The GKI was formed by Shihan James Rousseau (9th Dan) and Shihan Len Sim (8th Dan) in 1993 and is a non-profit making organisation that is dedicated to the promotion and teaching of classical and traditional Goju Ryu Karate Do based on the ideas of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju Ryu. The GKI conducts regular lectures, seminars and special courses for all students as well as a continuous training programmes for instructors.
With dojos from South Africa, Portugal, Nepal, Spain, Sweden and Belgium joining dojos from the UK – making the GKI a truly international association.
Goju-Ryu Karatedo is a traditional martial art and is an exceptional self defence system. It is one of three styles of karate that originated in Okinawa, the birth place of karate. The GKI teaches a syllabus that is both progressive and demanding, basing its teaching around blocks, punches, strikes, kicks, locks and throws. Please enjoy looking through the site and reading about the GKI, our origins, our training philosophy, and our people.
If you have any queries or if you are interested in Goju Ryu Karate and/or would like to join one of our dojos please contact us.
Grading examinations are held at regular intervals for both students and instructors to ensure the development of the association as a whole. Tournaments and championships are organised at regular intervals and members are encouraged to participate in national and international events.
THE GKI BADGE
The central square shape of the badge reflects hard, strong direct techniques and is a stylised Kanji “Go” (hard) character. The circle represents subtle, yielding, turning, “Ju” (soft) techniques. The “Go” is surrounded by the “Ju” in a simple shape emphasising that good karate training will develop our characters to have a gentle, flexible exterior built around inner strength, determination, honesty and clarity.