Karate Classes in Chifley, Canberra
Authentic Okinawan Goju-Ryu in a quality private setting — high training standards in the heart of Chifley, ACT.
Chifley dojo first welcomed students in 2023. It is situated in a second building behind a residential property, and the space has been specially adapted for karate training.
The dojo floor is a floating sprung floor, which gives exactly the underfoot feel of sprung floors in much larger dedicated karate facilities in Okinawa, such as the Budokan and Karate Kaikan.
A variety of equipment used in traditional Goju-Ryu is available, e.g. makiwara, nigiri game, ishi sashi and chi-ishi. Combined with more modern equipment like kettle bells, heavy punching bag, and dumbbells, this makes the dojo ideally suited to the serious student.
Established in 2023, Chifley Dojo offers a unique, quality private setting — high training standards
for students dedicated to the art of IOGKF Goju-Ryu. Tucked away in a private, specially-adapted facility, we provide one of the most authentic Okinawan karate training experiences in Canberra.
Our Dojo
What sets Chifley Dojo apart is our attention to detail. We’ve designed the space to mimic the elite training halls of Okinawa.
- Professional sprung floors: Our floating sprung floor is engineered to provide the exact underfoot feel of the Okinawa Budokan and Karate Kaikan, ensuring safety and authentic movement.
- Traditional Okinawan equipment: Train with the tools used by masters for centuries, including makiwara, nigiri game, and chi-ishi.
- Modern strength & conditioning: We supplement traditional tools with kettlebells, heavy bags, and dumbbells for a complete athletic foundation.
Our Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity
Similar to Hall Dojo, we strive to teach and practise traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu as originally taught by Chojun Miyagi Sensei. Our focus is 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.
What to Expect in a Training Session
We follow a structured, disciplined curriculum designed to build both physical strength and mental focus:
- Etiquette: At the start of each class, students line up facing the front of the dojo. White belts and other beginners join the back line to the left. Students follow the commands and actions of the karateka at the right front, kneeling, briefly meditating with eyes closed, and finally bowing to the front (with photos of past teachers) and the instructor.
- Junbi Undo: A rigorous 15–30 minute traditional warm-up and bodyweight conditioning.
- Kihon & Kata: Drilling foundational techniques and forms, focusing on the deep mechanics of Goju-Ryu.
- Bunkai: Learning the practical application of kata movements against simulated attacks.
Class Timetable
Classes run at our private Chifley facility on Threlfall Street:
- Wednesday: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Finding the Dojo
- Location: Threlfall Street, Chifley, ACT.
- Serving Areas: Chifley, Woden Valley, Mawson, Pearce, Torrens, Phillip, and the broader South Canberra region.
Instructor: Jean Pretorius Sensei – 4th Dan: Chifley Dojo
Jean Sensei first trained in Goju-Ryu with Bakkies Laubscher Sensei near Stellenbosch (South Africa) in the 1980’s. After a long break he restarted his training with Simon Beaumont Sensei in Sydney in early 2010. In late 2024 he graded to Yondan (4th Dan) under Brent Pawlik Sensei in Canberra.
He has attended numerous training events (“gasshukus”) with international instructors, including three World Budosais in Okinawa, a European Gasshuku in Prague and most recently a week of training arranged by Brent Pawlik Sensei (6th Dan, IOGKF Australia Chief Instructor) with Yamashiro Sensei (8th Dan, IOGKF Japan Chief Instructor) in November 2025, following a 25th anniversary event celebrating Yamashiro Sensei’s Dojo in Okinawa.
Jean Sensei believes practice and study of traditional Goju-Ryu karate enriches every phase of life. It is a cultural gift from Okinawa to the world; preservation and transmission of its essence is a key part of every serious student’s practice.
New to Karate? Start at Chifley Dojo
We welcome beginners and seasoned martial artists alike.
- What to wear: Just a T-shirt and shorts or trackpants to start (please remove all jewellery for safety).
- Stay hydrated: We include frequent breaks — bring a water bottle or sports drink.
- Try it out: Experience our personal instruction firsthand before committing to a full membership.
Contact the dojo instructor to book your first session at Chifley →
Note: Newcomers are welcome to train in t-shirts, shorts or trackpants. We ask that all jewellery be removed before training to protect fellow students. Students are encouraged to bring water and/or sports drinks, as there are frequent hydration breaks. Please also consult our general policies on this website.
Chifley Dojo
Start your karate journey, contact us
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Instructors:
Jean Pretorius Sensei – 4th Dan
Address
Threlfall Street, Chifley ACT, Australia
Mobile: 0420 990 770
Training time:
Wed 06:30 pm – 08:30 pm
Sat 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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