Goju Ryu Australia (GRA) was founded by Sensei Sal Ebanez in 1986. Sensei Sal Ebanez is a pioneer of Australian karate, having started his karate training in Hawaii in 1961 before being drafted into the army for two tours of Vietnam. Sensei Sal then arrived in Australia and commenced teaching in 1970. Sensei Sal soon established himself as a strong karateka, conducting classes that only the strongest continued with.

Chogun Miyagi (1888 - 1953) was an Okinawan martial artist who founded the Goju Ryu school of karate by blending Okinawan and Chinese influences.

GRA’s headquarters is based in Albury New South Wales, with additional clubs in country Victoria, Metropolitan Melbourne and Western Australia. GRA has a strong historical foundation in both Japanese and Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate. Goju Ryu (meaning ‘hard-soft style’) is the basis of our system. A theory that has been expanded over centuries, its roots are traceable to the small island of Okinawa, regarded as the birthplace of karate.

Gogen Yamaguchi (1909 - 1989) was a Japanese martial artist and student of Goju Ryu Karate under Chojun Miyagi. He was one of the most well-known karate-do masters from Japan and founded the International Karate-do Goju Kai Association.

On numerous occasions our team of instructors have trained in Okinawa. They bring a wealth of knowledge to students who wish to learn traditional Okinawan karate and instill life skills in discipline, respect, self-control, coordination and self-defence.

Sensei Senaha Shigetoshi is a 9th Dan Hanshi, who started learning Karate and Kobudo in 1958 under Meitoku Yagi and Shinken Taira respectively. In April 1987, he became President of the Okinawa Karate-do Gojyu-Kai, and has since been invited to numerous countries including Brazil, Taiwan, Germany, Canada, India, and Cuba to teach Gojuryu. He was also President of the Okinawa Gojyu-ryu Meibu-Kai from 1985-1993, and President of the Tomishiro Bujutsu Kyokai from April 1995. In 1999, he formed the Ryusyokai.

As a style of karate, GRA’s strength is in its instructor’s abilities to balance the historical traditions of karate, with modern day approaches. GRA has established a method to maintain the traditional aspects of the art while staying at the cutting edge of sports science. GRA has had an exceptionally successful history, of students performing in competition karate, at local, state and world levels.

Sal Ebanez Sensei was born in Hawaii on 31 May 1941. In 1960, at the age of 18, he began training in Goju Ryu Karate Do. Sal Sensei trained for 7 years, and in 1966 he was awarded 3rd Dan by Gogan Yamguchi Sensei. In 1970 Sensei Sal opened the first country dojo in Echuca and established the country division of Goju Kai. Goju Ryu was later formed in 1986. As this stage, Sensei Sal was 7th Dan.

We are affiliated with the Australian Karate Federation which is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission. On a global scale, we are part of the World Karate Federation. In 2020, Karate was featured as an exhibition sport at the Olympics.

Beginning karate training is the beginning of self-discovery, incorporating the mind, body and spirit. Goju Ryu Instructors commit themselves to a standard of excellence in providing effective training in a safe environment, in which students of all ages can reach their full potential.

Traditional classes

Goju Ryu traditional classes are focused on the traditional Okinawan style of karate. The classes are usually a combination of physical and mental training, emphasizing the development of proper technique and application of kata form. The classes typically include warm-up exercises, stretching, basic techniques, advanced techniques, two-person drills and kata. The focus is on the development of self-defence techniques, as well as improving physical fitness and mental discipline. The classes are a great way to learn and to develop your strength, agility, coordination, and flexibility.

Sports Karate classes

Goju Ryu kumite classes are designed to teach students the skills and techniques of kumite, a form of sparring in the Goju Ryu Karate style. Students will learn to defend themselves against an opponent using blocks, strikes, and kicks, as well as developing their timing, distance, and awareness. Classes will begin with basic drills and exercises to develop the necessary skills for kumite and progress to more advanced sparring combinations.

Kobudo classes

Kobudo classes are classes that focus on the use of traditional Okinawan weapons. Students learn to defend themselves using these weapons, as well as the principles of balance, distance, timing, and strategy. The classes also provide an opportunity for students to develop discipline, respect, and self-control.

Kids classes

Goju Ryu kids’ classes are designed to improve your child's physical fitness, as well as their personal development. Teaching your child a range of life skills can be transferred from karate across to school and home. Classes include traditional karate basics (including self defence), sport karate and games to develop kids’ coordination and social skills. Beginner adults are also invited to the kids’ classes, so parents can join along in the fun!

Adults classes

Goju Ryu adults’ classes are designed to teach both traditional karate basics (including self defence) and sport karate applications. There is an emphasis on physical conditioning and improving fitness, you will be assured to get a great work out! For people interested in weapons, the Kobudo class is available, which uses traditional Okinawan methods to teach the Bo, Sai and Tonfa.

Goju Ryu Virtues

1. You should be proud of studying the way of Goju.

2. You should be courteous in manners.

3. You should be simple and manly.

4. You should cultivate the spirit of co-operation.

5. You should respect the spirit of chivalry, traditional from olden times in Japan.

Message to Black Belts

"Your rank is not entitlement, nor is it a privilege. It is given to you to better serve those above and below you.
You are entrusted with this honor because your Sensei believes that you can represent your art, your Sensei, and your Dojo." - Sensei Sal Ebanez.