Families | GKR Karate https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/category/families/ Go-Kan-Ryu Karate (GKR) is a traditional Japanese style of karate. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:30:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 GKR News – June 2025 https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-news-june-2025/ https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-news-june-2025/#respond Fri, 20 Jun 2025 01:57:06 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=38540 With our next Stop Domestic and Family Violence Campaign about to launch, Nationals Dates announced and our upcoming Okinawa Experience less than 2 months away, we wanted to share some important dates and announcements with you.

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With our next Stop Domestic and Family Violence Campaign about to launch, Nationals Dates announced and our upcoming Okinawa Experience less than 2 months away, we wanted to share some important dates and announcements with you.

 

STOP DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN

GKR Karate is proud to announce that we will once again be raising funds in support of our chosen domestic violence charities this year.

As a community over the past 12 months, GKR has raised more than $80,000 for RizeUp Australia, almost $21,000 for Shine NZ and around £8,000 for Refuge in the UK to assist with the vital work these charities do on a regular basis.

This year, students and families will have the opportunity to purchase special GKR ‘Stop Domestic and Family Violence’ merchandise with the profits from the sale of the items being donated directly to our chosen charities. All items will be available as pre-order only – keep an eye out for more information via email and on our socials.
For more information on our Stop Domestic and Family Violence campaign, click here.

 

NATIONAL TITLES DATES

We are excited to announce the following dates and venues for the GKR Karate National Champs 2025. Keep training hard and you could be the 2025 National Champion – entries open online soon.

NEW ZEALAND: Sunday 19th October 2025
Cowles Stadium – 170 Pages Road, Aranui, Christchurch 8062
8:30am

AUSTRALIA: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Westgate Indoor Sports – 61 Dohertys Road, Altona North VIC 3025
8.30am

UNITED KINGDOM: Saturday, 29th November 2025
Ponds Forge, International Sports Centre – Sheaf St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2BP
7:00am

 

OKINAWA 2025 EXPERIENCE

Get ready for a Karate experience like no other. We have a record number of people signed up for the GKR Okinawa 2025 Experience.

Taking place from August 18th – 22nd, we have 3 full days of specialist karate seminars to be conducted by some of the best Karate Masters in Okinawa. Aside from this, there are organized day trips and an afterparty planned for the non-training days. The great news is, it’s not too late to join the fun!

Click here to find out more, or our online store to purchase seminar training passes and Okinawa 2025 merch.

 

NEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – AUSTRALIA

GKR Karate is introducing a new sponsorship program that has the potential to create significant advertising opportunities for small or large businesses in their local area and beyond.
People’s willingness to do business with others who share a common affiliation is well known, and our new sponsorship programs give those within our club the opportunity to access potential customers from our vast and like-minded membership network.
With Regional, State and National packages available, please contact Mark McConnell mmcconnell@gkrkarate.com or speak directly with your Branch Instructor about how your business could benefit from our sponsorship options.

 

GKR STORIES

As we look forward to sharing more of our GKR Stories with you this year, we’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this initiative so far. We are really enjoying being able to share some amazing stories, which, if you haven’t already seen can be found here.
If you have a personal story of inspiration, transformation, or courage, about how joining GKR Karate has positively impacted your life, we’d love to hear from you. Tell your story here.

 

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

On Thursday the 15th May at our National Leadership conference, we conducted a special 5 hour karate seminar for our most senior instructors. With more than 40 of these key people in attendance, we are proud to announce the progression of several longstanding instructors to special grade levels.

In amongst these gradings were 2 extra special recipients: Jason Knight from Victoria and Kelvin Trembath from Queensland. Both of these exceptional karate-ka graded to 6th Dan Black Belt and were bestowed the title of Renshi Shihan by Kancho.

Our other special grades were awarded to Jacob Horne (5th Dan) and Edde Nio (3rd Dan).
Congratulations to all!

