IOGKF Australia - Australia Okinawan
Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation
2022 AOGKF NATIONAL KATA CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
Male 18 + Black Belt
1st: Jackson Fleming - Goulburn. 2nd: Adenn Nardi - Bonython. 3rd: Edward Pearce - Ipswich
Male Junior Black Belt
1st: Bradley Winters - Goulburn. 2nd: Toby Russell - Kaleen
Female 18 + Kyu Grades
10th-7th Kyu
1st: Maddison Tisma - Bungendore. 2nd: Dianne Gordon - Goulburn. 3rd: Fiona Banham - Goulburn
6th-4th Kyu
1st: Giang Malcher - Woden. 2nd: Bianca Calderon - Goulburn. 3rd: Viki Press - Woden
3rd-1st Kyu
1st: Lisa Eldridge
Male 18 + Kyu Grades
6th-4th Kyu
1st: Lee Tunks - Yass. 2nd: Stephen Hinwood - Goulburn. 3rd: Alexander Ward - Yass
3rd-1st Kyu
1st: Andres Vasquez - Newcastle. 2nd: Matt Kane - Woden. 3rd: James Rippon - Bonython
6-7 years divisions
Male 6-7 years
1st: Anthony De Mel - Melbourne. 2nd: Julian Zajic - Caloundra. 3rd: Gabriel Pearce - Goulburn
8-9 years divisions
Male 8-9 years
1st: CJ Christensen - Goulburn. 2nd: Abel Vasquez-Deegan. 3rd: Ottavio Macchia - Newcaslte
Female 8-9 years
1st: Maiya Lane - Newcaslte. 2nd: Josie Newman - Goulburn. 3rd: Aurelia Macchia - Newcastle
10-11 years divisions
Male 10-11years
1st: Trent Wortley - Caloundra. 2nd: Cooper Graham - Goulburn. 3rd: Kit Thiele - Goulburn
Female 10-11 years
1st: Niamh Giorgio - Bonython. 2nd: Audery Hocken - Caloundra. 3rd: Tori Douglass - Goulburn
12-13 years divisions
Male 12-13years
1st: Oliver Hocken - Caloundra. 2nd: Malu Tunks - Yass. 3rd Kyu: Ayden Ottley - Ipswich
Female 12-13 years
1st: Bailey Voormeulen - Bungendore. 2nd: Layla Haikal - Melbourne
14-16 years divisions
Male 14-15years
1st: Isaiah Exantus - Goulburn. 2nd: Jack Ottley - Ipswich. 3rd: Elijah Smith
Female 14-16 years
1st: Sahara Walker - Goulburn. 2nd: Ella Drinnan - Caloundra. 3rd: Skye Pearce - Ipswich
2021 AOGKF BLACK & BROWN BELT GASSHUKU
INTENSIVE TRAINING
The Friday evening of May 21 saw 50 of the AOGKF's black belts come together for an intensive 2.5 hours of training under Sensei Joe Roses and the executive committee instructors. Sensei Joe warmed everyone up, before groups focusing on the lower level Kaishugata took place. Lots of repetition and lots of good points to help improve performance. The training ended with an all grades session focusing on Tensho Kata with Sensei Joe. Sensei Joe continues to provide so many bunkai and details for Tensho and also introduced senior members to Renzoku Bunkai for Shisochin.
RECORD BREAKING
The next day saw the event opened up to Brown belt members also and the event numbers climbed to 80 +, making this the largest event of this type the AOGKF has ever hosted. The training included everything from senior Kata training, to application practices, Kakie, self defence drills, ground fighting, basics and a lot of star jumps! The energy in the Dojo was electric and there were smiles shining through all the sweat! Sensei Kev spoke about that at such a senior level, you might only be able to improve 2-3% and that you really need to make a concentrated effort to go and find these small areas to improve. It was an incredible Gasshuku!
Grueling Grading Tests
Late in the afternoon on Saturday, 15 participants from 6 different Dojo's lined up sit tests from Shodan to Sandan. An extremely fast and physical basics component set the pace for the rest of the grading. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears given by the participants and they were tested on all aspects of the IOGKF International Curriculum. After 2 hours the grading was called to an end the participants were met by thunderous applause by all watching the grading. It was an inspiring performance by all involved!
