Gus Hornsby
(Founder)
Phone: 083 638 0801
                                                                                                        
 
Gus Hornsby is the founder and chief instructor of African Shield Combat Systems, which he established in 2008. Gus has an impressive martial arts journey that spans over 40 years, a true testament to his dedication and expertise.
 
He first obtained his Shodan in Kyokushinkai Karate in the late 80’s, and then continued to explore many other classical and non-classical combat arts including South African, Chinese, Filipino and others both locally and internationally, continually honing his knowledge and skills. His journey has taken him all around South Africa and internationally; most notably to Kimberley and Cape Town locally; and the UK, Austria, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Thailand internationally.
 
Within his impressive arsenal of credentials, Gus boasts the following notable training highlights and accreditation:
  1. Kyokushin Kai Karate (1st Dan Black Belt) – Sensei R. Le Roux
  2. Northern Siu Lam Kung Fu (Jnr Instructor) – Sifu Jean Pujol, Mike Wilkinson
  3. Lung Kwen Kung Fu (2nd Grade Senior – Blue)
  4. P.M.A.S. Eskrima (1st Level) – Bill Newman (European Instructor for Rene Latosa)
  5. Wing Chun Kung Fu – Sifu / Instructor Byron Venter, Nino Bernardo, Ng Chun Hong, Kah Joo, Leonard Cheong
  6. Kubotan / Self-defense Stick – S.A.M.I., Others.
  7. The Approach Self Protection System (Level 1 Instructor) – Eddie Quinn (Founder)
  8. Piper Knife Combatives (Guardian, Master Guardian) – Nigel February (Founder)
  9. Kyusho Aiki Jutsu International (Instructor in Training) – Andre Dippenaar
  10. Streetwise Fighting Systems International (6th Dan Black Belt) – Japie Cilliers (Founder)
  11. De Campo 1-2-3 Original Eskrima (Group Leader & South African Representative) – Guro Tony Yarwood
  12. De Campo 1-2-3 Original (Magtutudlo , Senior Student)  - Master Jomalin “Jong Jong’ Caballero (Grandson of Founder)
 
Despite his remarkable achievements, Gus stands as an exceptional example of a humble modern day warrior, continually embracing the teachings of “like / open-minded” combat arts and life skills to share with ASCS students. His wealth of experience, diverse training exposure and unyielding dedication make him an invaluable asset to African Shield Combat Systems. He has a well-earned trustworthy reputation for empowering others with high level instruction, enabling students to unlock their true potential as they embark on their own individual martial journeys.

Current Resident Instructors


Ahabed Latiff

Ahabed Latiff is a resident instructor at ASCS, He boasts a long history of MMA and Kick Boxing training, before joining ASCS in 2017.
His diligence, no-nonsense approach to training and enthusiasm enabled him to quickly attain Level 5 ranking in ASCS. He is widely recognised both as a powerful individual and an  excellent teacher. His impressive skill and meticulous approach to training, combined with years of experience, make him an exceptional teacher for students of all abilities.









Nitesh Mangaldave

Nitesh Mangaldave is a  martial arts and self-protection instructor in his own right, with over 20 years of experience in Skukokai Karate, 10 years of which were devoted to teaching the style.
He Joined ASCS in 2013, and currently holds a Level 5 Instructor rank. In addition to this, he has been graded to Instructor level in the renowned Piper Knife Combatives System by Nigel February (Founder).
Nitesh stands out for his attention to detail and precision when teaching and instructing, which he manages to deliver in an energetic, engaging and fun way that can easily be understood by adults and children alike.









Tyren Bholanath

Tyren Bholanath has proven to be an outstanding student since joining ASCS in 2017 when he was only 13 years old. He was able to quickly grasp the concepts taught, with unwavering dedication and hard work that has seen him rise to the rank of Level 4. His incredible aptitude for teaching has now accorded him the role of Junior instructor. Despite his small stature, Tyren more than makes up for this with his technical abilities. This makes him a highly-skilled teacher who continues to impress his peers with his abilities

Other Ranked Instructors

Muhammad Chohan
ASCS Rank - Level 5 (2019)

Started training with Gus in 2013.
A history in Kickboxing. Piper guardian from founder Nigel February. Black Belt (first dan) in Streetwise Fighting Systems International from founder Japie Cilliers. Certified Junior Instructor De Campo 1 2 3 Original under Jomalin ‘Jong Jong’ Caballero
Gareth Lagerwall
ASCS Rank - Level 5 (2019)

Started training with Gus in 2012.
Also has a brown belt in Funakoshi, and dabbles in Capoeira. Black Belt (first dan) in Streetwise Fighting Systems International from founder Japie Cilliers. Piper instructor from founder Nigel February. Currently resides in Florida USA
Shannon Crowie
ASCS Rank - Level 4 (2019)

Shannon started training with Gus in 2008.
 He has had some informal training in his younger days with his father who used to train with Gus as well. Black Belt (first dan) in Streetwise Fighting Systems International from founder Japie Cilliers. Piper guardian from founder Nigel February. Resides in Cape Town
Ashley Manikum
ASCS Rank - Level 4 (2017)

Ashley started training with Gus in 2009. Studying Wing Chun, Eskrima, Kyusu Aiki Jutsu, and integrated combat arts in weaponry and hand to hand. Piper master guardian from founder Nigel February.
He has previously operated the Durban branch of ASCS, with 14 students
Hayden Bunting
ASCS Rank - Level 3 (2014)

Hayden started training with Gus in 2008 along with Shannon.
He also has some previous experience with White Crane Kung Fu. Piper guardian from founder Nigel February.
The difference between a slap and a high-five is intent - Gus Hornsby