Ghana that integrates elements from various martial arts disciplines such as wrestling and taekwondo. African Goju emphasizes survival techniques and the management of different types of risks.
Professor Gwira discussed the evolution of the Martial Arts Institute, established in 1975, and the global reach of African Goju, which is now taught in 36 countries. He stressed that physical strength alone is not enough for self-defence, underscoring the importance of psychological resilience and strategic thinking. He emphasized the need for self-defence techniques that extend beyond physical engagement, distinguishing African fighting systems from traditional martial arts like Judo.
Professor Gwira, who holds a PhD in Martial Arts Education, called for greater recognition and support of African martial arts. He advocated for the integration of Martial Arts Education, especially African Goju, into school curricula to foster discipline and equip students with practical self-defence skills. He encouraged individuals to maintain their health and learn self-defence techniques to protect themselves.
The event also included several award presentations, such as the induction of Warrior Amarlai Armar, Warrior Herbie Ankrah, and Amazon Brigitte Joffr© into the Ken Gwira Hall of Fame. The Reg Gwira Martial Artist of the Year 2024 award was given to Warrior Grandmaster Oscar Corroles Hervoso from South American Goju, Bolivia. The George Heward-Mills Kata Award was presented to Raeshawn, Ronald, and Pearl Okon from African Goju, Nigeria. Additionally, honorary black belts were awarded to Grandmasters Hanny Zahabi, Micklem Emechete-Attoh, George Ashiru, Emmanuel Ikpeme, and Mykel Eneduwa.