The Institute Of Traditional Karate (IOGKF) is a sports club located in Goulburn, Australia, dedicated to preserving the intangible cultural treasure of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. As the largest traditional Okinawan Karate organisation in the world, IOGKF is led by World Chief Instructor Tetsuji Nakamura Sensei, an 8th Dan. In Australia, Brent Pawlik Sensei, a 6th Dan, serves as the Chief Instructor.
Established in 1979 under the authority of Higaonna Sensei, there is a strong history of IOGKF being taught in Australia. The club provides a unique opportunity to learn and experience the power of Traditional Karate. They have several dojo locations across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
In NSW, IOGKF has three dojos: Newcastle (Garden Suburbs) with Brent Pawlik Sensei as the Head Instructor, Lake Macquarie (Charlestown) with Brent Pawlik Sensei, and Sydney with Simon Beaumont Sensei. In the ACT, there are two dojos: Mura (Hall) with John (Sam) Steggall Sensei and Chifley with Jean Pretorius Sensei. Additionally, IOGKF has one dojo in South Australia, Adelaide (Medindie), which is led by Enoch Yong Sensei and Ryan Burnell Sensei.
IOGKF also hosts national events that provide opportunities for members to connect and further their karate journey. The club's website offers resources and information, and interested individuals can contact the dojos directly for more information.
Traditional Karate training at IOGKF focuses on maintaining a complete system of martial arts that covers kicking, striking, locks, throws, and ground techniques with the sole application of self-defence. The training also emphasises the importance of breathing, personal health, and well-being.
The Chief Instructor for the Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Dojos is Brent Pawlik Sensei, a 6th Dan, who has extensive training in Okinawa, Japan, under Master Morio Higaonna Sensei and Master Katsuya Yamashiro Sensei (8th Dan). Brent Sensei brings the experience of studying karate in Japan to his teaching, providing students with an authentic traditional karate experience. The Newcastle Dojo is led by Kanchou (Leader) Alan Westbury, a 4th Dan, and the Charlestown Dojo is led by Kanchou Ryoko Pawlik, a 1st Dan. Assistant instructors at the dojos include Mark Harden (4th Dan) and Kallan Mitchell (2nd Dan).
IOGKF invites individuals who are interested in experiencing true traditional karate to join them and start their journey in the world of Traditional Karate. Visit their website to find a dojo near you and begin experiencing the power of Traditional Karate.