Shojinkan Goju-Ryu Karate

All-Australia Okinawa Kobudo Titles 2027
March 21, 2027

Open to all Okinawa Kobudo Dojo

In Shojinkan Goju‑Ryu, strength is not treated as a separate pursuit from technique—it is woven directly into the curriculum. Our training methods are designed to develop students who are not only technically capable, but physically resilient, stable under pressure, and confident in their own capacity.One of the conditioning drills we use involves controlled weight‑bearing exercises between partners. In the photos accompanying this post, you’ll see a student maintaining a semi‑squat while another stands on their thighs. This drill is simple in appearance, but it demands focus, structure, breath control, and trust. It strengthens the legs, hips, and core, while teaching students how to stabilise their posture under load—an essential skill in traditional Goju‑Ryu.These exercises also reinforce something deeper: the understanding that strength is cultivated through shared effort. Students learn to support one another, to test themselves safely, and to grow together as a dojo community.Shojinkan’s curriculum has always emphasised this balance—conditioning the body, sharpening the mind, and building character through disciplined practice. Every drill, every stance, every repetition contributes to a stronger, more capable martial artist.

Grateful to have attended AMAC Round 3 today alongside several of my students. It was a rewarding experience, and I am thankful for the effort each of them brought to the tournament.I would like to acknowledge Mia, one of my senior students, who earned 3rd place in both Kata and Freestyle Sparring. Her consistency and dedication continue to inspire those around her.I am also proud of brothers Bill and Michael, who debuted in competition today. They achieved outstanding results, securing 1st and 2nd place in Kata, along with 3rd place in both Points Sparring and Freestyle Sparring. A remarkable effort for their first tournament. My sincere appreciation goes to all these students. Their willingness to learn, improve, and challenge themselves reflects the true purpose behind attending and competing in these events. I am honoured by their trust, their support, and their commitment to walking this journey with me.

Training day for Sensei James at the Okinawa Genbu Ryu Kobudo Organisation

Bill and Michael — two young men in their twenties — recently chose to join me in the dojo. I’m genuinely thankful for their trust. They came looking for a traditional martial arts school where they could build confidence, learn respect, develop fortitude, become fit, and gain the ability to protect themselves. These are qualities that matter deeply in karate, and it’s an honour to help them grow in each of these skills.

Before they started, one of them asked me, “Sensei… am I too old to be doing karate?”
I smiled and replied, “Are you calling me too old?”
The message landed, and so they began their journey with enthusiasm.

To any twenty‑something who feels stuck in a sedentary routine or thinks they’re “too old” to start — look at me, twice your age, still moving forward.
Get off the couch. Invest in your future. Your journey begins the moment you decide to take that first step.

Congratulations to Mia Cattarin on achieving her debut Shojinkan Kobudo grade (9th Kyu) under the Okinawa Genbu Ryu Kobudo Organisation.
This is a wonderful milestone for her, and it also marks a very special moment for our Shojinkan organisation as jun Shibu dojo under the Okinawa Genbu Ryu Kobudo Organisation — the first official Kobudo grade awarded within our club.I am deeply grateful for Mia’s dedication, perseverance, and sincere approach to her training. Her commitment reflects the spirit we hope to cultivate in all our students: humility, discipline, and a genuine love for the art.This achievement is not only a personal success for Mia but also a proud moment for our entire Shojinkan community as we continue to grow the Kobudo arm of our organisation under the Okinawa Genbu Ryu kobudo Organistation .Well done, Mia. We look forward to supporting you on the journey ahead as you continue to develop in both karate and kobudo.

Last night, several of our wonderful Shojinkan students undertook the first grading of the year. It is always inspiring to watch students rise to the challenge and demonstrate the focus, discipline, and spirit required for their respective levels.

I am deeply proud of each participant. Your dedication, perseverance, and willingness to grow continue to strengthen the heart of our dojo.

Well done to all who graded. Keep training with purpose, keep your minds steady, and continue the good work you have begun.

James Ellis

Some of our Shojinkan Goju‑Ryu karate students proudly represented our school today at the AMAC Round 2 Tournament. I am immensely proud of each athlete who stepped onto the mats with heart, courage, and a willingness to learn. Their efforts this year earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places across several divisions, and it was inspiring to see how many of them applied the lessons learned from last year to perform with greater confidence among large and competitive groups.

A heartfelt congratulations to:

- Mia Cattarin — 1st in Freestyle Sparring and 3rd in Point Sparring (13–15 year females)
- August Wallman — 2nd in Freestyle
- Oliver Ryan — 3rd in Freestyle (11–12 year division)
- Vincent Beeston‑Venables — 1st in Freestyle, 2nd in Kata, and 3rd in Points (Under 7s)
- Daniel Cristovao — who has been with me since the very beginning of his martial arts journey.
I am deeply grateful for the way these students represented our dojo — with spirit, humility, and a positive attitude. Each of them stepped forward not only to compete, but to grow, learn, and strengthen their character through the experience.
Here’s to many more opportunities, many more lessons, and many more victories — both on and off the mats.
Thank you also to the AMAC adminstrators and to the esteemed Shojinkan Goju Ryu parents who came along to support their kids.