Martial Arts Classes
in Sandton, Johannesburg

Learn Martial Arts in Johannesburg with Gui Yi Principles

Two Authentic Lineages Under One Roof

Founded in 2025 by Sifu Mark Gouws and Sifu Hennie Theunissen

— who united their paths in 2020 — Gui Yi Martial Arts brings together two independent, respected traditions.

YMAA (Yang’s Martial Arts Association / 楊氏武術協會) — Founded by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming (楊俊敏), YMAA preserves a systematic approach to both internal and external arts: Yang-style Taijiquan, Martial and Health Qigong, Shaolin Long Fist, Shaolin White Crane, Chin Na, and Shuai Jiao. It pairs deep theoretical understanding with practical combat application and internal energy cultivation.

Jow Ga Gongfu (周家功夫) — A powerful southern Chinese system blending the rooted strength of Hung Ga with the agile footwork and speed of Choy Ga, preserved at Gui Yi through the lineage of Master Raymond Keung, President of Jow Ga Gongfu South Africa. Its focus is practical, real-world self-defence and dynamic external skill.

Crucially, each system is taught separately and retains its own authentic traditional grading requirements. You can pursue full traditional grading in either lineage — or both — while exploring the natural synergies between them.

What makes Gui Yi different is that health, self-cultivation, and genuine combat skill are developed together rather than treated as separate paths. Yang-style Taijiquan, for example, is widely recognised as a gentle, profound health art — particularly valuable for older adults, for anyone recovering from injury or surgery, and for improving mobility and balance. Yet as transmitted through the YMAA lineage, it is also taught as a complete traditional martial art, with its applications, pushing hands, and internal energy cultivation intact. The same completeness runs through everything we teach: nothing is watered down, and nothing essential is left out.

All training is guided by Wu De (武德 Wǔdé), the moral and ethical foundation of the martial arts: humility, respect, righteousness, trust, and loyalty in deed; will, endurance, perseverance, patience, and courage in mind. The result is an environment free from ego and intimidation, where the goal is not to defeat others but to master yourself. We welcome sincere practitioners of all ages who value tradition, depth, and genuine personal growth.

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Which Path Calls to You?

Kung Fu (功夫)

— The Path of Strength

A dynamic and powerful external martial art built on the Four Pillars of Chinese combat — kicking, striking, throwing, and seizing — plus traditional weapons training. Training in the Jow Ga and YMAA Shaolin systems develops practical self-defence, functional fitness, explosive power, and unshakeable discipline.

Explore our Kung Fu programmes

Tai Chi Chuan (太極拳)

— The Path of Balance

Often described as “meditation in motion”, Tai Chi cultivates calm, balance, and inner strength through slow, deliberate movement — yet through the YMAA curriculum it remains a complete martial art, including the classical 108-form Yang Style, Pushing Hands, Tai Chi Sword, and martial applications.

Discover our Tai Chi classes

Chi Kung (氣功)

— The Path of Vitality

A gentle, accessible practice of cultivating your body’s vital energy through simple movements, mindful breathing, and calm meditative focus. It requires no equipment or prior experience, adapts to any fitness level, and forms the internal foundation that complements both Tai Chi and Kung Fu.

Learn about Chi Kung meditation
However different these paths look on the surface, they are united by a single philosophy: deep respect for tradition and a commitment to personal growth.

A Programme for You, Whatever Your Age or Goal

The journey of martial arts is deeply personal, so we offer dedicated programmes tailored to different stages of life. Each is built on the same core principles of respect, discipline, and authentic traditional training, but carefully adapted to the needs and goals of its students.

  • For Parents

    Our children's Kung Fu classes are fun, safe, and carefully structured for growing minds and bodies — building confidence, focus, posture, coordination, and emotional regulation rather than aggression. Classes are highly supervised and age-appropriate, and no prior experience is needed.

  • For Teenagers

    Training gives teens a constructive, screen-free outlet that builds real strength, self-defence capability, and the resilience to handle exams, social pressure, and the road to adulthood — alongside friendships with other motivated young people.

  • For Adults

    Whether you want functional fitness, practical self-defence, stress relief, or a deeper sense of purpose, you can train in the complete traditional systems — not a fitness class with martial flavour. Families can also train together through our Family Kung Fu options.

