Goju-Ryu Karate Magill Primary is a family-oriented karate school located in Adelaide. The school offers classes for both children and adults, with the aim of promoting training and development together. New students are welcome to join at any time.
The school is led by Callum Monaghan, a 3rd Dan instructor who began his karate training in 1998. Callum has a strong background in Goju-Kai and obtained his Nidan in that style. In 2009, he took over running the Magill Primary School Dojo and in 2013, he also took charge of the Blackwood Dojo. In 2015, Callum joined the Traditional Japanese Karate Network, and his classes transitioned to a more Goju-Ryu style.
Apart from karate, Callum also holds the rank of Shodan in Iaido and trains in Judo with the Adelaide Uni Judo Club.
Classes at Goju-Ryu Karate Magill Primary are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Wednesdays, the junior class (5-14 years old) runs from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, while the adult class (14+) starts at 7:45 pm and ends at 9:15 pm. On Saturdays, combined kids and adult classes are held at 10 am till 11 am for juniors and from 10 am till 12 noon for adults.
Beginners are not required to have karate uniforms as the school stocks them for purchase if students decide to sign up for a term. Training fees are paid at the start of each school term and vary according to age group, with a 50% discount offered to subsequent members of the same family. There is also an annual membership fee of $60 to cover insurance paid at the start of term 3.
The junior classes at Goju-Ryu Karate Magill Primary focus on four main curriculum areas: Kata, Bunkai, Kihon/Ito, and Kumite. Students learn kata, which are patterns of movements, bunkai which are self-defence applications derived from the movements in kata, kihon which are basic movements performed repetitively, and kumite which is non-contact sparring.
Adults at the school are expected to cover the same curriculum areas as juniors but with some optional contact in training and a requirement to have a basic knowledge of grappling, including falls, rolls, and throws.
At the end of each school term, the school conducts a belt test where students may have no rank change if not quite ready, a change in level, or the addition of a stripe.
Goju-Ryu Karate Magill Primary follows the traditional Goju-Ryu style of karate, which emphasises respect, traditional values, and self-development. The classes cater to individuals of all ability levels and aim to develop self-defence skills, sporting ability, confidence, fitness, and coordination.