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GKR Stories – Ben Harper https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-stories-ben-harper/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:59:42 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=37751 This week in ‘GKR Stories’, Ben Harper from the UK shares why he started with GKR karate and the positive impact karate has had on all aspects of his life.

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Ben Harper, United Kingdom

This week in ‘GKR Stories’, Ben Harper from the UK shares why he started with GKR karate and the positive impact karate has had on all aspects of his life.

When my children first started training with GKR Karate in October 2020, spectators were not allowed to watch due to the pandemic restrictions. I wanted my children to do an activity where they could improve their fitness, burn off some energy and learn self-defence.

The instructor, Sensei Matt, suggested to me that I also should become a member and train with the kids as, at the time, it was the only way to watch them do a class. I joined and continued to train even after the children stopped.

Over the past four and a half years, I have gone from a semi-active couch potato to a bona fide karate fan who can now run 5kms. I no longer feel sluggish or like I can’t be bothered and get bursts of energy with a ‘can do’ attitude when I need to get things done around the house or at work.

I have Asperger’s Syndrome (essentially a mild case of autism) and karate has given me more confidence in and out of the dojo. Where I would once avoid social interactions with unfamiliar people in the workplace, and try to work things out by myself, I now have the confidence to seek assistance when needed.

Karate has also given me direction in life through uncertain times, new friends, and a great social life, not to mention that it’s got me fighting fit, quite literally! I am working on developing my leadership skills with the help of my Sensei’s and see so many benefits training with this amazing club.

I have recently experienced some stressful times in my personal life which has seen me struggle with my fitness, but through my training with GKR, I now have the knowledge, determination, resilience and perseverance to take positive action.

 

 

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

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GKR Stories – Kaylan Hall https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-stories-kaylan-hall/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:16:03 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=36801 This week in GKR Stories we hear from Kaylan’s Dad - Andy, about the positive impact karate has had on his son.

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Kaylan Hall, United Kingdom

This week in GKR Stories we hear from Kaylan’s Dad – Andy, about the positive impact karate has had on his son.

My son Kaylan started his journey with GKR a year and a half ago. Previously, Kaylan was playing football, however, after being branded a distraction and feeling like he wasn’t good enough, he left and we found somewhere else for him to play. After joining a new team, Kaylan started having panic attacks so we looked for a different activity for him.

We decided that karate could be good for Kaylan’s confidence so started him with GKR, he took to it straight away and hasn’t looked back.

GKR has helped with Kaylan’s confidence, self control and motivation, the change has been amazing, Kaylan is like a new person! He has competed in 4 tournaments bringing home 5 gold medals and most recently a silver in Kumite at the GKR Nationals in the United Kingdom, all of which are a testament to his hard work, dedication and the support from his Sensei’s.

The GKR family is fantastic with their support and inclusiveness. Kaylan now lives and breathes karate, enjoying every step of his journey along the way.

 

 

 

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

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GKR Stories – Taylar Killworth https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-stories-taylar-killworth/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:13:53 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=36720 Taylar Killworth has been training with GKR since she was 7. 20 years later, she still loves the sport she started with her dad and sister.

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Taylar Killworth, United Kingdom

Taylar Killworth has been training with GKR since she was 7.  Twenty years later, she still loves the sport she started with her dad and sister. Read about Taylar’s journey in GKR Stories this week

I started karate at the age of 7 after watching my dad and older sister train for a couple of months with GKR before I joined. I was soon obsessed with karate!

I was a very shy kid growing up, but training and competing in tournaments really helped bring me out of my shell. I love the physical, mental and educational side of karate training and still find it fascinating that every time I train, I learn something new, even after 20 years.

My dad and I still train together and now my 2 young nephews have joined GKR as well. I am also blessed to have my own children, who, over the past couple of years have seen me win various medals and trophies as well as achieving my Yon Dan back in 2021, just 10 months after giving birth to my oldest daughter. More recently, I won the Black Belt Open Kumite at the 2024 UK Nationals, one year after giving birth to my second daughter.

