The Hall of Fame honour celebrates a journey that began in the Western Cape and grew into a global career spanning four continents and multiple world championships.
Cape Town, South Africa (09 February 2026) – Fresh from the Big Apple, New York City, Cape Town-born Kung Fu master Muhammad Junaid “M.J Li” Chafeker is still absorbing what many would call a once-in-a-lifetime honour. After 30 years in martial arts, Junaid has been officially inducted into the prestigious World Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame, becoming the first South African and African Kung Fu martial artist to receive the global accolade.
For Junaid, the moment is both deeply personal and profoundly symbolic.
“It hasn’t been easy over the years, I must admit.”
He reflected on a journey that began in Cape Town, where Kung Fu was neither widely known nor fully supported. Growing up in the Western Cape, pursuing Kung Fu in South Africa came with its fair share of scepticism.
“Despite the naysayers, despite people writing me off, I never listened. I continued to believe in myself.”
That belief took him across four continents, competing at more than 30 world championships, where he consistently raised the South African flag with pride.
“There’s nothing and no one that can snatch the victory away from you. The victory remains yours.”
His induction into the Hall of Fame is not only recognition of medals and titles (including World Chin Woo Kung Fu Champion and IKF World Cup Champion) but also of his role in putting South Africa on the global Kung Fu map.
“I’ve managed to raise my country’s flag all over the world. And now I’ve done the same through this induction.”
Beyond competition, his impact is deeply rooted in community upliftment. Ten years ago, he established a non-profit organisation dedicated to mentoring and training young people through martial arts. Today, the programme works with youth from communities including Gugulethu, Langa, Mitchells Plain, Paarl and beyond.
His vision has since expanded continentally through the Africa Youth Kung Fu Championship, hosted annually in Cape Town and drawing participants from up to ten African countries.
As he steps into this new chapter, Junaid hopes his legacy will inspire belief, especially among young South Africans. Guided by his motto:
“A true master dwells within, whom only you can choose to liberate,”
He remains committed to creating pathways where others once saw limitations.
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