TOGKF Australia

A truely amazing place!

I remember reading several years ago about the demolition of Nagamine Shoshin’s historic Kodokan Dojo in the Kumoji district of Naha. The Kodokan served as the Matsubayashi-Ryu Honbu, and members from around the world made efforts to preserve the dojo. However, after the passing of Nagamine’s son, Takayoshi, it was ultimately decided that the land would be repurposed. I could empathize with those members, as I am sure many held cherished memories of their training and experiences there.

The word honbu 本部 can be loosely translated as 本 (hon), meaning “origin” or “root,” and 部 (bu), meaning “group,” “division,” or “department.” Within a budo organization, a honbu is generally regarded as a place for upholding technical standards, issuing instructor certifications, and establishing administrative policies.

While those functions are important, Honbu, to me personally, represents the structural embodiment of Higaonna Sensei’s life’s work. It physically manifests decades of training, sacrifice, teaching, research, preservation, and transmission.

In many ways, Honbu also serves as a legacy for future generations. It is a place where those abroad have the opportunity to step outside the comfort of their own front door and make the pilgrimage to Okinawa to experience their chosen art not as karate tourists, but as karateka following the path of a legitimate lineage anchored in history and Okinawan culture.

Karateka can experience firsthand the traditional kigu undo training equipment utilized by Higaonna Sensei, historical photographs, accumulated memorabilia, and the atmosphere of a dojo shaped by generations of dedicated practice. More than simply observing artifacts or architecture, one encounters an environment where rigor, preservation, and the passing on of knowledge remain part of everyday training.

That may be why places like Honbu matter so deeply. They are not merely buildings where karate is practiced, but repositories of memory, culture, perseverance, and tradition. Long after photographs fade and generations pass, the walls, presence, and spirit of such places continue to quietly teach those who enter them.

Nagamine Shoshin once described the dojo as a sacred place where the human spirit is polished and courage is cultivated, a sentiment that, in my humble opinion, deeply reflects the spirit of Honbu, where austere training, perseverance, and preservation continue to shape those who enter its doors. In many ways, to stand within Honbu is to stand within the living history of Higaonna Sensei’s art itself.

Outstanding 👏🏼

Some TOGKF Australia faces here!

Who is going??????

70 days to Budosai 2025
Come meet and train with Yoshinori Yonesato Sensei. Yonesato Sensei, originally from the beautiful island of Amami Okinawa, began his karate journey at the famous Yoyogi dojo in the late 1970’s when he moved to Tokyo for university. He would later go on to carve out a career working for the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which delivers the bulk of the official development assistance for the Japanese Government to developing nations. His duties for JICA took him to developing nations around the world where he would also spread Higaonna Sensei’s special brand of Goju Ryu. Yonesato Sensei is a very down to earth karate-ka who is willing to share his time with all who have an interest in the martial arts.

COUNTING THE DAYS!

80 days until Budosai 2025. Kokubo Sensei was a uchi deshi of Higaonna Sensei and a certified instructor at the famous Yoyogi Dojo. According to very reliable sources Kokubo Sensei’s classes were fearsome. Budosai 2025 is your chance to meet and experience the teacings of this legend.

I have had many messages from people attending this weekends gasshuku who have not received the timetable from their instructors. Here it is.
Also registration forms were given out in hard copies and also emailed out to dojo instructors. Forms need to be handed into your instructor, along with your gasshuku fee in a sealed envelope, and also with your registration book.
Plastic folders will be given to all dojo instructors on Friday night which must be returned to the registration table on Saturday.
Thank you.
Sensei Paul.

Our masters!! Bring on Budosai 2025!!

Honbu Dojo - Okinawa !!
Morio Higaonna Sensei
Uechara Yonekazu Sensei
Masakazu Kuramoto Sensei
Yonesato Yoshinori Sensei

Another amazing opportunity!!

Join us for Sanseru…

GASSHUKU GOULBURN – 25–27 JULY 2025
Hosted by Sensei Paul Parlett | Celebrating 40 Years of Karate

We invite karate-ka of all levels to join us for a special 3-day Gasshuku in Goulburn, New South Wales — in celebration of Sensei Paul Parlett’s 40 years of dedication to traditional karate.

This is a rare opportunity to train under the guidance of internationally renowned guest instructor, Sensei Bakkies Laubscher – 9th Dan and the most senior student of Grand Master Morio Higaonna.

Held at Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn, this event promises world-class instruction, deep tradition, and unforgettable connection with fellow martial artists.

Event Details:
📍 Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn NSW
📅 Friday 25 – Sunday 27 July 2025
🥋 All levels welcome

To register or enquire:
✉️ [email protected]

Be part of this milestone moment in Australian karate history.

Registration is OPEN!!!!

Registration is finally LIVE. Budosai 10 will feature Bakkies Laubscher Sensei, Kazuo Terauchi Sensei, Junichi Kokubo Sensei, Yonekazu Uehara Sensei. Kuramoto Masakazu Sensei, George Andrews Sensei, Yoshinori Yonesato Sensei and of course the incomparable Higaonna Morio Sensei. Click on the link below. Not to be missed...https://va.apollon.nta.co.jp/budosai2025/sanka