Sam Tonkin, Snr

Sam was the national co-ordinator of Jikishin in South Africa, and also the South African delegate to the United Nations of Ju-jitsu. He used his position there to befriend many delegates from other countries, and arranged for many internationally-recognised instructors to give seminars in South Africa.

He was well respected by all who knew him, but managed to retain a humble demeanor to the end. Although he was awarded the title of professor, he used to insist students call him ‘Uncle Sam.’

Throughout his life, Sam continued to promote the cause of ju-jitsu in South Africa, and was greatly responsible for it developing to the extend it has today.

He passed away in 2004 after a short diabetes-related illness.