  • For Older Adults

    Our adapted Tai Chi Chuan programmes rebuild balance, mobility, and confidence, with a strong emphasis on fall prevention, joint health, and recovery after surgery or illness. We also deliver specialised on-site Tai Chi and Qigong group classes at retirement homes and care facilities.
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A Programme for You, Whatever Your Age or Goal

The journey of martial arts is deeply personal, so we offer dedicated programmes tailored to different stages of life. Each is built on the same core principles of respect, discipline, and authentic traditional training, but carefully adapted to the needs and goals of its students.

  • For Parents

    Our children's Kung Fu classes are fun, safe, and carefully structured for growing minds and bodies — building confidence, focus, posture, coordination, and emotional regulation rather than aggression. Classes are highly supervised and age-appropriate, and no prior experience is needed.

  • For Teenagers

    Training gives teens a constructive, screen-free outlet that builds real strength, self-defence capability, and the resilience to handle exams, social pressure, and the road to adulthood — alongside friendships with other motivated young people.

  • For Adults

    Whether you want functional fitness, practical self-defence, stress relief, or a deeper sense of purpose, you can train in the complete traditional systems — not a fitness class with martial flavour. Families can also train together through our Family Kung Fu options.

  • For Older Adults

    Our adapted Tai Chi Chuan programmes rebuild balance, mobility, and confidence, with a strong emphasis on fall prevention, joint health, and recovery after surgery or illness. We also deliver specialised on-site Tai Chi and Qigong group classes at retirement homes and care facilities.
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A Lineage You Can Verify

In a world of short-term fitness trends, a genuine, unbroken lineage is your assurance of depth, correctness, and proven effectiveness — and both of ours are documented, generation by generation, on our Lineages page.

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Sifu Mark Gouws

Began his Chinese martial arts journey in 1992 and has trained in the full YMAA curriculum since 1999 under Sifu Corlius Birkill, President of YMAA South Africa. Through rigorous grading under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming himself — founder of YMAA International — Sifu Mark earned official authorisation to teach, and founded YMAA Sandton in Johannesburg in 2015.

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Sifu Hennie Theunissen

Began training in 1995, immersing himself in the YMAA curriculum while pursuing intensive study in the Jow Ga lineage. He is a senior student and official representative of Master Raymond Keung — sixth-generation successor in the direct line from Jow Ga’s founder, Jow Lung, and founder of Jow Ga South Africa in 2003.

“There are no secrets to Kung Fu. No mystical technique. Just consistent, honest training with a good foundation.” — Master Raymond Keung

A Lineage You Can Verify

In a world of short-term fitness trends, a genuine, unbroken lineage is your assurance of depth, correctness, and proven effectiveness — and both of ours are documented, generation by generation, on our Lineages page.

Sifu Mark Gouws

Debug placeholder image, 876x876 pixels

Began his Chinese martial arts journey in 1992 and has trained in the full YMAA curriculum since 1999 under Sifu Corlius Birkill, President of YMAA South Africa. Through rigorous grading under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming himself — founder of YMAA International — Sifu Mark earned official authorisation to teach, and founded YMAA Sandton in Johannesburg in 2015.

Sifu Hennie Theunissen

Debug placeholder image, 876x876 pixels

Began training in 1995, immersing himself in the YMAA curriculum while pursuing intensive study in the Jow Ga lineage. He is a senior student and official representative of Master Raymond Keung — sixth-generation successor in the direct line from Jow Ga’s founder, Jow Lung, and founder of Jow Ga South Africa in 2003.

“There are no secrets to Kung Fu. No mystical technique. Just consistent, honest training with a good foundation.” — Master Raymond Keung

A Lineage You Can Verify

In a world of short-term fitness trends, a genuine, unbroken lineage is your assurance of depth, correctness, and proven effectiveness — and both of ours are documented, generation by generation, on our Lineages page.

Sifu Mark Gouws

Debug placeholder image, 876x876 pixels

Began his Chinese martial arts journey in 1992 and has trained in the full YMAA curriculum since 1999 under Sifu Corlius Birkill, President of YMAA South Africa. Through rigorous grading under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming himself — founder of YMAA International — Sifu Mark earned official authorisation to teach, and founded YMAA Sandton in Johannesburg in 2015.