I want to inspire a new generation of young students, in the same way that I was inspired by so many amazing Sensei’s in GKR. As a club, we really are karate really for everyone and I hope that everyone can experience and enjoy it like I have and still continue to do so.

 

 

 

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

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GKR Stories – John Hudson https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-stories-john-hudson/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 04:54:43 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=36599 John Hudson started with GKR, in 2011. He shares his latest achievement and the obstacles he overcame to get to where he is today.

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John Hudson, United Kingdom

John Hudson from the UK started with GKR on a trial membership in 2011. Fourteen years later, John shares with GKR Stories his latest achievement and the obstacles he overcame to get to where he is today.

In early January 2011, someone from GKR knocked on my door as classes were opening close by and they were offering memberships to new students.

As a 45-year-old overweight father of 3, I was hesitant at first but I decided to start on a trial membership. I attended my first class on 18th January 2011 and after just one session, I decided to take out a full membership and my karate journey began in earnest.

Over the next couple of years, I began to lose some excess weight, my fitness improved, and I progressed through the kyu grades, receiving my 5th kyu blue belt in October 2012.

Following a bad dose of flu in November 2012, I had a heart attack on 22nd December that year. The doctors told me it could have been worse, possibly fatal, if I had not been as fit as I was, thanks to my karate training.

Immediately after my heart attack, I wasn’t sure if my karate journey would continue, however 6 weeks later I was back in the dojo, with some restrictions on what I could do and having to wear a heart rate monitor while I trained.

Over the next few years my recovery continued and 2 of my 3 children joined the GKR family. Eventually I attained 1st kyu in April 2017. At about the same time I completed the Sempai Training Program and received my Instructor Accreditation in August 2017.

Initially, I was a Sempai at my local Dojo in Dursley, Gloucestershire, before becoming the lead instructor. I am proud to have been able to continue in that role for more than 7 years. In that time, the dojo has moved to a larger venue, and the number of sessions has increased from 2 to 4 classes a week. I have taken great pleasure in teaching many students across the years and in their own way, they have all contributed to my personal karate journey.

In December 2024, I received my Ni (2nd) Dan, a rank I believed back in 2012, would never be possible for me. I have not been the quickest to attain this rank, but I have always believed what Senior Instructors told me from the very beginning of my karate journey, that the only way to achieve Black Belt was to train regularly, put in my best effort and most importantly, never give up.

 

We want to hear your story

We’re inviting members to reach out to us and share how joining GKR Karate has been instrumental in crafting their personal tales of inspiration, transformation, or courage.

If you wish to share your story or that of a friend or family member, please click here.

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Karate Training During Ramadan https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/karate-training-during-ramadan/ https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/karate-training-during-ramadan/#respond Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:50:43 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=36545 As a member of GKR Karate you have the flexibility to train during the month of Ramadan, these are some tips and assist.

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Karate Training During Ramadan

 

Ramadan, the holy month observed by Muslims worldwide, is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion. While fasting from dawn to sunset is central to this month, engaging in physical activities like karate can complement the spiritual journey of Ramadan. From enhancing discipline to promoting physical fitness and mental well-being, practicing karate during Ramadan can be a rewarding and enriching experience.

1. Enhancing Discipline
Karate is deeply rooted in discipline, requiring practitioners to adhere to strict codes of conduct and rituals. Similarly, fasting during Ramadan fosters self-control, as individuals abstain from food, drink, and other indulgences from sunrise to sunset. Combining the discipline of karate with the self-control practiced during fasting can strengthen an individual’s commitment to personal growth and spiritual development.

2. Maintaining Physical Fitness
Fasting often leads to altered eating habits, which can slow metabolism and affect energy levels. However, maintaining physical fitness during Ramadan is crucial. Regular karate training helps prevent excess fat gain, supports a healthy weight balance, and improves strength, flexibility, and endurance. While training without food or water may seem challenging, adapting the intensity and timing of workouts can make it manageable and beneficial.

