Martial artist in a traditional black and silver robe performing the fist-and-palm salute gesture

Gui Yi Martial Arts is a lifelong path of self-cultivation (修身 Xiūshēn). Through the harmonious integration of rigorous and gentle training, we unite body, mind, and spirit. Grounded in the principles of Yin-Yang balance (陰陽和諧 Yīn Yáng héxié), moral ethics (道德 Dàodé), and mindful awareness (正念 Zhèngniàn), our practice cultivates self-mastery, humility, and ethical conduct in everyday life.

Gui Yi Martial Arts (歸一武術) - Returning to Your Centre

Founded in 2025 by Sifu Mark Gouws and Sifu Hennie Theunissen, Gui Yi Martial Arts (歸一武術 Guī Yī Wǔshù) brings together two independent and respected lineages under one roof. Through YMAA (Yang’s Martial Arts Association / 楊氏武術協會 Yángshì Wǔshù Xiéhuì), we preserve a systematic approach to both internal and external arts, including Yang-style Taijiquan (楊氏太極拳 Yángshì Tàijíquán), Martial and Health Qigong (氣功 Qìgōng), Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu (少林長拳 Gōngfū), Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu (少林白鶴 Gōngfū), Chin Na (擒拿 Qín Ná), and Shuai Jiao (摔跤 Shuāi Jiāo). These are complemented by the external martial arts of the Jow Ga lineage (周家功夫 Zhōujiā Gōngfū).

Each system retains its own authentic traditional grading requirements and is taught separately. This ensures the pure transmission and integrity of both the YMAA International styles and the Jow Ga Gongfu International traditions.

All training at Gui Yi is guided by Wu De (武德 Wǔdé) — the moral and ethical foundation of martial arts. We cultivate morality of deed through humility (谦虚 Qiānxū), respect (尊敬 Zūnjìng), righteousness (正义 Zhèngyì), trust (信用 Xìnyòng), and loyalty (忠诚 Zhōngchéng). We also develop morality of mind through will (意志 Yìzhì), endurance (忍耐 Rěnnài), perseverance (恒心 Héngxīn), patience (耐心 Nàixīn), and courage (勇敢 Yǒnggǎn).

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Our Founders’ Shared Journey: A Path of Authentic Dedication

Sifu Mark Gouws’ Path

Sifu Mark began his Chinese martial arts journey in 1992, training initially in Wing Chun (詠春拳 Yǒngchūn Quán) and Long Fist (長拳 Chángquán). In 1999, he came under the guidance of Sifu Corlius Birkill, President of YMAA South Africa, and immersed himself in the full YMAA curriculum.

Over many years of dedicated and intensive practice, he studied Yang-style Taijiquan (楊氏太極拳 Yángshì Tàijíquán), Martial and Health Qigong (氣功 Qìgōng), Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu (少林長拳 Gōngfū), Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu (少林白鶴 Gōngfū), Chin Na (擒拿 Qín Ná), and Shuai Jiao (摔跤 Shuāi Jiāo). Through rigorous grading under Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming (楊俊敏 Yáng Jùnmǐn), founder of YMAA International (Yang’s Martial Arts Association / 楊氏武術協會), Sifu Mark earned official authorisation to teach. In 2015, he founded YMAA Sandton in Johannesburg.

His lifelong focus has remained on holistic self-cultivation and the deep understanding of the self.

Sifu Hennie Theunissen’s Path

Sifu Hennie began his martial arts training in 1995 under Sifu Mark van den Berg, immersing himself in the YMAA curriculum. He dedicated himself to Yang-style Taijiquan (楊氏太極拳 Yángshì Tàijíquán), Martial and Health Qigong (氣功 Qìgōng), Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu (少林長拳 Gōngfū), Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu (少林白鶴 Gōngfū), and Chin Na (擒拿 Qín Ná).

Alongside this internal and external training, he pursued intensive study in the dynamic Jow Ga lineage (周家功夫 Zhōujiā Gōngfū), embracing its rich Guangdong heritage that blends the rooted power of Hung Ga (洪家拳 Hóngjiā Quán) with the agility of Choy Ga (蔡家拳 Càijiā Quán).

Through years of committed practice, Sifu Hennie rose to become a senior student and official representative of Master Raymond Keung, President of Jow Ga Gongfu South Africa. In this role, he preserves the traditional lineage with integrity, grounding his teaching in benevolence, justice, and self-cultivation as the true foundation before combat skill.

The Partnership (2020 Onward)

In 2020, Sifu Mark Gouws and Sifu Hennie Theunissen united their paths, bringing together the comprehensive curricula of both YMAA and the Jow Ga lineage. Each system offers its own renowned internal and external martial arts, along with distinctive and practical combat applications. Recognising the independent nature of each tradition, they formally established Gui Yi Martial Arts (歸一武術 Guī Yī Wǔshù) in 2025 as a Sandton-based school in Johannesburg. The school is dedicated to the authentic and separate transmission of both YMAA (Yang’s Martial Arts Association / 楊氏武術協會) and Jow Ga Gongfu (周家功夫 Zhōujiā Gōngfū). This allows practitioners to pursue full traditional grading in either or both lineages while respectfully exploring the natural synergies between the systems in a constructive environment.