That evening over 100 AOGKF members and their families gathered for dinner and the results. It was a night of celebrations, laughs and family fun!
2021 AOGKF STATE GASSHUKU EVENT SERIES
QUEENSLAND STATE GASSHUKU
Sensei Fritz Venzke of Suncoast Traditional Karate hosted the first annual AOGKF QLD State Gasshuku in Queensland. Sensei Fritz and his wife Helene did an incredible job organising this event with participants from 5 AOGKF Dojo's joining the event. The Gasshuku was taught by Sensei Joe Roses O.A.M, Sensei David Lambert and Sensei Shenae Lambert. It was hot, sweaty and so much fun and some AOGKF members even enjoyed a dip at the beach after training. Keep your eye out for the Brisbane Regional Gasshuku on June 5 and for the announcement of next years QLD State Gasshuku!
ACT & NSW STATE GASSHUKU'S
Held on the same weekend, Sensei Joe Roses and Sensei Kevin Nash took the lead for the 2nd annual ACT State Gasshuku, while Sensei David Lambert headed the 9th annual NSW Gasshuku in Yass, NSW. Between both events, over 180 participants trained and learned from the Executive Committee and senior AOGKF instructors. The NSW State Gasshuku also marked the first ever AOGKF event to not feature Sensei Joe Roses and was an historical moment in the organisation and a credit to it's growth. Many thanks to James Fletcher for his help with the ACT event and to Sensei Vince for hosting the NSW event in Yass.
VICTORIA STATE GASSHUKU
On the next weekend, Sensei Kevin Nash traveled to Melbourne, Victoria for the 1st annual AOGKF Victorian State Gasshuku. Sensei Armin Mehr was the host of this event and has done an incredible job spreading Goju-ryu in the state following the Victorian COVID lock down. A very dedicated group of members from all over Melbourne joined the event, many meeting Sensei Kevin for the first time. The event was a great success! Stay tuned for details of next years event!
2020 AOGKF NATIONAL GASSHUKU
A family reunion
This was the first AOGKF in person event to be held since the COVID lock down and the restricted activities that followed. It was a surreal feeling having some many AOGKF members together again and split over multiple facilities, especially seeing that the rest of the world is still suffering badly from the pandemic. For this reason, AOGKF has elected not publish any photographs, videos or official reports from the weekend as a show of respect to all those doing to tough across the globe. The event concluded with an address written by Sensei Ernie Molyneux (IOGKF Vice-Chief Instructor) who reminded us to keep training and to never give up!
CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION FROM SENSEI KEVIN NASH
To all AOGKF students and their families.
On behalf of the AOGKF executive committee I would like to offer some words and advice to help our members deal with the covid19 pandemic.
This is a time for the community to come together to help and support each other. This is an opportunity for us to rise and show the whole world what we are made of. Let us reflect on the Dojo kun to gain strength from.
RESPECT OTHERS:
By being considerate, kind and respectful towards people especially to those that we might find to be stressed and anxious. We might find these people among our families and friends or people we encounter when crossing their paths at places available to us like the shops or health care facilities. It’s important to keep in close contact with family and neighbours to see how they are and if you can be of any help whilst observing government rules and guidelines.
BE COURAGEOUS:
This is a time for us to stand up and show leadership while others are in despair. This is what set us, Karate-ka students, apart from the normal person. We have trained to endure physical and mental pressure by developing an indomitable spirt. This is just another test that we will pass. We will dig deep, in times that others feel they can no longer endure, and we will push through with dignity and with a smile on our face. We will lead by example and show the weak and needy that we are there to lead and support them.
TRAIN YOUR MIND & BODY:
In these times this is a perfect opportunity to practice what we train daily. To focus on the task at hand and not let the mind wander off with too many random thoughts of doom and gloom. We need to take care of ourselves and our loved ones and exercise is the key to a healthy mind and body. This is a good opportunity for those that have not started to use meditation as a training tool and to start this mindfulness practice.