3. Stress Relief and Mental Well-being
Karate involves focused movements, controlled breathing, and mindfulness, all of which can alleviate stress and promote mental well-being. During Ramadan, when fasting and spiritual reflection are central, karate serves as a valuable outlet for releasing tension and clearing the mind. The repetition of techniques and the concentration required in training can bring a sense of calmness and balance, enhancing focus, mood, and overall mental health.

4. Community Engagement and Camaraderie
Ramadan is a time for fostering community bonds and supporting one another in spiritual endeavours. Participating in karate classes or training sessions during this month offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, share experiences, and motivate each other towards common goals. The sense of camaraderie built through karate can enhance the spirit of unity and solidarity that Ramadan embodies.

5. Spiritual Growth and Self-Reflection
Karate is not just a physical practice; it also encompasses mental and spiritual aspects. Like Ramadan, which encourages self-analysis and spiritual growth, karate fosters self-awareness, humility, and perseverance. By aligning the values of karate with the principles of Ramadan, practitioners can deepen their understanding of themselves, their strengths, and areas for improvement.

 


Flexibility with GKR Karate

As a member of GKR Karate, you have the flexibility to train as often as you like. You can attend any class that suits your schedule. If evening classes clash with Iftar timings, consider attending Saturday or Sunday morning sessions. Inform your instructor if you need to train for just 30 minutes, take regular breaks, or reduce the intensity of your workout. Always listen to your body and prioritize your well-being.

 

Best Times to Train

Based on my personal experience, here are some ideal training times during the month of Ramadan. Start with one and gradually adapt to a routine that works for you:

  • Before Suhoor (Pre-Dawn) at Home
    Light workouts: stretching, stances, or slow-paced katas.
    Helps kickstart metabolism without exhausting your body before fasting.
  • Before Iftar (Pre-Sunset) at the Dojo
    Light training: kihon drills or medium-paced kata.
    Attend a class if it falls before Iftar, but avoid high-intensity workouts as energy levels are low.
  • After Iftar (Post-Sunset) at Home or Dojo
    Light-to-moderate training: kihon, kata practice, or kumite drills.
    Ideal for digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. Ensure proper hydration and nutrition for performance and recovery.
  • Before Sleep (Late Night)
    Moderate session: kata practice, kihon drills, or a mix of stances and stretching.
    Due to Taraweeh (late-night prayers) & early Suhoor the sleep gets disrupted during this month, so doing regular karate training can improve the quality of sleep.

 

General Tips for Training During Ramadan
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor.
  • Nutrition: Prioritize proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Avoid excessive sugar, fried foods, and caffeine.
  • Sleep: Ensure adequate rest to aid recovery.
  • Listen to Your Body: Reduce intensity if you feel fatigued or unwell.

 

Signs to Watch For

Remember, you train at your own pace. Avoid overtraining or dehydration by choosing the timing and intensity of your workouts wisely. If you experience any of the following during training, inform your instructor and take a break:

  • Dizziness or nausea
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Muscle cramps
  • Difficulty focusing

 


Muslim Athletes Training During Ramadan

Muslim athletes across various sports have demonstrated incredible dedication and resilience by fasting and training—or even competing—during the month of Ramadan. There are many examples such as Mohamed Salah & Sadio Mané, two of the world’s best football players, Hakeem Olajuwon, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Amir Khan, a world champion boxer, Khabib Nurmagomedov, lightweight champion & undefeated in his MMA career. These athletes have all competed and trained during the month of Ramadan. They adjusted their training schedules, intensity, and nutrition to align with fasting. Their stories inspire millions and show that with proper planning, discipline, and faith, it’s possible to excel in sports while observing the spiritual practices of Ramadan.

Training during Ramadan is entirely possible with careful planning and adaptation. By adjusting your training intensity, prioritizing hydration and nutrition, and listening to your body. Remember, Ramadan is a time for balance—both physically and spiritually.

