🥋 Soke Stoffel van Vuuren

Prof. TCM | Ph.D. | D.Sc
Grandmaster | Mentor | Legacy Builder

 

🌍 A Global Martial Arts Icon

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Soke Stoffel van Vuuren was a highly respected South African martial arts Grandmaster whose influence spanned continents, disciplines, and decades. Renowned for his deep expertise in Koga Ryu Ninjutsu, Karate, Tai Chi, Escrima, Kenjitsu, and several other combat systems, he dedicated his life to both the practice and teaching of martial arts.

 

📜 Early Life & Martial Arts Journey

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Born in Randfontein, South Africa, Soke began his martial arts journey under Sensei Ken Wittstock at a young age. By June 1978, he had earned his first black belt (Shodan), and in 1979, he was conscripted into military service.

During his service and beyond, he expanded his training across various systems, including:

• Funakoshi Karate
• Small Circle Jujitsu
• Kickboxing
• Knife Fighting

 

After military service, he moved to East London (SA), where he earned another black belt under John Gerber in Small Circle Jujitsu.

 

🥷 Master of Koga Ryu Ninjutsu

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In the late 1980s, Soke van Vuuren studied Koga Ryu Ninjutsu under Shihan Barry Pictor (6th-degree black belt). By the early 1990s, he had officially taken over the Black Dragon Fighting Society, registering it as a Pty Ltd company.

In April 2004, Soke was promoted to Judan (10th-degree black belt) in Koga Ryu Ninjutsu by a council of senior masters—solidifying his status as one of South Africa’s most senior Ninjutsu practitioners.

 

🏅 Titles & Ranks

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Soke van Vuuren earned numerous high-ranking martial arts titles, including:

• 10th Dan – Koga Ryu Ninjutsu
• 9th Dan – Shotokan Karate
• 10th Dan – Jiu-Jitsu
• 5th Dan – Yamaguchi Karate
• 8th Dan – Shaolin System
• Master – Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
• Guru License – Kali / Escrima
• 9th Dan – Poison Hand System
• 10th Dan – Judan Level Yodansha

 

He was awarded honorary academic titles such as:

• Doctor of Martial Science
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Budo
• Known internationally as “Professor of Martial Arts”

 

Note: These academic titles were conferred by martial arts institutions in recognition of his expertise and global influence.

 

🌐 Global Influence & Leadership

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Soke Stoffel co-founded the Black Dragon Fighting Society International™ alongside Dr. Lawrence Day and Dr. Ernie Reynolds, serving as its President. He also held leadership roles in:

• World Sokeship Council
• International Real Combat Association

 

He represented South Africa at many global events and taught martial arts seminars across Africa, the USA, and internationally. As an active fighter, he also competed in full-contact events—from kumite to K-1-style bouts.

 

🕊️ Legacy & Passing

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On March 21, 2025—the Vernal Equinox—Soke Stoffel van Vuuren passed away due to heart failure. His death marked a significant loss to the martial arts world, with tributes pouring in from students, peers and friends around the globe.

He is remembered as:

• A fighter
• A teacher
• A mentor
• A bridge between South African and international martial arts traditions 

 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family

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Soke Stoffel is survived by:

• His loving wife of 42 years
• Three sons
• One daughter
• Their spouses
• Four grandchildren

 

🔥 His Legacy Lives On

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Through the students he trained, the organizations he built, and the systems he preserved, Soke Stoffel van Vuuren’s name now stands among the legends of martial arts history.

“Humbleness is my guidance and strength!”