PRACTICE DAILY & PROTECT TRADITIONAL KARATE:
We must find ways to train at home like the Okinawan’s did, using implements from around the house, shed and yard. Diligent training will make sure we continue the art of Goju Ryu karate into the future. Already our AOGKF Sensei’s have found new ways to keep training and stay in contact with their students by using new methods like online virtual dojos, training videos and I am sure that there will be a lot more innovation to come.
STRIVE TO REACH THE ESSENCE OF GOJU-RYU:
Karate teaches us balance in life and to remain calm, to be at peace with ourselves. When others are finding it tough, we stand up and become the leaders and pillars in society to steer the ship and take control of the situation. People are looking for leaders and we of the karate community are up for the challenge.
NEVER GIVE UP
Most importantly we never give up. We stand up, we fight, we kick, we punch, we gouge, and we will struggle to do what is right and needs to be done for the survival of ourselves our families, friends and community. We will not be beaten, and we will survive.
I would say to you all in our Karate family, be strong, lets stick together. Be leaders in the community and we will be bigger, stronger and better people mentally, physically and spiritually for this experience.
Love to you all and keep safe
Sensei Kevin Nash
AOGKF Chairman
2019 AOGKF National Gasshuku & Friendship Tournament
Terauchi Sensei amazes big crowds!
To say the 2019 combined events was a huge success would be an understatement! Sensei Kazuo Terauchi, 9th Dan from IOGKF Japan, headed training event and over three days amazed large crowds of over 165 participants, plus spectators, with is incredible speed, ability and technical instruction. Terauchi Sensei pushed everyone to their limits, but also enhanced their Karate with great sessions on Kata and Kumite drills. There was plenty of sweat and also plenty of laughs under Terauchi Sensei watch.
Japanese government involved!
The Japanese Embassy in Canberra was quick to support the event, sending deputy chief of missions, Minister Omura, to welcome everyone to the Gasshuku. Terauchi Sensei & members of AOGKF performed demonstrations for Minister Omura and they were well received. AOGKF members were very lucky to have Minister Omura visit the event.
Along with AOGKF senior instructors, overseas guest instructors, Sensei Joseph Tait and Sensei John Marrable, also did a fantastic job assisting Terauchi Sensei in delivering a very popular Gasshuku.
Friendship is the answer!
Terauchi Sensei commented that the level of instruction he witnessed over the weekend was very high. He was also very impressed with the AOGKF Friendship Tournament. Over 135 competitors took to the floor to test their skills against others from four different states. In our closest ever results, Bonython became National Champions in 2019 by two medals. The friendship, goodwill and great sportsmanship displayed on the day was inspiring and all the competitiors and officials did a great job.
World Traditional Karate Ceremony - IOGKF Gishiki 2019
Held in Okinawa, Japan
The 40th anniversary of IOGKF International and the biggest push yet to see traditional Karate recognised by UNESCO took place under the banner of the IOGKF Gishiki. Over 1,300 people from 50 different countries took part in the event which saw participants train under the best instructors in the world over a one week period. Two training locations were utilised, the Karate Kaikan and the Okinawan Budokan. Out of the all the countries attending, the AOGKF had the second largest team participation with over 100 members & their families joining the trip.
The Birthplace of Karate
Sensei Morio Higaonna, the founder of IOGKF taught at the event and in one session instructed all 1,300 people at once. 16 group training sessions were held over the week and AOGKF members were able to experience instruction from the best Goju-ryu Sensei in the world. Many members were very surprised to see how high Sensei Joe and Sensei Kevin were ranked among the worlds best and gained a new appreciation and respect for our National leaders. Many AOGKF members were selected to assist the senior Sensei's in demonstrating during many of their sessions.
Under the Master Morio Higaonna
Sensei Lambert from the Goulburn Dojo was selected to instruct children classes during the event. He was also the only foreigner selected to be included in the Higaonna Dojo team demonstration of Hojo Undo. He and Higaonna Sensei's son Eric also performed one of the most popular demonstrations of the event. The final day concluded with a Masters demonstration where members got to see Karate's best at their best! Higaonna Sensei, Bakkies Sensei and Nakamura Sense all performed. The Sayonara Party took place on Sunday evening and AOGKF showed how the Aussies party to the cheers of the rest of the world.
