Shihan Leonard Marthinus started karate in 1975 with Karate-do and received his Black Belt in 1980, under the strict instruction of Sensei Brian Van Zyl from Bellville dojo. His other instructors include Shihan Nico Bester, Hanshi Denis St. John-Thompson and Thomas Wright.
Received his second Dan – 1982, third Dan – 1984, and fourth Dan – 1986 in the space of six years. His Fifth Dan and Shihan title he received in 1990 and sixth Dan in 2007
He holds colours for Western Province and was actively involved in the inter-provincial championships and national tournaments. He was awarded Springbok colours in 1983 with the national team touring Switzerland and England.
Shihan Leonard Marthinus has a long history of international gashukus since 1983. He visited Kancho Rony numerous times and participated in a 24-hour gashuku with students from the Belhar Dojo in 1987. His international participation includes Australia, Switzerland, England and Israel.