MTG About Us
A Legacy of Authentic Martial Arts
Established in 2001 by the Magua brothers, the clubs are led by Master Norman Magua (VII Dan) in SA and Master Denis Magua (VII Dan) in CA.
Notably, Master Norman is the first and currently only Master in our national federation (TSA) to be awarded the VII Dan Master status by the International Taekwon-Do Federation, presided over by Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa. This rare sibling-master duo ensures the highest quality of the art in South Africa and Canada.
Our "All-Round" Philosophy
Why train in multiple styles when you can master a complete system in one class? MTG offers a potent hybrid of traditional martial arts, combat sports, and reality-based self-defense. Our framework is ITF Taekwon-Do augmented with techniques associated with many other styles, which serve our stlyle's philosophy. Our curriculum is built on three pillars:
- Authentic ITF Taekwon-Do: The original military form focusing on scientific biomechanics for power and safety.
- MTG Survival Hosin Sul (SHS): A specialized, urban self-defense system designed for real-world survival.
- Modern Combat Sport: High-level training for those who wish to compete in sparring (Jayu Matsogi) and patterns (Tul) at a national or internation
What Sets Us Apart?
- Direct Connection: We are the only club in the country directly connected to the original Founder’s son, Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa.
- Qualified Excellence: All instructors are hand-picked Black Belt Dan holders and hold NQF3 Coaching, First Aid, TSA and MASA certifications.
- Scientific Approach: We utilize modern biomechanics to ensure techniques are efficient, powerful, and sustainable for the body.
- Character Development: Beyond physical toughness, we forge discipline, focus, and the "Moral Warrior" code to enhance every aspect of our students' lives.
The MTG Training Pillars
Our curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring no gaps in your skill set. We break our training down into five key areas:
- Sparring (Jayu Matsogi): Similar to kickboxing, this develops timing, distance, and reflexes in a controlled, high-energy environment.
- Patterns & Floor Exercises (Tul): Modernized, sequenced movements (similar to Karate Kata) that refine technical precision and scientific body mechanics.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2001 (First club in Rosebank, Jhb)
- Leadership: Master Norman Magua (VII Dan)
- Affiliations: ITF, TSA, MASA
- Achievements: Home to Black Belts, National Champions, World Cup Champions, and World Championship medalists.
- Largest Taekwon-Do club in SA.
- Urban Self-Defence (Hosin Sul): Based on our specialized SHS system, this bears a resemblance to Krav Maga or Hapkido, also influenced by the Boxing, Judo, Muai Thai & Jui-Jitsu techniques useful for focusing on reality-based survival for the modern world. Its main framework being ITF Taekwon-Do techniques as originally used in the military.
- Power & Technique (Gyeokpa): Board breaking that demonstrates the incredible power, focus, and jumping ability developed through the Art.
- Functional Fitness: Every class incorporates well-balanced strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning.
The "DO": More Than Just Fighting
What defines us as a genuine martial art is the "DO" (translated as "The Way"). This is the moral culture that balances the physical power of Taekwon-Do. Our goal is to forge characters defined by humility, confidence, and integrity, ensuring our members are enhanced both mentally and physically for all aspects of life.
From Military Roots to Urban Survival
The Military Heritage Taekwon-Do was forged in the South Korean military as a complete combat system. It was designed with a single purpose: to develop soldiers who were physically elite, mentally unbreakable, and technically superior in hand-to-hand battlefield combat.
Modern Application: The SHS Syllabus While we are not on a traditional battlefield, we recognize that the modern urban environment presents its own serious challenges. To address this, the Magua Taekwon-Do Group has integrated our unique Survival Hosin Sul (SHS) syllabus.
By combining the "Razor Sharp" technical precision of original ITF Taekwon-Do with modern best practices for self-defense, we provide a system that is:
Scientifically Proven: Based on biomechanics for maximum power regardless of your size.
Tactically Aware: Focused on situational awareness and the "procedures" of personal safety.
Reality-Based: Adapted specifically for the types of threats found in an urban setting today.
Our training doesn't just teach you how to "fight"—it teaches you how to survive and prevail, forging a level of toughness and character that serves you in every area of life.
Corporate & Public Training
Beyond our standard classes, we also facilitate specialized "Fighting Chance" courses. These range from basic to advanced self-defence and are available for:
Members of the public
Corporate team-building and safety workshops
Specialized community groups
Ready to start your journey? Join us for a no-obligation trial class and experience the MTG difference firsthand.