Shiki, Japan - Karate cultural exchange
A team from AOGKF participated in the exchange
Sensei Joseph Tait organised a cultural exchange day using Karate as the method at his Dojo in Shiki, Tokyo. The event took place on Thursday July 24. Classes were taken by Sensei Joe Roses (Aust), Sensei Brian McGhee (NZ), Sensei Raj Ravi (NZ), Sensei Jakob Kold (Denmark) and of course world famous Karate instructor, Sensei Kazuo Terauchi - 9th Dan from Japan. There were Black Belt, Kyu grade and children's groups hosted on the day.
Japan Federal government recognised the effort
For many people, it was their first ever training experience in Japan and the event did not disappoint. The hype, the heat and instructors surpassed all their expectations. At the beginning of the event, the mayor of Shiki city arrived to welcome everyone to the event. This was followed by the presentation of a plaque to Sensei Jospeh from Yuichi San who put in a lot of work on the this event also. The plaque was from the government recognising the importance of this event to Japanese culture.
Participants from Oceania, Europe, USA & Asia
After the training was completed, members participated in the 'survivors party' event at a traditional Japanese restaurant in the busy Ikebukuro district of Tokyo. Here everyone tasted delicious Japanese food and got to know people from other countries. Terauchi Sensei and other seniors gave speeches and highlighted their thanks and praise for what was a successful event. Terauchi Sensei will be the guest instructor at this years AOGKF National Gasshuku in Canberra, ACT from November 1-3.
Sensei Joe Roses to receive the Order of Australia Medal
Australia's Chief Instructor
Sensei Joe Roses is one of Australia's longest training martial artists, beginning his studies somewhere around 1971. He moved to Canberra, ACT from Spain as a young boy when his family immigrated to Australia. He didn't speak English, had to go to an English speaking school and life wasn't always easy. However that did not stop the young man for wanting to contribute to the country he has called home for over 55 years. His work as a heavy vehicle mechanic has consumed most of his working days, while of an evening and on the weekend he has dedicated much of his time to the study, protection and teaching of traditional Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate.
To receive Australia's highest honour
In a martial arts career spanning almost half a century Sensei Joe Roses has risen to not only become the one of the first Australian members to every achieve the rank of 7th Dan from Master Morio Higaonna, but also the chief instructor of the largest IOGKF organisation Australia has ever seen. Over his career he has taught all over North and South America, Oceania and has even taught at the Okinawa Honbu Dojo of his own Sensei. Impressive as this is, it is the little acts that have won Sensei Joe affection from all over Australia and the world. His simple phone calls to check in on his devoted followers, him helping disadvantaged people and often times sharing his knowledge for free have helped in securing this incredible honour.
For contributions to the Martial Arts in Australia
The project to nominate Sensei Joe for an OAM began many years ago and saw contributions from numerous senior instructors from both AOGKF and IOGKF. The process takes many years and Sensei Joe Roses had no idea that the AOGKF had undertaken this project without his permission. Their reason was simple, he would have been too humble to allow himself to be nominated. Sensei Roses was extremely overwhelmed and honoured to receive notification of his award. He told AOGKF members he still could not believe it. He came to this country with nothing, learned valuable skills and the young age of 68 years old still spends his days working to support his family and sharing Karate with everyone his can. Congratulations Sensei Joe!
2019 AOGKF Black & Brown Belt Gasshuku
Back to Basics
This years annual AOGKF Black and Brown Belt Gasshuku was hosted once again by the Woden Valley Dojo of Sensei Kevin Nash. All Black and Brown Belt grades gathered at the Dojo on the evening of May 24th, 2019. After an official welcoming, Sensei David Lambert provided a detailed explanation of the senior components of Jumbi Undo training. Australia's chief instructor, Sensei Joe Roses, then took to the stage with assistance from Sensei Nash and Sensei Lambert. Over the next two hours all participants were put through their paces in a group Kata sessions that provided great technical points and aided in the unlocking the potential of all those who were present.
Look, Listen, Sweat!
