Traditional Karate - Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Dojo's
Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate training is one of the only remaining styles of martial arts that maintains a complete system, from kicking and striking, to locks, throws and ground techniques with the sole application of self-defence. There is a significant focus on breathing, personal health and wellbeing. Traditional karate is an art that can be practiced for life.
IOGKF Australia Chief Instructor
Head Instructor Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Dojo's - Brent Pawlik Sensei – 6th Dan
Brent Sensei began practicing Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do in 2001 under Chris Larken Sensei in Newcastle, Australia. His journey led him to Okinawa in 2004, where he trained with Higaonna Morio Sensei, and later returned to live and train there from 2006 onwards. During his time in Okinawa, he received his Goju-Ryu teaching license from Higaonna Sensei, led training sessions at Honbu Dojo and participated in demonstrations and television projects. Brent Sensei’s life in Okinawa was truly enriched through his marriage to Ryoko, a local Okinawan. He was welcomed into her family and by her friends and could see and touch real Okinawan life. Before leaving Okinawa, he became a student of Yamashiro Katsuya Sensei (8th Dan), whom he still considers his primary teacher.
After returning to Australia in 2012 for family reasons, Brent Sensei continued training under Chris Larken Sensei and established a second Newcastle Dojo. Following Chris Sensei's passing in 2016, he became the lead instructor of Newcastle Dojo. In 2023, he received his Rokudan (6th Dan) and was formally recognised as Chief Instructor for IOGKF Australia by Nakamura Sensei and the IOGKF International Executive. He continues to visit Okinawa annually with his family and trains with Yamashiro Sensei.
Brent Sensei believes in lifelong karate practice as a path to physical health and personal development, viewing it as an incremental process of daily improvement (Kaizen) that yields profound life benefits. His journey has been enriched by interactions with inspirational teachers and many students. He believes that everyone carries and continues to benefit from the wisdom of all their previous teachers, and personally strives to guide his current students towards the essence of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do.
[For a more in-depth account of Brent Sensei's history in Karate, see our Instructor bios page.]
Newcastle Dojo Kanchou (Leader) – Alan Westbury – 4th Dan
Charlestown Dojo Kanchou – Ryoko Pawlik – 2nd Dan
New to Karate?? Come down and have a chat with Brent Sensei...
