Shojinkan Goju-Ryu Karate

Some of our Shojinkan Goju‑Ryu karate students proudly represented our school today at the AMAC Round 2 Tournament. I am immensely proud of each athlete who stepped onto the mats with heart, courage, and a willingness to learn. Their efforts this year earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places across several divisions, and it was inspiring to see how many of them applied the lessons learned from last year to perform with greater confidence among large and competitive groups.

A heartfelt congratulations to:

- Mia Cattarin — 1st in Freestyle Sparring and 3rd in Point Sparring (13–15 year females)
- August Wallman — 2nd in Freestyle
- Oliver Ryan — 3rd in Freestyle (11–12 year division)
- Vincent Beeston‑Venables — 1st in Freestyle, 2nd in Kata, and 3rd in Points (Under 7s)
- Daniel Cristovao — who has been with me since the very beginning of his martial arts journey.
I am deeply grateful for the way these students represented our dojo — with spirit, humility, and a positive attitude. Each of them stepped forward not only to compete, but to grow, learn, and strengthen their character through the experience.
Here’s to many more opportunities, many more lessons, and many more victories — both on and off the mats.
Thank you also to the AMAC adminstrators and to the esteemed Shojinkan Goju Ryu parents who came along to support their kids.

On my final day in Okinawa, I was fortunate to receive more special training at Kuba Sensei’s dojo alongside some of his senior students (Sato Sensei, Nozu Sensei and Patrick Sensei). Later in the evening, we gathered for a dinner to celebrate Kuba Sensei’s nomination for his recognition as one of Okinawa’s Intangible Cultural Treasure holders in martial arts — a truly well‑deserved honour.
As I begin my journey home, I find myself reflecting deeply on this experience and on what it truly means to be a genuine martial artist. I am profoundly grateful for the guidance, generosity, and spirit shown by Kuba Sensei and his students. These lessons are something I will continue to uphold and strive to embody in my own practice and teaching.
James Ellis

Training continues, this time with the honour of visiting Yoshio Kuba Sensei, Goju Ryu 10th Dan, to seek further insight into the hidden treasures of our art. Kuba Sensei’s depth of technical knowledge in Goju Ryu never ceases to amaze me. Each session reveals layers of understanding that remind me how vast this journey truly is.
I am sincerely privileged and grateful for every opportunity to train under his guidance. I do my best to absorb as much as I can so that I may return home and share even a small portion of this wisdom with my own students. For this, I am deeply thankful.
As always, I remain a student first. The more I delve into this art, the more humbled I am by the knowledge still waiting to be discovered.
James Ellis

Sensei James is once again in Okinawa to train under the esteemed Yoshimasa Kakazu Sensei, 10th Dan, alongside some of his dedicated students. Every visit is deeply rewarding, offering new insights into techniques that appear simple on the surface yet reveal profound technical depth when viewed through a different lens.
Each session opens Sensei James to knowledge that only a true master can impart, delivered with Kakazu Sensei’s characteristic humility, warmth, and generosity of spirit. Sensei James is sincerely grateful for the privilege of learning from Kakazu Sensei and for the opportunity to continue growing in his understanding of this art.

Another wonderful training session tonight with these enthusiastic and dedicated karateka. Time truly flies in the dojo when you love what you do, and these students bring an energy that makes every moment meaningful.

There is always so much to learn and so much to refine, yet each of you continues to show commitment, spirit, and a genuine desire to grow. Every lesson, you are improving—step by step, technique by technique—and we at Shojinkan could not be prouder of the martial artists you are becoming.

Thank you for your continued support of our club and for allowing us to guide you on this journey. Your effort, loyalty, and enthusiasm inspire us every week.

Keep training, keep trying, and keep believing in yourselves. The progress you are making is truly something special.

🌟 Our Shojinkan Emblem – A Symbol of Pride, Purpose, and Heritage 🌟

We are excited to share the official emblem of Shojinkan Goju‑Ryu Karate—a powerful symbol that unites every student in our dojo family. At its heart lies the traditional mitsudomoe, representing balance, spirit, and the harmony of hard and soft—core principles of Goju‑Ryu.

The circular design and laurel branches honour our connection to mainland Japan, while the central red symbol reflects our deep roots in Okinawa, the birthplace of karate itself where Goju-Ryu was formalised. Together, these elements remind us that we stand on the shoulders of generations of martial artists who shaped the art we practise today.

