Testimonials Sensei Jonathan Thomson

Author: Warren Wilson
Group: Gojukan Dojo
Date: 17 July 2014

As a student of the martial arts it has been a great privilege to have had the benefit of Sensei Jonathan Thomson as my Gojukan Kawaishi Ju-jitsu instructor and martial arts mentor for the past 4 years. It is from this perspective that I write this testimonial.

Sensei Jonathan Thomson has in my view shown himself to be an extremely competent martial artist who is capable of imparting his Ju-jitsu knowledge in a seemingly effortless yet passionate way, with great humility and a noteworthy lack of arrogance. At all student levels, from the fledgling white belt to the confident Dan grade student all have benefited greatly from his vast body of Ju-jitsu knowledge.

The Gojukan Kawaishi Ju-jitsu Dojo in Sandringham is run by Sensei Jonathan Thomson and as head instructor he maintains discipline and order without tyranny. All students reap the benefit of Sensei Jonathan Thomson’s broader knowledge of martial arts that includes his cross training experience in kick boxing which has proven to be of great value in Ju-jitsu stand up tournaments.

Sensei Jonathan Thomson demonstrates great respect for the origin and traditions of Ju-jitsu and honours the proud history of Ju-jitsu from its roots in feudal Japan to the modern day development of the art here in South Africa.

Testament to his dedication to the development of Ju-jitsu and its students is the fact that in my first and second year of Ju-jitsu Sensei Jonathan Thomson made himself available to train and assist me and my fellow Ju-jitsu students. He did this in his own private time without compensation. Sensei Jonathan Thomson did this even though we were not his students; we attended classes at the Goshin Jujitsu Dojo in Kempton Park under Sensei Hanno Lock. For me this demonstrates his commitment, dedication and ultimately also his love for Ju-jitsu as a martial art.       

In closing I must say that I am honoured and thankful to have Sensei Jonathan Thomson as a Ju-jitsu instructor. I know that his passion, extensive knowledge and dedication to Ju-jitsu and its students will see him develop his skills further to the benefit and betterment of Ju-jitsu in South Africa.