 

Asmat Nadiry, Regional Manager – Region 38 United Kingdom

To read Asmat’s personal story – A Journey of Discipline, Faith, and Community
Click Here

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GKR News – January 2025 https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-news-january-2025/ https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-news-january-2025/#respond Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:41:01 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=35977 Welcome to 2025! We trust that you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and that you are back and training hard!

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We trust you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year period and are ready to make 2025 your best year yet, both in and out of the dojo.
We are certainly excited for what 2025 holds.

 

STOP DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE – PURPLE BELT CAMPAIGN – FEBRUARY 2025

After an extremely successful first Purple Belt Campaign, we reopened purple belt orders in October last year so that more people could get involved and raise further funds for our chosen charities. We want to sincerely thank so many of our GKR members and their families for supporting our Stop Domestic and Family Violence Campaign. Read more about campaign and chosen charities HERE.
Anyone who ordered in October will be receiving their purple belts by post in the next couple of weeks. Our next Stop Domestic and Family Violence Purple Belt awareness month is this February, so grab your purple belts and wear them to class for the month of February!

 

KICKSTART YOUR YEAR WITH PURPOSEFUL GOALS

With many events planned for 2025, there’s plenty to help keep your karate journey mentally stimulating, but nothing makes karate more exciting than seeing your own measurable progress! So, how would you like to develop your karate technique in 2025?
The fastest way to progress is to set out a clear plan of what you want. If you haven’t already set some goals for yourself for the year, now is as good a time as any to do so. Goals help us stay on track when our motivation wanes or we encounter obstacles on our path. Kyoshi Anthony Ryan has written a great article on goals and their benefits which you can read by clicking HERE.

 

GKR KARATE ON TEAM APP

If you haven’t done so already, make sure you download your Region’s Stack Team App. With a simple check of your smart phone, you are able to keep up to date with all of the upcoming events in your area.

  1. Download Team App from the Apple or Google Play store
  2. Register & sign up to Team App (You’ll be sent an email to confirm your registration)
  3. Log into the App and Search for your Region – EG: “GKR Karate Australia Region 1″ (If you are unsure of your region number, please ask your Instructor for these details)
  4. Choose your applicable Dojo Access Group(s)

 

ONLINE ACADEMY

More and more of our student base are joining our Online community with GKR’s very own Online Karate and Fitness Academy. Running many LIVE streaming classes every week allows students to train with some of our best instructors in the comfort of their own home.
There’s also an On-Demand library located in the Online Academy with hundreds of videos geared to all grade levels. Students can click on a belt grade of their choice and choose from classes ranging from Kata, Kumite, Kihon, Fitness, Combat and self-defence. We have also recently added over 100 Pilates classes to the platform ensuring there is something for everyone. Adding the Online Academy to your dojo training is an incredible opportunity to upskill your technique, knowledge and physicality at a time that suits you. Simply CLICK HERE to check it out!

 

2025 OKINAWA EXPERIENCE

In August 2025, we will be making our biennial training expedition to Okinawa, Japan. This brings students from around the GKR World together to explore and train in the birthplace of karate.
We will be training at Okinawa’s prestigious Karate Kaikan dojo in Naha and will have three solid days of training, taking place on Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st August 2025. Not only will many of GKR’s senior instructors be in attendance, but we will also have the opportunity to train with some of Okinawa’s most esteemed karate masters.
There will also be some day trips organised and a closing party to finish up what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Head to the 2025 GKR Okinawa Facebook page to stay up to date with all the latest news.

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GKR News – December 2024 https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-news-december-2024/ https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-news-december-2024/#respond Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:42:05 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=35728 Capping off a fantastic 40th year of GKR Karate, the last few months saw us open a second round of Purple Belt orders, celebrate State and National Champions and some very special gradings. You can read all the latest GKR News here.

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It’s been a big year for GKR Karate and we’d like to thank everyone who continues to make the club what it is today, students, families, instructors and management…everyone plays an integral role in the success of our amazing club.

