Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Karate

🥋 EVERY MARTIAL ARTIST HAS A STORY…

Meet……..Tom Allibone, one of our more senior students. Tom’s dedication, hard work and perseverance proves no matter what age you are, Chito Ryu karate do can have a substantial impact on your life. Tom is a supreme example that it is never too late to start your karate journey

🔥 What first got you started in martial arts?

As a youngster I always had an interest in martial arts, driven by TV programs and sports competitions in which I was just a casual observer. Fast forward many years, and my then 6 year old grandson started Chito-Ryu karate, which triggered my own interest in maintaining my physical and mental health in older age. That was 4 years ago, and today, at 71, I continue to reap the benefits of such a decision.

💭 What was your biggest fear walking into your first class?

Seeing people considerably younger than myself who had already achieved success in their karate journey, and wondering if I would have the 'staying power’ to keep up!

🥋 What’s one moment in training you’ll never forget?

Achieving 3rd place (and the only medal I’ve ever won!) at a karate competition, performing my Kata. But witnessing others in the Dojo achieve their own goals gives me huge satisfaction.

💪 What challenge have you overcome through martial arts?

A lack of belief in my ability to improve physically and mentally.

👊 Who has had the biggest impact on your journey so far?

Without doubt, our Sensei Adam Higgins. Through his training, guidance, devotion and compassion, he has forged a standard within the Dojo that we all strive to emulate. And just happens to be one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met.

🏆 What achievement are you most proud of (big or small)?

Being recognised as someone that can help others in the Dojo along their journey.

🧠 How has martial arts changed you outside the dojo?

Even in latter years, when one is supposed to have their personality traits 'carved in stone', I’ve been astonished at the way in which karate has given me greater confidence in myself, become more tolerant toward others in need, and a greater appreciation, and determination, for the need to remain as healthy as time will allow.

⏳ What keeps you coming back week after week?

Quite aside of the excellent training and devotion displayed by our senior karate leaders, and the successes of our students, our Dojo is very much family based; a strong community of caring people from all walks of life with a predominant interest - karate. It’s become a ’second home’ for myself, a feeling mirrored by the majority of those attending.

🎯 What’s your next goal in your training?

To continue to improve both as a student of karate, and as an ‘elder’ to whom others can approach for help and assistance both in and out of the Dojo.

❤️ What does martial arts mean to you?

Mostly, the opportunity to improve myself, and to help others in their own personal quest.

🎥 What is your favourite martial arts movie?
Enter The Dragon… a golden oldie! But Karate Kid is more ‘watchable’ by today’s standards!

Did you have any experience in martial arts before joining Chito Ryu Karate Do?

I was 25 and still living in the UK when a friend encouraged me to join his Dojo where he was training in Wado-Ryu style karate. However, after 18 months, increased work commitments forced my regrettable departure. It would be a lapse of 40 years before walking into another Dojo but, surprisingly, ‘muscle memory’ from all those years ago played a part in helping with some of the training I would experience in Chito-Ryu.

If it wasn't for Tanaka Sensei I would not have continued past 6 kyu in Chito Ryu Karate. I am forever grateful to have met him.

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One strike. Thousands of hours behind it. Full video coming this week. #karate #martialarts #budo #japan #discipline

Yesterday we had the pleasure of Marc Waterfield Sensei join us for classes at the dojo. It is always fantastic for our members to have exposure to other Sensei from around the world to help increase our understandings of Chito Ryu Karate.

🥋 What if one class could change how your kid handles the whole world?
Confidence. Focus. Respect. Discipline that sticks.

That’s traditional Okinawan Chito-Ryu Karate-Do — and it’s not just for kids.
Kids walk taller, listen better, and learn to stand up for themselves.
Adults find a workout that clears the mind as much as it builds the body.
Both develop skills and a mindset that they can carry throughout their everyday lives.
Karate is about balance in all aspects of life

No egos. No shortcuts. Just centuries -old training that still works.

🌿 Ages 6 to 60+ — everyone starts as a white belt.

👉 Book your free trial class and see what a real dojo feels like.

https://www.gckarate.com.au/free-trial/

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2026 Soke Cup 千唐流とは何か？

🥋Meet Amelie, our young, aspiring Shodan!!!

Amelie is also a part of our leadership program helping our karateka kids and little champions with their training and development 🫡🙏

Q: What first got you started in martial arts?
A: My mother wanted me to learn self-defence.

Q: What was your biggest fear walking into your first class?

A: Stepping into an unfamiliar environment.

Q: What’s one moment in training you’ll never forget?

A: Watching the karate kids improve their techniques dramatically after teaching them.

Q: What challenge have you overcome through martial arts?

A: As someone who used to be very shy, I think martial arts has significantly developed my self-confidence, especially when I got into the leadership program. Stepping into a leadership role pushed me to become a role model children could rely on and look towards.

Q: Who has had the biggest impact on your journey so far?

A: My peers in the dojo have had the biggest impact on my journey, as they continually encourage me to do my best.

Q:What achievement are you most proud of (big or small)?

A: I would say achieving my brown belt.

Q: How has martial arts changed you outside the dojo?

A: I believe martial arts has taught me to persevere through challenging tasks and to work diligently towards my goals, no matter how difficult.

Q: What keeps you coming back week after week?

A: I keep coming back because it helps me take my mind off things while maintaining my fitness. I also find it an excellent way to connect with the community.

Q: What’s your next goal in your training?

A: My next goal is to achieve my brown and black belt.

Q: What does martial arts mean to you?

A: Personally, martial arts is a practice that not only improves your physical health but also your mental health. It conditions your mind to build emotional resilience by learning to handle setbacks and maintain discipline through consistent, hard work.

Q: What is your favourite martial arts movie?

A: The Karate Kid (2010)

Q: Did you have experience in martial arts before joining Chito-Ryu Karate Do?

A: No

Thank you Amelie taking the time to explain a bit about her journey here at Gold Coast Chito Ryu Karate Do.

If you would like to experience traditional karate for yourself or your child we currently have a free, no obligation trial lesson. Schedule your lesson in the link below

https://www.gckarate.com.au/free-trial/

A reminder that there are no classes Monday and Tuesday this week as we recover after the Soke Cup. Normal classes will recommence Wednesday.

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Watch - Chito-Ryu Karate Soke Cup 2026 Live Stream

A reminder that with the Soke Cup on there are no regular classes at the dojo until next Wednesday 19 August.

Please come down to the Soke Cup on Friday and Saturday to support your dojo team mates and meet the Chito-Ryu community.

Come join us on the Gold Coast Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Karate is proud to be the host of the 2026 Soke Cup. We are excited to welcome our Chito-Ryu family from all over the world to explore the beauty of the Gold Coast and participate in the 15th Soke Cup.