We honour the legacy of YMAA International and YMAA South Africa, as well as Jow Ga Gongfu, while grounding our active school in the founders’ shared commitment to authenticity, integrity, and self-cultivation.

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Why Gui Yi? The True Essence Awaits - For All Ages, Fitness and Skill Levels

At Gui Yi Martial Arts (歸一武術 Guī Yī Wǔshù), we offer an authentic return to traditional Chinese martial arts — where health, self-cultivation, and genuine combat skill are developed together rather than treated as separate paths.

Yang-style Taijiquan (楊氏太極拳 Yángshì Tàijíquán) stands as one of our core offerings. It is widely recognised as a gentle yet profound health art, particularly beneficial for older adults, those recovering from injury or surgery, and anyone seeking improved mobility and balance. Its slow, low-impact movements enhance joint health, flexibility, coordination, and fall prevention, while supporting rehabilitation after procedures such as hip or knee replacements and even stroke recovery.

At the same time, as transmitted through Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming (楊俊敏) and the YMAA lineage, Tai Chi Chuan (太極拳) is taught as a complete traditional martial art. Students learn not only the health benefits, but also the martial applications, pushing hands, and the cultivation of internal energy (Qi) for both combat effectiveness and overall vitality.

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Our curriculum draws from two respected and complementary lineages, each preserving its own authentic standards:

YMAA (Yang’s Martial Arts Association / 楊氏武術協會)

A systematic approach that integrates internal and external training. It emphasises deep theoretical understanding, Qi cultivation, and the full martial expression of Yang-style Taijiquan, along with Shaolin Long Fist, White Crane, Chin Na, and Shuai Jiao.

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Jow Ga Gongfu (周家功夫 Zhōujiā Gōngfū)

A powerful southern Chinese system that blends the rooted strength of Hung Ga with the agile footwork and speed of Choy Ga. It focuses on practical, real-world self-defence and dynamic external martial skill.

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Both lineages are taught with integrity and independence, allowing students to train deeply in one or explore both.

The Four Pillars of Chinese Martial Combat

Traditional Chinese martial arts rest on four foundational pillars, all of which are developed across our YMAA and Jow Ga curricula:

  • Ti (踢)

    Kicking techniques for long- to medium-range engagement

  • Da (打)

    Striking and punching for powerful, direct attacks

  • Shuai (摔)

    Throwing, takedowns, and ground control (including Shuai Jiao)

  • Na (拿)

    Seizing, joint locking, and controlling techniques (Chin Na)

These four elements form the complete framework of authentic Chinese combat skill.

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Weapons training builds directly upon these pillars as an advanced layer of practice. It develops precision, timing, power, distance awareness, and martial spirit. Students train with:

  • Long weapons (such as staff 棍 Gùn and spear 槍 Qiāng) for reach and leverage

  • Short weapons (such as saber 刀 Dāo and sword 劍 Jiàn) for speed and close-quarters control

  • Traditional tools including the trident and short rods, through solo forms, matching drills, and practical applications

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Health, Meditation and Self-Mastery

Beyond combat skills, we offer dedicated paths for health and inner development. Our Chi Kung Meditation and Qigong practices cultivate internal energy, calm the mind, and support overall wellbeing. Whether you are drawn to the gentle, meditative aspects of Tai Chi and Qigong, or the powerful self-mastery found in traditional Gongfu, our school provides a respectful environment where resilience, health, and virtue are cultivated together.

True martial arts begin and end with the will (意志 Yìzhì) of the practitioner.

Martial artist in a traditional black and silver robe performing the fist-and-palm salute gesture

Begin Your Journey

Kung Fu

For powerful, practical martial skill and self-mastery, our Kung Fu Overview, Adult Kung Fu, Kung Fu for Teens, and Kung Fu for Kids offer structured pathways suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Adult Kung Fu

Kung Fu for Teens

Kung Fu for Kids

Tai Chi

If you are seeking gentle rehabilitation and improved mobility, we invite you to explore our Tai Chi and Seniors Tai Chi programmes.

Tai Chi for Young Adults

Tai Chi for Older Adults

Tai Chi for Seniors

Chi Kung

Those looking for deeper internal cultivation are welcome to discover our Chi Kung Meditation classes.

To understand the full scope of what we offer and the lineages we honour, we encourage you to visit our Martial Arts Overview and Lineages pages.

The true essence awaits. Join us at Gui Yi Martial Arts and begin cultivating a more centred, resilient, and capable self.

Get Started with a Free Trial Lesson
Martial artist in a traditional black and silver robe performing the fist-and-palm salute gesture

Begin Your Journey

If you are seeking gentle rehabilitation and improved mobility, we invite you to explore our Tai Chi and Seniors Tai Chi programmes. Those looking for deeper internal cultivation are welcome to discover our Chi Kung Meditation classes.

For powerful, practical martial skill and self-mastery, our Kung Fu Overview, Adult Kung Fu, Kung Fu for Teens, and Kung Fu for Kids offer structured pathways suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Families can train together through our Family Kung Fu options. To understand the full scope of what we offer and the lineages we honour, we encourage you to visit our Martial Arts Overview and Lineages pages.

The true essence awaits. Join us at Gui Yi Martial Arts and begin cultivating a more centred, resilient, and capable self.

Get Started with a Free Trial Lesson