About us
Traditional karate with a direct line to Okinawa
Goshukan Karate Academy QLD (formerly Gold Coast Goju Karate) teaches Gōjū-ryū as it has been handed down from its founder, Chōjun Miyagi.
Our style
What is Gōjū-ryū?
Gōjū-ryū (剛柔流) means "hard-soft style". It is one of the main traditional Okinawan styles of karate, combining hard, direct strikes with soft, circular blocks and close-range technique.
Its founder, Chōjun Miyagi, chose the name because only hardness or only softness can't deal with the ups and downs of life. When blocking, the body is soft and inhaling; when striking, it is hard and exhaling.
Miyagi taught that the aim of karate-do is to build character, conquer human misery and find spiritual freedom, and that there is no first strike in karate (karate ni sente nashi).
Our lineage
A direct line to Chōjun Miyagi
Every student at Goshukan trains in an unbroken teaching line that runs back to the founder of Gōjū-ryū.
- 1
Chōjun Miyagi Sensei
Founder of Gōjū-ryū
Began training at 14, in 1902. His natural talent and fierce determination saw him progress rapidly through training that was severe beyond belief.
- 2
Gogen Yamaguchi Hanshi
Karate master, Japan
Recognised as one of the greatest karate masters in Japan, he shaped modern karate and raised both its technical and social standing.
- 3
Shuji Tazaki Hanshi
Gojukai Deputy Chief, Board of Directors
A Gojukai Central Examiner and Kanto region manager, and Chief Instructor and President of Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō Seiwakai until 2011.
- 4
Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi
Chief Instructor, Gōjū-ryū Seiwakai International
Known for his gentle smile and soft way of speaking, and for saying he grows uneasy if he doesn't put on his gi and move his body.
- 5
Glenn Stephenson Kyoshi
President & Chief Instructor, Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō Seiwakai Australia
Also Chief Instructor of the Karate Academy of Japan Gōjū-ryū.
- 6
Stacey Karetsian Kyoshi
Chief Instructor, Goshukan Karate Academy Australia
Nick Sensei's own teacher, leading Goshukan Karate Academy in Australia.
- 7
Nick Naudy Sensei
Instructor, Goshukan Karate Academy QLD
4th Dan in both JKF Gojukai and Gōjū-ryū Seiwakai, teaching for over 15 years.
Your instructor
Nick Sensei's story
Nick's karate journey began as a shared adventure with his eldest daughter, Brooke, when she was six. At 43, after years playing guitar on the Sydney pub rock circuit, he was ready for a fresh start and a healthier life. Within a couple of months of his first class he'd quit smoking for good.
Karate became a family tradition: Brooke earned her black belt in Year 12 at Miami High School, and his twin daughters Lauren and Elise reached brown belt.
- 2023: passed Yondan (4th Dan) JKF Gojukai at Edion Arena, Osaka, after a 7-day Seiwakai camp in Omagari
- 2022: passed Yondan in Gōjū-ryū Karate-dō Seiwakai with perfect scores
- 2018: 5th place, Kata Finals, All Japan JKF Gojukai Championships, Akita
- 2014: Kata finalist at the All Japan JKF Gojukai Championships in Sendai, one of only two Westerners to make it
Nick has trained under JKF Gojukai masters including Fujiwara Hanshi, Takahashi Shihan and Sato Hanshi. A security professional with regular use-of-force training, he brings real-world judgement to self-defence.
What you'll learn
Kihon, kata and kumite
The three pillars of traditional karate, plus the conditioning and close-range skills Gōjū-ryū is known for.
Kihon (basics)
Stances, strikes, blocks and kicks, from chudan zuki to mawashi geri, drilled until they're second nature.
Kata (forms)
Gōjū-ryū's 12 core kata, from Gekisai Dai Ichi to Suparinpei, each a library of self-defence strategies handed down by the masters.
Kumite (sparring)
Pre-arranged, continuous, sticky-hand and free sparring, always controlled, starting after your Yellow Belt grading.
Kansetsu waza
Restraints, joint locks, sweeps and throws for real close-range self-defence.
Hojo undo (conditioning)
Traditional strength training with tools like stone weights and gripping jars, building the body that powers the technique.
Gradings
Progress through the coloured belts. Grading fees include your certificate and new belt.
Associations
Part of a worldwide karate family
Japan Karate Federation Gojukai
The Gōjū-ryū federation in Japan where Nick Sensei grades and competes.
Gōjū-ryū Seiwakai International
The international Seiwakai organisation led by Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi.
Goshukan Karate Academy Australia
Our parent academy under Stacey Karetsian Kyoshi, with clubs in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT.
Australian Federation of Traditional Karate
A national body for traditional karate in Australia.
Karate Queensland
We're a Karate Queensland endorsed member club.
Judo Queensland & Kawaishi Budo
Associated organisations in Queensland.
Ready to start?
Try 4 classes + get a free uniform for $40
No experience needed. Kids from 4, teens and adults welcome at Clear Island Waters and Pimpama.