The year started off strong and the last few months of 2024 has been no different with plenty of events, milestones and cause for celebration.

 

Stop Domestic and Family Violence Campaign

After a very successful Stop Domestic and Family Violence Campaign, we re-opened purple belt orders for the month of October in preparation for our second awareness month in February 2025. Thanks to everyone’s support we were able to donate $72,040 to RizeUp, $19,490 to Shine and £6,242 to Refuge. All Purple Belt orders placed in October will be mailed out mid-January 2025 in time for the next awareness month in February 2025.

 

National and State Champs

New Zealand and the United Kingdom recently held their National Championships with Australian State Championships also being held last month. It was a great way to wrap up what has been a big year on the tournament circuit. Congratulations to everyone who competed and thank you to the officials who ensured the tournaments ran smoothly. Now is a great time to speak with your instructor and start setting goals for 2025 and beyond!

 

Black Belt Camps

Black Belt Camps have wrapped up for the year with many higher grades enjoying a weekend of specialised karate training with GKR’s top instructors. These weekends are a valuable addition to regular weekly training and provide higher grades the opportunity to train with people they might not get the chance to otherwise. Keep an eye out next year for a Black Belt Camp near you.

 

Major Achievements

This year, GKR had the honour of assessing and progressing four longstanding and dedicated instructors to very special grade levels. Most recently, Bob McCracken from the United Kingdom and Mark Case from Australia were both graded to their 6th Dan and bestowed the title of Renshi Shihan by Kancho. They join Brett Vanderwiel and David Gugich, who were recognised in our September newsletter, as grading to 6th Dan and Renshi Shihan too. A very big congratulations to all of our Renshi’s on their outstanding achievement.

We also had a number of students grade to 4th Dan and 5th Dan during our end of year black belt grading. Click here to see GKR’s most recent Yondan’s and Godan’s. Congratulations to everyone on their new rank!

 

Christmas Message

By now, you will have received a Christmas email from Kancho- if you haven’t read this, please take the time to do so as it contains some noteworthy information. If you haven’t seen this email in your inbox, please check your spam folder or click here to read online. Best wishes to our GKR family for a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

 

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Thank You from Kancho 2024 https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/kancho-message-2024/ https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/kancho-message-2024/#comments Mon, 02 Dec 2024 01:01:07 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=35477 Dear Students, Parents and Caregivers, 2024 has certainly been a big year for GKR Karate with some remarkable milestones achieved and plenty to celebrate. For starters, this year represented our club’s 40th anniversary! We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings in 1984 and I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to […]

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Dear Students, Parents and Caregivers,

2024 has certainly been a big year for GKR Karate with some remarkable milestones achieved and plenty to celebrate. For starters, this year represented our club’s 40th anniversary! We’ve come a long way since our humble beginnings in 1984 and I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to the club’s success and growth over these years.

 

World Cup 2024

Aside from our 40th Anniversary, we also hosted our biggest ever World Cup in Sydney. It was amazing to watch more than 1400 students competing in the true spirit of karate-do over the 3-day event, and with 4000+ spectators in full voice over the weekend, the atmosphere was truly electric.

 

GKR Stories

The launch of our ‘GKR Stories’ platform has provided the opportunity for us to share some inspiring stories from within our karate community. From overcoming adversity, achieving personal goals, having the courage to leave unsafe situations and more, we are appreciative of everyone who has already shared their story and look forward to sharing more GKR Stories in 2025. You can view our GKR stories by clicking here.

 

Stop Domestic and Family Violence Campaign

This year also saw us initiate a partnership with 3 charities and debut our ‘Stop Domestic and Family Violence – Purple Belt Campaign’ raising much needed funds and awareness for an issue that affects countless Australians. The support received for this campaign has helped us donate more than:
$72,000 to RizeUp Australia
$19,000 to Shine New Zealand
£6,000 to Refuge United Kingdom
On behalf of everyone involved, I would like to thank you for your support. You can read about our Purple Belt Campaign and associated charities by clicking here.

