Institute of Traditional Karate Goulburn

⚖️ What if every girl grew up knowing how strong she really is?

Most don’t.

That’s why this International Women’s Day, we’re helping balance the scales.

At the Institute of Traditional Karate Goulburn, women and girls learn something powerful —
not just karate, but confidence, discipline and self-belief.

To celebrate the women of Goulburn and surrounds, Sensei Paul is offering:

🥋 FREE karate classes until May
🥋 FREE karate suit (Gi)
🥋 Training with Goulburn’s highest graded karate instructor
🥋 Led by the youngest 7th Degree TOGKF 7th Degree Black Belt in the world

Whether you’re a young girl building confidence, or a woman wanting to try something empowering — this is your chance to step onto the mat.

Because when women become stronger,
⚖️ the scales don’t just balance… they shift.

📩 Message The Institute of Traditional Karate Goulburn to claim your place.

StrongGirls GoulburnNSW

I was lucky enough to set my 7th dan at this event!

The one and only Higaonna Sensei heading the official grading panel from the 2025 Budosai held earlier this year in Naha, Okinawa. These fine individuals represent a few centuries of karatedo experience. The grading and tests took place in a private dojo in the Budokan.

Cheers Charlie!! Thank you for the Christmas gift, the socks are so cool!!!

Congratulations Sensei Nathan for receiving your Sandan grading certificate. In March this year Sensei Nathan passed his 3rd Dan grading in an intense 3 hour non stop grading in Orange NSW. Another milestone for TOGKF Goulburn.

Ooooh it’s that time of the year again!! Thank you so much to Grace and George for giving me a little something to put under the tree!

So proud of these young ladies! Both have been voted School Captains for next year. What an amazing achievement for both of them. 2 very mature and deserving karate ladies. Congratulations Emily and Alice, you girls rock!!

Sensei Paul had the opportunity to teach at the 10th World Budosai. Teaching the juniors was a laugh and a lot of fun! This little guy from Russia did everything and didn’t stop for the entire session. Absolute legend!!

Some tired legs after the 10th World Budosai……. Maybe should have taken these photos when we arrived…..

After 41 years…… 7th Dan Pass!
It’s an amazing feeling and also hard to describe, at 47 years of age, the youngest 7th dan black belt in the world in the TOGKF.
It’s an emotional moment, and something that I am extremely proud of.
So many people to thank, but here goes. If I leave anyone out, I apologise.
To my students, you guys keep me motivated and keep the fire burning.
To my friends who have messaged and supported me in the lead up to this moment.
TJ DeCastella, the hug came at the exact moment I needed it.
Fran and John, you guys taking the classes when I can’t makes everything that little bit easier.
Nathan, you are my right hand karate man, without you the dojo would not exist.
To my mum and dad, for forcing me to go to karate when I was 6 years old, sorry for being a little A hole.
Sensei Lambert and Sensei Larkin, cheers for the help from above.
Gavin Hill, at my best and worst you have been there.
Sensei George, your words of encouragement meant the world.
Sensei Bakkies and Denise, you have taken me into your family and believed in me from the start.
My son Alex, the time you spent getting dragged all over for karate, I owe you a drink!
And to my wife, the person who has made me who I am today, the person who makes me want to be a better human. I love you and cannot thank you enough for your support and everything that you do for me.

Group shot before some of us went street karting! Unreal experience here in Okinawa, non stop laughs, Smokin’ tyres, the smell of 2 stroke and an absolute ball was had by all.

Just the normal post grading photograph……..