Marg Jarvis, Australia

Marg Jarvis started with GKR at 64 years of age, 17 years and countless accomplishments later, Marg shares her story in this week’s GKR Stories here.

I started karate with GKR in 2008 without any prior martial arts experience. I had been living on 10 acres of bush with my husband doing a lot of manual labour, and when we moved into town all of the exercise stopped.

I’m not one for going to the gym, and one day there was a knock on the door. It was Sensei Naomi asking if anybody would be interested in learning karate. I thought learning self defence might be a good idea and it might give me some exercise at the same time. So that’s how I joined GKR Karate at the age of 64.

I have gained so many benefits from doing karate, physical strength being one. Although I have lost quite a bit of my strength in the last couple of years due to health problems, my strength gained through karate has allowed me to do many tasks I would not have previously been able to do.

I had a doctor say to me once, “Oh my goodness, they’re not the arms of a 70 year-old woman” – well, that’s karate for you.

Aside from the physical side of things, the mental stimulation and friendships have also been beneficial for me.

My first instructor Cindy introduced me to the State Team. A couple of us started going on a Sunday afternoon and kept it up for many years, and I always worked hard doing all of the activities. These days, I do push ups against the wall because I have so much trouble with my neck and legs. Cindy and I still catch up as she lives close by.

When I moved to Geelong two years ago, one of the things that made it easier was the fact that I was moving close to friends from my days of training in the State Team. I have stayed in touch with instructors from Ballarat too and still count them as very close friends.

There are many highlights from my journey. I won gold at a World Cup as an orange belt, participated in the Guiness Book or Records board breaking, and getting my black belt at age 74 and Shodan at 78 were all exciting. Another highlight was a young lad at class who struggled with joining in. I worked with him a lot, and when I left Ballarat to come to Geelong he gave me a lovely card and a keyring that he chose and bought himself. It just said ‘grateful’ – that makes me cry even now just thinking about it.

I am not sure how much longer I will be able to keep up with classes as I have arthritis in my back that is pressing on nerves. I want to continue, not just for the exercise or the challenge but for the friendships, and to continue helping in the kids’ classes.

I’m nearly 82, so physically I can’t do what everyone else is doing all the time, yet they are all so understanding and accommodating. There’s been occasions over the years where I’ve attended class sitting on a chair doing punches.

My advice for others is to give it a go. Success doesn’t necessarily mean winning medals, I’m very proud of my medals, but that’s not what it’s about, and it’s not all about getting the next belt. Karate is about your personal development and your own sense of achievement.

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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Callum Baker, United Kingdom

This week in GKR Stories, we hear how starting karate has been life changing for Callum Baker……from having difficulties with focus to now having aspirations to be an instructor, Callum’s Mum Anne, shares his journey so far.

My son Callum has autism, ADHD and a few other conditions. He has been homeschooled for just over four years due to social anxiety and difficulties with sensory input. He is very active and was having difficulty with his focus which made me quite nervous when I called GKR to organise classes for him.

The Sensei I spoke with was incredible and extremely supportive. During Callum’s trial class, the Sensei was equally amazing—patient and encouraging every step of the way.

Callum has made great progress with his karate thanks to the continuous support of his Sensei and was invited to senior class due to his continued effort and skill level. I remember crying with happiness when they called me over to invite him. Everyone has so much faith in Callum and he has always felt accepted by his peers and instructors at class.

Callum loves karate, especially the katas. In his spare time, he practices Kata and the improvement we have seen in his focus has been tremendous.This new found focus and confidence has extended past the dojo and into other aspects of Callum’s life.

Without the support and dedication of the instructors at GKR I don’t know where I or Callum would be. Callum has been training for three and a half years and is now a brown belt who hopes to follow in the footsteps of his Sensei and become an instructor one day. GKR Karate is a shining example of how people with disabilities who have the right support can achieve anything.

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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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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Helen Naughtin, Australia

Helen Naughtin from Queensland shares through ‘GKR Stories’ how a poster in a Fish and Chip shop changed the direction of her life and gave her the courage and resilience to fight for her life.

Eleven years ago, I was working as a night shift Nurse stuck in the work-home rut, I felt the need to learn self-defence.

I started searching for a self-defence class nearby and there happened to be a poster on the window of the local fish and chip shop next to a poster for dance. I called them both and the guy from Karate called me back first so after a quick conversation with him I decided to join.

I did 2 classes then didn’t train again for the next 6 months.

When I returned, I started training 1 class a week, then 2 and then 3, it wasn’t long before I was training 6 days a week.

I started competing in tournaments, joined the QLD State team and went to the UK in 2015 for the World Cup and started working for the club 18 months later.

Karate training and the people I have met through it has taken me on the most incredible journey of my life. It’s been a journey of ups and downs, with the biggest benefits being the relationships and personal growth which have both been phenomenal.

Before I started karate, I was very insecure and timid. My training has made me bold, confident, driven, and self-aware. It’s given me the courage and resilience to handle the fight of my life, the fight against breast cancer. With the help of the wonderful staff at Gold Coast University and Robina Hospitals and ICON Radiology, I am proud to say that I kicked breast cancer to the curb!

For anyone who is in the same boat and not sure, just do it. The journey will make you, not break you and there is always the support there that you need, so go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The best part is: It will change your life!

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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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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Robert-Dimitrie Chiurlea, United Kingdom

This week GKR Stories hears from Robert-Dimitrie Chiurlea who returned to karate after serious life changing surgeries in 2023 and hasn’t looked back.

