IOGKF Australia - Australia Okinawan
Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation
About AOGKF National
The one of the largest Okinawan Karate organisations in Australia
AOGKF National is Japan recognised and is an official representative of the International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-Do Federation (IOGKF International), which is one of few world bodies recognised by the Japanese Federal Government as an official traditional martial arts Federation. Goju-ryu Karate, under the auspices of Master Morio Higaonna has been practiced in Australia even before the formation of the world body in 1979. IOGKF Karate has been practiced in our country for over 40 years and one man who has been there since the beginning of Master Higaonna’s legacy in Australia is Sensei Joe Roses, the chief instructor of IOGKF/AOGKF in Australia.
In July 2012, Master Higaonna (74 years old at the time), stepped back from his role as World Chief Instructor of IOGKF and appointed Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura as his successor. It was around the same time that Sensei Nakamura approved a restructure of IOGKF in Australia, which resulted in the birth of the AOGKF – a newly structured and organised federation to preserve the cultural treasure of Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate for future generations, along with making it available to all Australian’s irrespective of race, creed of gender. A new modern organisation to present Goju-ryu Karate in a new way for members of new and old.
Since 2012 the AOGKF has blossomed under the leadership of Sensei Roses and the AOGKF executive committee and has become the largest authentic Okinawan Karate organisation in the country. The passion, dedication and commitment of all AOGKF instructors and members has lead to the cultivation of the ‘karate family’. AOGKF welcomes all newcomers to the organisation regardless of race, gender, culture, creed, religion, previous affiliation or previous martial arts background.
AOGKF has grown from strength to strength, taking teams of over 100 people to Okinawa, Japan along with hosting the largest IOGKF event ever held within the Oceania region. Every member of the IOGKF Executive Committee has been hosted in Australia, along with a senior techincal advisior of the organisation, by the AOGKF.
AOGKF Structure
AOGKF is run by a team of dedicated Australian instructors & members. We have a full organisational structure consisting of a Chief instructor, Chairperson, executive committee, treasurer, administrative team, event staff and more. A not for profit organisation, the federation has its own specially designed support network to ensure all activities are carried out in an efficient and professional manner. The current AOGKF structure is as follows:
IOGKF COUNTRY CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Joe Roses
AOGKF CHAIRMAN
Sensei Kevin Nash
AOGKF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sensei Joe Roses
Sensei Kevin Nash
Sensei David Lambert
AOGKF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Secretary General: Sensei David Lambert
Treasurer: Sensei Michael Scott
Registration officer: Sensei Luke Drady
MEDIA ASSISTANTS:
Design & Website: Kevin & Rachelle Kennedy
Graphic Design: Knockout Photography Design
Lead Photographer: Colin Dibble