EGKA, IOGF affiliated traditional Okinawa Goju ryu Karate

Shinzato dojo was founded in 2002 by Sensei Steve Gouldson, 6th Dan (E.G.K.A., I.O.G.K.F.) following our move from St. Benedict’s High School, Woodchurch, where we were known as Upton Village Karate Club for over 10 years.

Sensei Steve Gouldson has been teaching traditional Okinawa Gojo ryu Karate since 1978 and regularly attends national and international courses with I.O.G.K.F world chief instructors.

Shinzato dojo studies traditional Okinawa Goju ryu Karate, and is affiliated with the English Goju ryu Karate association ((E.G.K.A.) and the International Okinawa Goju ryu Karate Federation (I.O.G.K.F.) Goju ryu Karate is the direct descendant of the Naha-te style of open handed self defence developed in Okinawa in the 1900’s. The training style retains the rich culture and tradition of the Okinawan people instilling their characteristic self discipline and respect for others, as well as physical fitness, personal well-being and devastatingly effective self defence.

Shinzato dojo enjoys a traditional custom built dojo environment within Larton Livery. Students have the opportunity to train in structured classes, or individually, and the dojo benefits from a number of experienced black belt students, assisting Sensei Steve Gouldson.  In addition, senior instructors from EGKA and IOGKF are regularly invited to teach classes so that students may benefit from their experience, and be a part of the Goju ryu Karate community.

Assistant instruction is also provided by Sensei Dave Bruce and Louise Jones.  Junior classes are taught by Sensei Steve Gouldson, assisted by junior members assistant instructor Christopher Wong.

Students of all levels and ability are encouraged to join the dojo, to learn and experience the unique benefits traditional Karate has to offer.

Senior Class Times

Monday & Thursday Evening - 7pm to 9pm. Formal Classes for adult dojo members.

Monday and Thursday classes are instructed by Sensei Steve Gouldson 6^th dan EGKA, IOGKF. Classes are structured towards students of all grades.  Additional instruction is provided by Sensei Dave Bruce and Louise Jones.

Wednesday Evening - 7pm. Informal class time for adult members.

Wednesday evening classes are structured for members who wish to have free time training with attending black belt level students to enhance their training at their own pace.

Saturday Afternoon - 4pm to 5.30pm. Informal class time for adult members.

Saturday afternoon provides additional free time training typically given over to supplementary training such as bag work, Kongoken, Chi-ishi, Makiwara, and Sanchin kata.

Sunday Morning - 10am to 11.30am. Informal class time for adult members.

Sunday morning training is for members wishing to train with their dojo partners in an informal training class.  Classes are usually structured towards kata & bunkai plus Sanchin.  This class is usually attended by senior students, but all level of students are welcome to attend.

Junior Class Times

Karate classes for new and long term junior members up to the age of 12 years are on Wednesday and Friday Evening from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.  The class consists of students of mixed grades and in instructed by Sensei Steve Gouldson and Christopher Wong.

Wednesday & Friday - 5.30pm to 6.30pm.  All grades junior class.

For junior members who are taller & of the age 12 onwards have there own class on a Monday & Thursday 6pm to 7pm. This class is geared to graded students who are can train & learn karate with students of there own grade. Juniors from the mixed class advance into this class gradually as they get older & more proficient.

Saturday morning - 10am to 11.30am.  Junior Class.

Saturday Morning class is a kids club and is scheduled every other Saturday (class times to be confirmed). The Saturday morning class includes a breakfast break for juniors, taking advantage of the on-site café facilities.

For further details contact Sensei Steve by email , or telephone 07841 742026