Sifu Hennie Theunissen

Debug placeholder image, 876x876 pixels

Began training in 1995, immersing himself in the YMAA curriculum while pursuing intensive study in the Jow Ga lineage. He is a senior student and official representative of Master Raymond Keung — sixth-generation successor in the direct line from Jow Ga’s founder, Jow Lung, and founder of Jow Ga South Africa in 2003.

“There are no secrets to Kung Fu. No mystical technique. Just consistent, honest training with a good foundation.” — Master Raymond Keung

A Lineage You Can Verify

In a world of short-term fitness trends, a genuine, unbroken lineage is your assurance of depth, correctness, and proven effectiveness — and both of ours are documented, generation by generation, on our Lineages page.

Sifu Mark Gouws

Began his Chinese martial arts journey in 1992 and has trained in the full YMAA curriculum since 1999 under Sifu Corlius Birkill, President of YMAA South Africa. Through rigorous grading under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming himself — founder of YMAA International — Sifu Mark earned official authorisation to teach, and founded YMAA Sandton in Johannesburg in 2015.

Debug placeholder image, 876x876 pixels

Sifu Hennie Theunissen

Began training in 1995, immersing himself in the YMAA curriculum while pursuing intensive study in the Jow Ga lineage. He is a senior student and official representative of Master Raymond Keung — sixth-generation successor in the direct line from Jow Ga’s founder, Jow Lung, and founder of Jow Ga South Africa in 2003.

Debug placeholder image, 876x876 pixels
“There are no secrets to Kung Fu. No mystical technique. Just consistent, honest training with a good foundation.” — Master Raymond Keung

A Lineage You Can Verify

In a world of short-term fitness trends, a genuine, unbroken lineage is your assurance of depth, correctness, and proven effectiveness — and both of ours are documented, generation by generation, on our Lineages page.

Sifu Mark Gouws

Began his Chinese martial arts journey in 1992 and has trained in the full YMAA curriculum since 1999 under Sifu Corlius Birkill, President of YMAA South Africa. Through rigorous grading under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming himself — founder of YMAA International — Sifu Mark earned official authorisation to teach, and founded YMAA Sandton in Johannesburg in 2015.

Debug placeholder image, 876x876 pixels

Sifu Hennie Theunissen

Began training in 1995, immersing himself in the YMAA curriculum while pursuing intensive study in the Jow Ga lineage. He is a senior student and official representative of Master Raymond Keung — sixth-generation successor in the direct line from Jow Ga’s founder, Jow Lung, and founder of Jow Ga South Africa in 2003.

Debug placeholder image, 876x876 pixels
“There are no secrets to Kung Fu. No mystical technique. Just consistent, honest training with a good foundation.” ~ Master Raymond Keung
“There are no secrets to Kung Fu. No mystical technique. Just consistent, honest training with a good foundation.”
~ Master Raymond Keung

What Our Students and Families Say

“After a few months, our son's posture, focus, and confidence improved dramatically. His teachers asked what we changed — it was Kung Fu!”
Parent of 8-year-old with learning and motor challenges
“The combination of Jow Ga power and practical applications has transformed my fitness and confidence. Every class challenges me in the best way.”
Adult Student, Age 35
“At 68, I wanted to improve my balance after a fall. The gentle pace and focus on posture have made me feel much steadier and more confident. I look forward to every class.”
Margaret K., Age 68
“My daughter was painfully shy before she started Kung Fu. Watching her stand taller, speak up in class, and cheer on her teammates has been incredible to see.”
Parent of 10-year-old
“Tai Chi has become the one hour of my week where my mind actually switches off. I walk out feeling calmer than I have in years.”
Working Professional, Age 42
“I was skeptical about martial arts at my age, but the community here made me feel welcome from day one. It's the highlight of my week.”
New Student, Age 55

What Our Students and Families Say

“After a few months, our son’s posture, focus, and confidence improved dramatically. His teachers asked what we changed — it was Kung Fu!”

PARENT OF 8-YEAR-OLD WITH LEARNING AND MOTOR CHALLENGES

“The combination of Jow Ga power and practical applications has transformed my fitness and confidence. Every class challenges me in the best way.”

