INTERNATIONAL OKINAWAN GOJU-RYU KARATE-DO FEDERATION AUSTRALIA

国際沖縄剛柔流空手道連

IOGKF World Chief Instructor
Tetsuji Nakamura Sensei – 8th Dan
IOGKF is the largest traditional Okinawan Karate organization in the world. Under the leadership of World Chief Instructor, Tetsuji Nakamura Sensei, IOGKF is committed to preserving the intangible cultural treasure of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do.

IOGKF Australia Chief Instructor
Brent Pawlik Sensei – 6th Dan
Brent Sensei originally studied under Chris Larken Sensei. He then moved to Okinawa, Japan, studying under Master Morio Higaonna Sensei and Katsuya Yamashiro Sensei (8th Dan) for many years.

IOGKF Australia was established in 1979 under the authority of Higaonna Sensei. There is a strong history of IOGKF being taught in Australia.
Start your journey in IOGKF and experience the power of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate.
Head to ‘Dojo Locations’ to find a Dojo near you.

Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate in Australia

IOGKF Australia is the national home of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate, one of the oldest and most respected martial arts in the world. Established in Australia in 1979 under the authority of Master Morio Higaonna Sensei, our dojos teach Goju-Ryu exactly as it is practised in Okinawa: a complete system of kihon (fundamentals), kata and bunkai (forms and their real application), traditional conditioning, and practical self-defence.

As part of the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation, the largest traditional Okinawan karate organisation in the world, every IOGKF Australia dojo trains under the direct lineage of World Chief Instructor Nakamura Tetsuji Sensei (8th Dan). Whether you’re a complete beginner, a parent looking for a junior program, or an experienced martial artist returning to the mats, you’ll find authentic instruction and a welcoming community at a dojo near you.

Why Train With IOGKF Australia?

Authentic Okinawan lineage — an unbroken connection to the founders of Goju-Ryu, through Higaonna Sensei and World Chief Instructor Nakamura Tetsuji Sensei.
Traditional, non-commercial dojos — small classes, genuine mentorship, and real technique over belt-factory gimmicks.
Classes for all ages and levels — dedicated junior and adult/senior programs, with beginners always welcome.
Practical self-defence — functional, real-world skills built on sound biomechanics, not just forms.
A national federation — train, grade, and progress consistently across Australia and within the worldwide IOGKF.

Find traditional karate classes near you. IOGKF Australia has dojos across New South Wales, the ACT, and South Australia — in Canberra (Hall and Chifley), Sydney (Roseville), Newcastle (Garden Suburb), Lake Macquarie (Charlestown), and Adelaide (Nailsworth) — each led by a senior, federation-graded instructor.

Connect with your local Dojo

Frequently Asked Questions

What style of karate does IOGKF Australia teach?

We teach traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu -Karate the style founded by Chojun Miyagi Sensei, exactly as it is practised in Okinawa. IOGKF is the largest traditional Okinawan karate organisation in the world, led by World Chief Instructor Nakamura Tetsuji Sensei (8th Dan).

Where can I find karate classes near me?

IOGKF Australia has dojos in Canberra (Hall and Chifley), Sydney (Roseville), Newcastle (Garden Suburb), Lake Macquarie (Charlestown), and Adelaide (Nailsworth). See our Dojo Locations page for class times and instructors.

Do I need any experience to start?

No. Beginners are always welcome, and our instructors teach at a pace that suits you. You’ll learn the fundamentals step by step in a supportive, traditional environment.

Is IOGKF karate suitable for children?

Yes, many of our dojos run dedicated junior programs alongside adult classes. Age groups and times vary by location, so check your local dojo for details.

What should I wear to my first class?

Just a t-shirt and comfortable shorts or trackpants. A karate gi (uniform) isn’t required to start — come as you are and see if the dojo is right for you.

Is Goju-Ryu good for self-defence?

Very. Goju-Ryu is a complete martial art, and our curriculum emphasises practical, real-world self-defence through bunkai (the application of kata) and functional partner work alongside traditional technique.