The photo above shows the Founder of Goju Ryu - Chojun Miyagi (middle), the Founder of Goju Kai - Gogen Yamaguchi Kaiso (right) and our current Grand Master (son of Gogen Yamaguchi) - Goshi Yamaguchi Saiko Shihan.

Our Karate evolved from Naha-te, originating in Naha City, one of the three main regional areas on the Island of Okinawan. Chojun Miyagi was born in 1888 in Naha City and at the age of 14 he began to study Naha-te. After the death of his instructor, Miyagi went to China and studied White Crane, Shaolin-chuan, Tai Chi and Pakua, that are known today as Kung Fu. In 1929 the style was formally named Goju-Ryu (hard-soft style) karate. Goju-Ryu is the style we practice and Goju-Kai is the world wide association we belong to formally named I.K.G.A. (International Karate-Do Goju-Kai Association).

Karate-do, as with most Martial Arts, was developed due to a need for Self defense. Traditionally these Fighting Arts taught skills to the small, weak or unarmed peasants, enabling them to defend themselves and their families. The Martial Arts gave these people a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength to go about their lives whilst dealing with the might of fearsome aggressors (the Bullies of their time). 

The I.K.G.A. headed by Goshi Yamaguchi Saiko Shihan is established in over 70 countries making it one of the largest and foremost karate organizations in the world. There are multiple IKGA branches throughout Australia run by instructors who have trained with Japan's top masters both in Japan and here in Australia.

Goju Kai in Australia was established in Sydney in 1963 and the North Coast branch of Goju Kai Karate was opened in 1977 by Helmut Moldners Shihan. 

NCGK is led by our President, Director and NSW Branch Chief for IKGA Rick Burton 5th Dan Shihan, with many seasoned and experienced instructors contributing to the club.

In this modern era, we generally have less need to fight for our lives, although there are still ‘Bullies’ that prey on the weak and unwary. To many people in our society Karate-do is as important now as it ever was! Along with Self Defense it offers fitness, flexibility and longevity. It helps with the development of children regarding discipline, respect and control. It can maximize the potential of people with varying disabilities from physical to Autism and ADHD. Participants gain confidence and enhanced control of their lives.

Just as the streets are filled with all types, we believe our training dojo's should be open to everyone. We have superior athletes, children, mum's and dads, grandparents, people with disabilities, young girls and boys ; the list is endless. We all live together in our ‘inclusive’, multi-cultural society. The benefits of Goju Kai Karate-do are here for the ‘small, weak and unarmed’ as much as for elite sportsperson and powerful individuals. 

Through sincere and focused practice of this traditional, yet scientific art, all practitioners can benefit greatly in ‘maximizing their potential’ in life.