ADULT STUDENT, AGE 35

“At 68, I wanted to improve my balance after a fall. The gentle pace and focus on posture have made me feel much steadier and more confident. I look forward to every class.”

MARGARET K., AGE 68

What Our Students and Families Say

“

“After a few months, our son's posture, focus, and confidence improved dramatically. His teachers asked what we changed — it was Kung Fu!”
Parent of 8-year-old with learning and motor challenges

“

“The combination of Jow Ga power and practical applications has transformed my fitness and confidence. Every class challenges me in the best way.”
Adult Student, Age 35

“

“At 68, I wanted to improve my balance after a fall. The gentle pace and focus on posture have made me feel much steadier and more confident. I look forward to every class.”
Margaret K., Age 68

Your First Class Made Simple

1

Book Your Free Trial

Your trial class is completely free, with no obligation — a chance to experience the training, meet the instructors, and discover which path is right for you. You’ll find us at Regenesys, 165 West Street (corner West Street & Fredman Drive), Sandown, Sandton — with secure basement parking off Sandown Valley Crescent — or call or WhatsApp 082 375 0830 with any questions before you book.

2

Come Ready to Train

Every student who trains with us began exactly where you are now. To start, simply wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement — no equipment or uniform is needed for your trial class. Our instructors provide clear, progressive teaching in a supportive, ego-free environment and are experienced at adapting training safely for individual needs; if you have injuries or health conditions, consult your own medical practitioner first and let the instructor know so exercises can be modified appropriately.

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Contact Us to Arrange a Time

Your First Class Made Simple

Book Your Free Trial

Your trial class is completely free, with no obligation — a chance to experience the training, meet the instructors, and discover which path is right for you. You’ll find us at Regenesys, 165 West Street (corner West Street & Fredman Drive), Sandown, Sandton — with secure basement parking off Sandown Valley Crescent — or call or WhatsApp 082 375 0830 with any questions before you book.

Come Ready to Train

Every student who trains with us began exactly where you are now. To start, simply wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement — no equipment or uniform is needed for your trial class. Our instructors provide clear, progressive teaching in a supportive, ego-free environment and are experienced at adapting training safely for individual needs; if you have injuries or health conditions, consult your own medical practitioner first and let the instructor know so exercises can be modified appropriately.

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Contact Us to Arrange a Time
Debug placeholder image, 912x608 pixels
No class schedule or timetable is published online — message us via the Contact page to arrange a time.

Your First Class Made Simple

Book Your Free Trial

Your trial class is completely free, with no obligation — a chance to experience the training, meet the instructors, and discover which path is right for you. You’ll find us at Regenesys, 165 West Street (corner West Street & Fredman Drive), Sandown, Sandton — with secure basement parking off Sandown Valley Crescent — or call or WhatsApp 082 375 0830 with any questions before you book.

Come Ready to Train

Every student who trains with us began exactly where you are now. To start, simply wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement — no equipment or uniform is needed for your trial class. Our instructors provide clear, progressive teaching in a supportive, ego-free environment and are experienced at adapting training safely for individual needs; if you have injuries or health conditions, consult your own medical practitioner first and let the instructor know so exercises can be modified appropriately.

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Message Us to Arrange a Time
No class schedule or timetable is published online — message us via the Contact page to arrange a time.

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Message Us to Arrange a Time

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Message Us to Arrange a Time

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Message Us to Arrange a Time

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Message Us to Arrange a Time

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Message Us to Arrange a Time

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Message Us to Arrange a Time

No class schedule or timetable is published online.

Message Us to Arrange a Time
Martial artist in a traditional black and silver robe performing the fist-and-palm salute gesture

Your First Step Is the Most Important One

The most difficult part of any new journey is taking that first step — and we are here to make it as easy as possible. Whether you are seeking the dynamic power of Kung Fu (功夫), the serene grace of Tai Chi (太極拳), or the healing stillness of Chi Kung (氣功), there is a path for you at Gui Yi Martial Arts (歸一武術).

The true essence awaits. Join us and begin cultivating a more centred, resilient, and capable self.

Book a Free Trial Class