Zukelu or Zulu Martial Arts is an acronym of the Zulu words Ezama Ukuzivikela Indlamu which translates to “Trying to Protect Myself” Zukelu or Self-defence Zulu-dancing is a South African Hybrid Mixed Martial Arts Survival based Self-defence combining techniques sorced from Zulu-dancing and Zulu Stick-fighting combined with Aiki-jitsu, Aikido, Aiki-Sambo, Ju-jitsu, Judo, Goshin-jitsu, Kubu-jitsu (Weapons), Karate, Kenpo, Kung-fu, Cystema, Capoeria and Krav Maga. Zukelu grading system is based on Bead and not Belt. 

It all started when I was a kid, watching Shaka Zulu in 1986…the same year we had Johnny Clegg combining Zulu-dancing with music, and he was a hit even becoming a legend. So all I dreamt of was becoming a Zulu warrior. So I started looking for a Zulu Dojo, not knowing that there wasn’t a Zulu fighting style, they where only practicing Zulu-dancing and Zulu Stick-fighting. So I took up Katate, which I did from 1980 to 1989 still looking to become a Zulu warrior, years passed and Van Damme’s The Quest came out in 1996, and for the first time in a martial arts action movie there was a Zulu fighter Vs. Thai fighter. Bear in mind, that South Africa still doesn’t have its very own unique Martial Arts. But, Thailand has which is Muay Thai and Muay Boran. Then in 2009, I had the opportunity to work on a Zulu short film documentary called The Tribe, as stunt co-ordinator, fight choreographer, casting, producer and lead actor. Here I got to meet and work with Zulu warrior Sabee Shozi, a 2nd Dan in Karate. On set we where working with the other Zulu warriors, going thru the fight scenes and they where showing me Zulu Stick-fighting and I started showing them Kubu-jitsu and Ju-jitsu here I realized that a Zulu Martial Arts had to be developed. Now, I was even more committed to becoming a Zulu warrior. So I started working on my very own Zulu Martial Arts which I called Zukelu. 

Fun Fact : Zukelu is a registered business Pty. Ltd. 

Fun Fact : Zukelu is a registered trademark TM 

Fun Fact : Zukelu intellectual property included in business registration. 

Fun Fact : Zukelu doesn’t make use of belt gradings. 

Fun Fact : Zukelu No Belt. Only Bead.