EscapesBreaking free
Release techniques for grabs and holds, then creating space so you can get away.
Self-defence classes · Gold Coast
Real street defence, built on Gojuryu Karate
Gojuryu is a close-range Okinawan karate style. Learn to spot trouble early, break free from grabs, strike with purpose and get away safely, taught by Nick Sensei, a 4th Dan who works in security.
- Teens & adults
- Men and women welcome
- No experience needed
4th Dan
Nick Sensei, JKF Gojukai
15+ yrs
teaching karate
12
core Gojuryu kata
2
Gold Coast dojos
Why Gojuryu
A karate style built for close range
Gojuryu means "hard-soft style". It blends strong, direct strikes with soft, circular blocks, and it's practised up close, where grabs and shoves happen.
Made for close quarters
Short strikes, elbows, knees, grabs, joint locks and takedowns, trained at arm's length and closer.
Hard and soft
Absorb and redirect force with circular blocks, then answer with strong, direct technique. Soft when you defend, hard when you strike.
Kata with a purpose
Each of Gojuryu's 12 core kata is a library of self-defence strategies. We study what the moves are for, so they work outside the dojo.
A body that holds up
Sanchin stance training and hojo undo (traditional conditioning) build the balance, strength and breathing you need under pressure.
Calm under pressure
Controlled partner drills and sparring teach you to keep your head when someone comes at you.
No first strike
Karate ni sente nashi: there is no first strike in karate. Awareness and avoidance come first, and technique is the last resort.
What you'll practise
Street defence skills you'll actually use
Self-defence is part of every Teens & Adults class, alongside basics, kata and sparring.
Escapes
StrikingStrikes and blocks up close
Short, powerful strikes and circular Gojuryu blocks, drilled with a partner until they're instinct.
ControlLocks, sweeps and throws
Kansetsu waza (restraints, joint locks, sweeps and throws) for when you need control, not just distance.
AwarenessAwareness and confidence
Reading a situation early, a strong voice and posture, and the confidence to walk away before it starts.
Your instructor
Self-defence with real-world judgement
Nick Sensei holds Yondan (4th Dan) in both the Japan Karate Federation Gojukai and Gojuryu Seiwakai, and has been teaching for over 15 years.
Outside the dojo he's a security professional, with regular training in the use of force and the laws around it. He teaches self-defence the same way: avoid trouble where you can, and use only what's needed when you can't.
Ways to train
Group classes or one-on-one
GroupTeens & Adults classes
Street defence alongside basics, kata and controlled sparring. Monday and Thursday at Clear Island Waters, Tuesday and Saturday at Pimpama.
Adult classes
1-on-1Private lessons with Nick
Focus entirely on street defence, at your pace, at a location that suits you on the central Gold Coast.
Private lessons
PimpamaNorthern Gold Coast
Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at Pimpama Sports Hub, close to Coomera and Ormeau.
Karate in PimpamaNew student offer
Try it: 4 classes + a free uniform for $40
Train in four Teens & Adults classes, get your own gi, and see how Gojuryu street defence feels for yourself.
- 4 classes for complete beginners
- Free karate uniform (gi) included
- Half-price club registration if you join before your 4th lesson
Questions
Self-defence questions
No, it's built into every Teens & Adults class, alongside basics, kata and sparring. If you'd like to focus only on street defence, book private lessons with Nick Sensei.
No. Beginners learn the basics with an assistant instructor, then join the rest of the class. Your fitness builds as you train.
Yes. Our self-defence techniques are taught to men, women and children, and our Teens & Adults classes are mixed.
Partner drills are controlled and supervised. Sparring is no-contact or semi-contact (no contact to the head), and nobody spars until after their Yellow Belt grading.
Teens & Adults classes start at 10 at Clear Island Waters and 9 at Pimpama. Younger kids learn stranger danger, street awareness and bully-busting in our Lil Ninjas and Junior Dragons classes.
Get started
Book your first street defence class
Leave your details and Nick Sensei will get back to you to book your first class.
Start training
Tell us who'll be training, their age, and which dojo suits you. Interested in private lessons? Say so here. Prefer to talk? Call or text Nick.
- Phone
- HoursMon & Thu evenings · Clear Island Waters Tue evenings & Sat mornings · Pimpama
- AddressClear Island Waters & Pimpama Sports Hub, Gold Coast