SENSEI SAN NDLOVU
Sensei San Ndlovu in a flying side kick above the Cape Town waterfront, Table Mountain behind

Dancer · Martial artist · Stunt pioneer · Educator

Sensei San Ndlovu

A life in movement, from the Playhouse stage in Durban to founding Africa’s first accredited stunt-training institution.

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Called “a master of movement” by the Cape Argus, “a hot-stepper” by Durban Magazine and “Empowerman” by the Daily Voice.

4th DanKyokushin karate black belt
2001Founded Dimensional Stunt School
Hundredsof stunt performers trained by 2010
2FNB Vita Awards, 1995 and 2001/02
28press features, 1990s to 2010

One path.
Five chapters.

Dancer, martial artist, stunt performer, founder, educator. They look like five careers. They are one path: what a trained body and a disciplined mind can do, and how to pass that on to others.

This archive gathers that path from 1994 to 2010, told through the press that recorded it as it happened.

Studio portrait of Sensei San Ndlovu in a dark suit, arms folded
Sensei San Ndlovu dancing with Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, 1997

Dance and Stage · 1994–2011

The Playhouse and Siwela Sonke

DUT graduate, Playhouse Company lead dancer and two-time FNB Vita Award winner, touring Germany, Mozambique, Pakistan and India.

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Sensei San Ndlovu performing an axe kick in the dojo

Martial arts · From 1994

Kyoku-Shura RYTHMS

A 4th Dan in Kyokushin karate, three visits to the So-Honbu in Tokyo, and a martial art of his own: Rejuvenate Yourself Towards Healing Mind and Spirit.

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Sensei San Ndlovu performing a full-body fire burn on the set of Third World

Stunts & film · 1997–2010

In front of the camera

From stunt double on Sinbad to actor and stunt performer on Lord of War, King Solomon’s Mines, Boesman and Lena and The Piano Player.

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Sensei San Ndlovu with the 2010 Dimensional Stunt School class and the SABC2 Pasella crew

Dimensional Stunt School · 2001–2010

Africa’s first accredited stunt school

An NQF Level 4 programme that opened the industry to performers from previously disadvantaged communities.

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Sensei San Ndlovu smiling, wearing a Dimensional Stunt School T-shirt

Teaching & speaking · 2005–2010

Passing it on

Stunts and Movement lecturer at AFDA, City Varsity and UCT, Metro Police fitness trainer, and keynote speaker for the Umsobomvu Youth Fund.

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1994 to 2010

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  1. 1994

    Graduates from DUT (Durban University of Technology); Natal karate Champ of Champs

  2. 1995

    Joins the Playhouse Company and Siwela Sonke; FNB Vita Award

  3. 1996

    Founds Kyoku-Shura RYTHMS

  4. 1997

    Lead stunt double on Sinbad

  5. 1998

    First Kyoku-Shura RYTHMS classes

  6. 2001

    Founds Dimensional Stunt School; second FNB Vita Award

  7. 2002

    First stunt intake; RISK at Artscape

  8. 2004

    First NQF-accredited stunt course

  9. 2005

    Begins lecturing at AFDA, City Varsity and UCT

  10. 2008

    Keynote, Umsobomvu Youth Fund conference

  11. 2009

    Metro Police fitness pilot

  12. 2010

    Final NQF Level 4 course and graduation showcase; hundreds trained

In the press

The record, as it was printed

Browse all 28 features →
Headline: Master of movement
Sensei San Ndlovu photographed for the Cape Argus

SENSEI SAN NDLOVU

The founder of Kyoku-Shura RYTHMS, profiled as its classes filled Health & Racquet clubs across Cape Town.

“A confidence within that brings calmness and a sense of inner balance.”
Cape Argus · c. 1999Read in context →
Headline: Stunt school aims at local talent
Sensei San Ndlovu leaping, photographed for the Cape Argus

SENSEI SAN NDLOVU

The week Dimensional Stunt School opened its first course, built to bring new talent into South African film.

“In the stunt field specifically, I have identified a critical gap in the market.”
Cape Argus · 26 Sep 2002Read in context →
Headline: Pioneer of a diverse local stunt industry
Sensei San Ndlovu in a high kick above the Cape Town skyline

SENSEI SAN NDLOVU

The full arc, from the stage to film sets, a new martial art and the country’s first stunt school.

“It was quite a journey.”
The Weekender · May 2009Read in context →
Portrait of Sensei San Ndlovu in traditional kente cloth and beads

Legacy

Then he stepped back.

By 2010, hundreds of performers had trained at Dimensional Stunt School. In 2011 Sensei San Ndlovu closed its doors so that every graduate could take their place in the industry, and left South Africa to pursue an MBA.

The school may open again, under the QCTO, if the need arises.