In 2016, I had a kidney transplant and then six years later in 2022, I underwent heart surgery. Over time, and as a consequence of these two major surgeries, I started to gain weight and continued to experience health problems so in 2023, I made the decision to do something about it.

I had previously trained and achieved my black belt in Shotokan-Fudokan karate approximately 25 years ago and enjoyed it, so I started looking for a martial arts club close to my home. One day whilst shopping I noticed an information stand for GKR Karate, and I stopped to share my story with the Sensei there. He was very open and helpful with my queries, so I enquired about joining. I officially started in May 2023, and now train at my local dojo for between 10 to 20 hours every week.

From May to September, I was in the dojo nearly every day, and my Sensei gave me plenty of encouragement and the courage to aim high. He told me I will be a medallist one day, I will have my health back and I will live a normal life.

In September 2023 at my first GKR Karate national competition, I won my first four medals, 2 gold and 2 silver. From September till June 2024 I have won 8 medals in total from competitions in the UK. In August last year, I travelled to Australia to compete in the World Cup and also competed in the UK Nationals later in the year.

Before I started training with GKR Karate, I was taking twenty-one different medications every day. Since that time, my health has improved to the point where I have so far been able to reduce this by one-third. I can run 1/2 mile now without stopping whereas before I couldn’t walk 20 metres.

Training with GKR has helped to improve the quality of my life in more ways than one and helped me rediscover a health and vitality I thought may never return after my surgeries.

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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Kalofonos Family, Australia

In ‘GKR Stories’ this week, we hear from the Kalofonos family who started karate as a family activity and to help their daughter who has cerebral palsy. Mum, Linda, speaks of the benefits the whole family enjoys.

Our family started Karate in April 2022, myself (Linda), my husband Nick and our two children Alexis and Tyler.

We are an extremely busy family and wanted to do an activity together where we could have fun and get fit. We also wanted to work on balance and strength for our daughter Alexis, who has Cerebral Palsy and is completely tight on her right side. 

We chose GKR Karate as it is a place where all ages, abilities and fitness levels are welcome, and we can all train together in the family classes.

The more classes we did, the more we fell in love with the art, and even decided to start competing in tournaments.

The difference that karate has made for all of us has been amazing. We are proud of both children and how much they have achieved since starting karate.

Tyler has learnt so much, and it’s not just the physical side; it’s been great for his focus and concentration – even just being able to sit for longer periods of time.

His skill, motivation and focus are beyond inspiring. He has placed first or second at almost every tournament he has entered and is not slowing down.  He held the State Title for two years consecutively for 6/7-year-old 6th-4th Kyu division and competed in the 2024 World Cup.

Alexis has come such a long way since she started karate too.  Physically, her strength and coordination have improved, she is now able to balance on her right-side to kick and has competed in multiple tournaments. 

It is hard for Alexis when she is the only competitor with a physical disability, however, she doesn’t back down and has never let her disability stop her from competing against both boys and girls that are much bigger and higher belts than her. Her effort and determination are nothing short of phenomenal. She has won multiple 2nd place medals; however, nothing was more amazing than when Alexis won gold and became the 2023 State Champion in the 8/9 year old 6th-4th Kyu division and she also competed in the 2024 World Cup.

Karate is so important to us for many different reasons. We are loving our GKR Karate journey and are grateful to the wonderful instructors and students for making GKR feel like our family.

Watch the Kalofonos family tell their story in the video below…

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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Asmat Nadiry, Regional Manager – Region 38 United Kingdom

For the past 14 years, my life has been deeply intertwined with the art of karate and the values it embodies. As a dedicated member of GKR Karate, I have not only grown as a martial artist but also as an individual, learning the importance of discipline, resilience, and community. My journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of my instructors, the inclusivity of the GKR family, and the unique challenges and rewards of training and teaching during the holy month of Ramadan.

When I first stepped into a GKR dojo, I was welcomed into a community that valued respect, perseverance, and personal growth. Over the years, I progressed from a student to an instructor, a journey that has been both humbling and empowering. The instructors who guided me were more than teachers—they were mentors who understood my goals, celebrated my achievements, and supported me through challenges. Their encouragement and belief in my potential gave me the confidence to push my limits and strive for excellence.

One of the most defining aspects of my journey has been balancing my karate training with the spiritual practices of Ramadan. Fasting from dawn to sunset during this holy month requires immense physical and mental discipline, but it has also deepened my connection to karate. The self-control and focus I developed through fasting complemented the principles of martial arts, creating a harmonious blend of physical and spiritual growth. Training and teaching during Ramadan became a testament to my commitment to both my faith and my passion for karate.

The support I received from GKR during this time was phenomenal. The instructors and management showed incredible understanding and care, ensuring that I could train and teach at a pace that respected my fasting schedule. Their inclusivity and willingness to accommodate my needs reinforced the sense of belonging I felt within the GKR community. Whether it was adjusting class timings, offering words of encouragement, or simply checking in to see how I was feeling, their kindness made all the difference.

Teaching during Ramadan has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey. Sharing my knowledge with students while observing the spiritual practices of the month has allowed me to inspire others and lead by example. It has also strengthened my belief in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another, regardless of our individual challenges.
Looking back, my 14 years with GKR Karate have been a testament to the transformative power of martial arts. Through the highs and lows, the dojo has been a place of growth, connection, and unwavering support. I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the friendships I’ve built, and the opportunity to be part of a community that values inclusivity, respect, and personal development.
My story is a reminder that with faith, perseverance, and the support of a caring community, we can achieve greatness in all aspects of life.

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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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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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