Karate Classes in Hall, Canberra
Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu at Mura Dojo — small-group instruction in the heart of Hall Village.
Looking for authentic karate classes in Hall, Canberra? Mura Dojo has been a cornerstone of the Hall community for over 15 years. Based in the historic former Hall Primary School on Palmer Street, we offer a dedicated, fully-equipped training space for students who value quality over quantity — real Okinawan Goju-Ryu, taught in person, in small groups. Below you’ll find our current class schedule, exact location details, and information on how to attend a trial session.
Why Train at Mura Dojo?
Unlike commercial karate gyms, we focus on the original teachings of Sensei Chojun Miyagi and keep our classes private, so every student gets elite-level, personal instruction.
- Authentic pedigree: Proud members of the IOGKF, practising traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu with direct links to the birthplace of karate.
- Small class sizes: Limited to 6 students per session for focused, one-on-one coaching.
- Purpose-built facility: A professional space with high-quality mats, mirrors, and traditional hojo undo (strength and conditioning) equipment.
- Global connection: Our students take part in regional seminars and international training gasshukus in Okinawa, staying connected to the worldwide IOGKF community.
What You'll Learn - Our Goju-Ryu Curriculum
We don’t just teach “moves” — we build confidence and practical self-defence skills. Every class covers:
- Kihon: The fundamental blocks, strikes, and stances.
- Kata and Bunkai: The deeper strategy and real application behind the traditional forms.
- Self-defence: Functional partner work designed for real-world situations.
Our dojo
Since 2014, we have trained in a classroom at the former Hall Primary School in the Village of Hall (hence the name Mura dojo). For the previous three years, classes were held at the Hall Pavilion. We have enjoyed being part of the Hall community for over 15 years.
The dojo is a dedicated martial arts training space fitted out with mats, mirrors and hojo undo equipment, creating an ideal training environment for the serious student.
We currently hold classes for teenagers and adults on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. If there is sufficient demand, we can hold classes at other times on weekdays. Our classes would be ideal for new students and students considering a return to goju-ryu training.
Prospective students are welcome to watch classes or join in wearing a track suit or similar. There are no fees for the trial period while you are deciding whether our training is right for you. Please contact the dojo instructor before attending the class.
Our philosophy
We strive to teach and practise traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu as originally taught by sensei Chojun Miyagi. Our focus in on quality and we hold classes for up to 6 students. This offers each student personal instruction and ensures our training is authentic Okinawan Goju Ryu.
Training includes basic blocks, strikes, kicks and stances before moving on to kata, applications and partner work. This training aims to give students confidence in their ability to defend themselves, if conflict cannot be avoided.
We hold regional and annual training events (with senior international IOGKF guest instructors) and attend international training events, particularly in Okinawa – the most recent in November 2025.
Junior Karate Classes (Ages 13–18)
- Tuesday: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Adult Karate Classes (Beginners & Advanced):
- Tuesday: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
- Thursday: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Additional weekday slots available by demand.
We offer a no-fee trial period so you can experience our training firsthand. No gi? No worries — just turn up in a tracksuit and see if the dojo is the right fit for you.
Finding the Dojo
- Location: Former Hall Primary School, Palmer Street, Hall Village, ACT.
- Facilities: Private, purpose-built Okinawan training hall.
- Serving Areas: Hall Village, Wallaroo, Springrange, Gungahlin, and the broader North Canberra region.
Trial Period & How to Attend
- Watch or Join In: Prospective students are welcome to either watch a class or join in wearing a tracksuit or similar comfortable clothing.
- No Trial Fees: There are no fees for the trial period while you are deciding whether our training is right for you.
- Contact First: Please contact the dojo instructor before attending the class.
“Challenge yourself. Karate isn’t for everyone, but for those who commit, it’s a powerful, life-long positive influence.” — Sam Sensei
Meet Your Instructor: John (Sam) Steggall Sensei, 5th Dan
Sam Sensei first started training in late 1972, practicing Goju-Kai karate in Melbourne under the well-known Tino Ceberano Sensei. At the time he was also very keen on rugby, and after eighteen months decided to concentrate exclusively on rugby training. A long break followed; he moved to Canberra in 1977, then returned to Goju-Kai training in 1984 when it transpired his flatmate was a karateka.
He graded Shodan (1st Dan) in 1988, Nidan (2nd Dan) in 1992, and then had another break lasting from 1993 to 1997. It was in 1997 that he joined IOGKF Australia, and re-graded to Shodan in 2000. Since then, he has trained in Okinawa three times—most recently in 2025—and has attended every annual IOGKF Australia National Gasshuku since 1997. His most recent grading was to Godan (5th Dan) under Nakamura Tetsuji Sensei in Sydney in 2017.
Sam Sensei has run Hall Dojo since 2011, training pee wees, juniors and seniors there since that time. His aims for the future are to foster the integrity of traditional karate, maintaining as accurately as possible Goju-Ryu as taught by Miyagi Chojun Sensei. He values the quality of instruction in IOGKF Australia and strives to maintain and increase it.
His message to newcomers is simple: challenge yourself. Karate is not for everyone, but can have a strong, positive influence on your life. Sam Sensei serves as an example of the practice of karate through many phases of life, inspiring generations of students along the way.
Hall (Mura) Dojo
Start your karate journey, contact us
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Instructors:
John (Sam) Steggall Sensei, 5th Dan
Address
19 Palmer Street, Hall Australian Capital Territory 2618, Australia
Mobile: 0430 153 375
Training time
Tuesdays:
Juniors 5.00-6.00pm
Adults 6.00-8.00pm
Thursdays:
Adults 6.00-8.00pm
Enquiries from new junior (13-18 years old) and adult students welcome.
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