 

Online Academy

If you haven’t already activated your 1-month free trial for the Online Academy, now is the time to do so. With a comprehensive library of tailored Karate and Pilates classes the Online Academy is the perfect supplement to your training – especially if you are going away and not able to attend classes in-person over the holiday period. Click here to start your one month free access (unless you’ve done so already).

 

December/January Class Timetables

Whilst our last regular public classes for 2024 will be on Friday 20th December, it is likely that we will still be running a reduced class timetable in your area over the Christmas/New Year period. Please speak with your Branch Instructor in December about this reduced class timetable. If you’re not going away over this period, we encourage you to keep up your karate routine during this time to maintain the training momentum you have built. Our regular public class timetables will resume in 2025 from Monday 6th January.

 

Training Fees

Your direct debit training fee rates are based on an annual fee divided by 52 equal weekly payments (or 26 or 12 depending on your payment frequency). As the formal Christmas break period forms part of this 52 week calculation, please note that your normal payments will continue during this time. Again, we encourage students to not only take advantage of our reduced Christmas/New Year timetable, but to also attend as many extra classes as they can during the January school holiday period.

 

THANK YOU!

I’d like to express my gratitude to all the students who have maintained a consistent approach to their karate training throughout 2024, as well as thank our dedicated branch and senior instructors. The incredible work they do each week is essential to making our wide range of locations and training days possible across the country. Their commitment to delivering high-quality classes this year has, as always, been exceptional.

 

Merry Christmas

On behalf of the entire senior instructor group, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year!

 

Best wishes,

Kancho Robert Sullivan
Founder & Chief Instructor

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Stop Domestic & Family Violence Campaign Results https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/sdfv-results/ https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/sdfv-results/#comments Thu, 07 Nov 2024 22:21:10 +0000 https://www.gkrkarate.com/?p=35119 Our October 2024 Purple Belt Month saw GKR students wear special purple belts to class in support of our Stop Domestic and Family Violence Campaign. With special seminars and events taking place in Dojo’s across the country, the GKR Community came together in aid of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and our charity partners […]

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Our October 2024 Purple Belt Month saw GKR students wear special purple belts to class in support of our Stop Domestic and Family Violence Campaign. With special seminars and events taking place in Dojo’s across the country, the GKR Community came together in aid of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and our charity partners ‘RizeUp’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Refuge’.

 


RizeUp Australia – $72,040.67 raised!

RizeUp is a community-driven organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by domestic and family violence, working in the space of transformative recovery. They have created various networks and programs to connect victim-survivors to specialist services which includes access to therapeutic counselling, support programs for traumatised children, and logistical assistance for those fleeing a violent household. Their flagship program furnishes homes for victim-survivors and their families and helps them re-build their lives after escaping a violent environment.

Click Here to donate directly to RizeUp

Shine New Zealand – $19,490.66 raised!

Shine is a leading specialist family violence service provider in New Zealand dedicated to supporting those affected by domestic and family violence. Each year, they help thousands of adults and children who experience abuse to become safer through frontline services and programmes. Shine works hard to address all aspects of domestic and family violence issues, from safety and recovery to providing meaningful support and assistance to everyone.

Click Here to donate directly to Shine

Refuge United Kingdom – £6,242.50 raised!

Refuge is a registered charity and the country’s largest single provider of specialist support services for those who have experienced gender-based violence (domestic abuse, sexual violence, forced marriage, ‘honour’-based violence, stalking, trafficking, exploitation, female genital mutilation and modern slavery). Refuge supports thousands of women and their children every day, in our emergency accommodation, our community services, and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which Refuge runs, and which is the gateway to support services across the country.

Click Here to donate directly to refuge


 

Thank you for your support in raising valuable funds and awareness with our Stop Domestic and Family Violence – Purple Belt Campaign. The funds we raised with our first round of belt orders will go a long way to helping those in need.

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