As we continue to grow, learn, and support one another, this emblem becomes more than a logo—it becomes a mark of belonging, discipline, and shared purpose for every Shojinkan student.

Wear it with pride. Train with spirit. Stand united as one dojo. 🥋🔥

A Proud Milestone for Shojinkan Goju Ryu – Congratulations Senpai Dimitri

This evening, Sensei James had the honour of awarding the title of Senpai to one of his longest‑standing students, Dimitri. He first walked into the dojo at just eight years old, and today—at twenty‑six—he stands as a dedicated Nidan (2nd Dan) and a shining example of what true martial arts spirit looks like.

Over the years, Sensei James has watched Dimitri grow not only in skill, but in character. He embodies the values that lie at the heart of Shojinkan: respect, humility, and loyalty. These are qualities Sensei James holds in the highest esteem, and seeing them so deeply rooted in him fills Sensei James with pride and gratitude.

Tonight’s recognition is not just a title—it is a testament to his perseverance, his unwavering commitment, and his genuine love for the art. Sensei James sees in him the makings of a highly respected martial artist, and is look forward to mentoring him as he continues on this path.

To all our wonderful students, thank you for contributing to the growth and spirit of our dojo. Each milestone like this reflects the strength of our community and the shared journey we walk together.

Well done and congratulations, Senpai Dimitri—this honour is truly well deserved. Another proud moment for Shojinkan Goju Ryu.

Today, Sensei James had the honour of attending the 30th Anniversary All‑Australia Karate Championships of Kempo Genbu Ryu as a special guest, kindly invited by the tournament host, Peter Mylonas Kancho.
Sensei was also privileged to witness the presence of the highly esteemed Soeno Yoshiji, Sosui 10th Dan, who attended as the guest of honour.
Shojinkan Goju Ryu extends its heartfelt thanks to Peter Mylonas Kancho for the gracious invitation and for hosting such a memorable event.

Shojinkan Goju Ryu Karate – Official Launch of Our Kobudo Division

Earlier today, Shojinkan Goju Ryu Karate proudly launched the Kobudo arm of our organisation, marking a significant milestone in our journey. We are excited to announce that Kobudo classes will now be offered every Saturday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Our new Shojinkan Dojo Kobudo program, officially affiliated with the Okinawa Genbu Ryu Kobudo Organisation, is now open to all current Shojinkan karate students as well as dedicated practitioners from other schools who aspire to study authentic Okinawan Kobudo.

We are honoured to hold a direct lineage to the esteemed Takashi Kinjo Sensei, and it is with deep gratitude that we offer students the opportunity to train in genuine, traditional Kobudo as it has been passed down through generations.

As we launch this new platform, we look forward to an inspiring and dynamic year ahead. We strongly encourage students to incorporate Kobudo into their training, as it profoundly enhances and complements one’s karate practice.

We warmly welcome all students to join our academy and embark on this exciting new chapter with us.

For heads of schools seeking to introduce authentic Okinawan Kobudo into their curriculum, we wholeheartedly recommend joining the Okinawa Genbu Ryu Kobudo Organisation headed by Peter Mylonas Sensei

We are thrilled to announce that our 2026 karate training year is officially underway!
It’s an honour to once again guide, encourage, and shape these young karateka as they continue their journey in both skill and character.

It was wonderful to see all our returning students back in the dojo, and we extend a warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to supporting each of you through our traditional training methods and helping you grow in confidence, discipline, and technique.

With tournaments and special events ahead, we’re excited for a year filled with progress, dedication, and unforgettable achievements.

Welcome back, everyone—let’s make 2026 an incredible year together!

🥋 A Proud Milestone in Shojinkan Goju-Ryu

Earlier this evening, I had the privilege and pleasure of awarding the title of Senpai to one of my high-ranking students, Mia Cattarin.

For those unfamiliar, the title of Senpai is bestowed upon senior students who embody mentorship, leadership, respect, and serve as role models within the dojo. Senpai often act as intermediaries between the Sensei and the Kohai (junior students), guiding others with humility and dedication.

I am immensely proud of Mia, who truly represents the spirit of Shojinkan—her humbleness, respect, and commitment shine through in everything she does. I look forward to continuing to mentor her in both skill and character, confident that she will grow into a highly respected martial artist.

Congratulations, Mia—well deserved! 👏🥋