An early start on Saturday morning saw Sensei Lambert take everyone for a reminder session on the Jumbi undo points of the previous day. Group training followed with the three executive committee member Sensei's rotating between several groups. Sensei Nash also gave a seminar on how to correctly instruct children in traditional Karate. After four very in depth hours of training, Sensei Kevin prepared the grading candidates for their test, while Sensei Lambert provided the final sweat session for all Gasshuku participants.
Memories to treasure
After a short break for lunch 19 candidates took to the floor for our annual Black belt grading test. All of the Executive committee instructors had their turn at testing the grading candidates and all of them rose to the occasion with impressive form and technique. There was plenty of blood sweat and tears shared, but countless smiles when the test had ended. An inspiring effort which resulted in a 100% pass rate. Equally impressive was that 60 odd people who stayed behind after training to cheer on their friends and family as they were put through their paces. Many thanks to Colin for the fantastic photos and video compilation.
2019 AOGKF NSW STATE GASSHUKU - CROOKWELL
A Sell out event
Over 110 AOGKF members, plus their families attended the 2019 AOGKF New South Wales State Gasshuku. The event was hosted by Crookwell Dojo at the Crookwell High School hall. The Black Belts knew they were in for a special day when Sensei Joe Roses really opened up on the intricate and advanced details of Sanchin and in particular Tensho Kata. This was followed by the always special feeling of a full Dojo when all grades training took place. After a much improved line up process, Sensei Kevin Nash took prepared the Gasshuku and took them through a strong basics sessions, motivating everyone for the exciting day to come!
Spreading Traditional Karate
The Gasshuku then split into group training sessions which were lead by Sensei Joe Roses, Sensei Kevin Nash, Sensei David Lambert, Sensei Richard Toparis, Sensei Vince Robinson and Sensei Ari Mehr. What made this event even more special was the fact that members had traveled from four different states to be part of this Gasshuku. Sensei Fritz traveled from the Sunshine Coast and Sensei Ari traveled from Melbourne to be part of the training. Their participation and passion was a great motivation to all. After a few group sessions it was time for lunch and to prepare our 100+ strong team for the Gishiki event in Okinawa.
To Country New South Wales
Following lunch three specialty seminars were held by the AOGKF Executive committee instructors. Sensei Kevin Nash held a very popular seminar on street self defence for all teenage and adult members that was very well received. Sensei Joe Roses ran a children's only self defence defence seminar showing our youngest members how to be smarter and more effective in protecting themselves. And Sensei David Lambert (who was unwell on the day) pushed through a seminar on the finer details and bunkai of Sesan Kata for 3rd Dan and above members. All in all it was another wonderful day for the AOGKF Karate family! Thank you to all those who participated and supported this event!
2018 AOGKF NATIONAL GASSHUKU
IOGKF Oceania's largest ever event!
Over 220 people attend the AOGKF National Gasshuku which was held under the leadership of Sensei Ernie Molyneux (IOGKF World Vice-Chief Instructor) and Sensei Joe Roses (Australian Chief Instructor) in Goulburn, NSW. To see 200 + people take the floor for the all grades session was extremely motivating and the roar of a couple of hundred syncronised kiai was electrifying! Guests from 5 Australian states and 7 different countries traveled to Goulburn for the event and all were impressed with what they experienced.
Hosted by the AOGKF!
Sensei Ernie commented to all participants that the AOGKF has the makings of becoming one of IOGKF International's largest and strongest member countries. He said the leadership and quality of the instructors in Australia was extremely high.
The guest instructor gave many specialty seminars including a 3 day course on the kumite and iri-kumi training of Goju-ryu which impressed many of the participants. Sensei Ciara Morrison from England also gave a special Women's only seminar, which was very well received.
In Goulburn, New South Wales
There were also several social events held. This included a Black and Brown Belt dinner with many party games that had everyone in stitches as the contestants worked through several difficult challenges.
Just when we thought this party could not be outdone, the Saturday night annual Karate party went to a whole other level with an exhilarating and hilarious performance by one of Australia's leading comedy magicians. The Karate family in the AOGKF has never been stronger and the event only helped us to become even closer as we work towards the 2021 World championships in Canberra.