Welcome!

Orange Goju-ryu Karate Dojo

We are officially affiliated with *TOGKF-Honbo Dojo of Higaonna Sensei, 10th Dan, with a direct lineage to Chojun Miyagi Sensei. This ensures we are always constantly learning from international masters to ensure that our karate continues to grow and improve.

(*TOGKF= Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Federation).

Our dojo and members have particularly strong links with Sensei Kazuo Terauchi (9th Dan) and Sensei Joseph Te Iti (7th Dan) in Tokyo, Japan;

Classes are aimed at developing mind and body. Karate develops self discipline, respect, control and, of course, self defence skills. We offer a very family friendly environment at Orange Goju-ryu Karate Dojo. All are welcome no matter your fitness level, age, size or physical limitations!

The content of classes varies, but generally will include warm ups and stretches to prepare the body, fitness and strength related training, basics of movement, stances, blocks, punches and kicks. As students progress they will learn kata (set moves) with applications (bunkai) and Kumite (sparring) skills and self defence moves. Periodically when students are ready there will be grading classes for the next coloured belt. This a chance to show off the newly learned skills and be challenged physically and mentally with (hopefully) the reward of progressing to the next grade, designated by a coloured belt.

Sensei Geoff Tait, Go (5th) Dan Black Belt

The dojo is run by Sensei Geoff.

”I first started my martial arts journey at the age of 8, in judo and trained for a few years. At the age of 17/18years old, I tried IOGKF Goju-ryu karate in Petone, Wellington NZ-under Sensei Kevin Shaw. I also trained and graded under Oceania legend Sensei John Jarvis. I trained in Goju-ryu for 6 years and, after having a few years rest, I went back to karate, but doing another style call Seido karate. I did this style for another 6 years and at this stage I did tournaments, winning kata and kumite (fighting). In 2008 something was missing in my karate, and I decided to return to Goju-ryu.

It was at this time I made my first trip to Japan to train; training with Goju-ryu world renown master Terauchi Sensei 9th dan, for 4 weeks, 2 times per day, and at many times 1 on 1. After spending time in Tokyo , I headed to Okinawa, the home of Karate, for the first time, attending the IOGKF World Budosai to be able to train under Okinawa’s Lion, Sensei HIGOANNA 10th dan.

In 2009 I moved to Australia and in 2012, I got the opportunity to open my own dojo.

I travel to Japan every year and sometimes twice a year to train with some of the top instructors that our style has to offer.

For me, the most important goal of all in teaching Goju-ryu, is to pass on the values that have been passed down to me.

Assistant Instructor

Sensei Colin Dibble, San (3rd) Dan Black belt

I am Zimbabwean/Australian & moved to Australia in 2013 after 13 years in Manchester, UK. Only started this Karate journey at 43 years of age, proving its not important what age you start, just that you do start. I love the physical challenge and the zen you get doing kata, where the rest of the world disappears! I’ve met some amazing people and made lots of friends from all over the world doing karate, as well as travelled to Japan on a couple of occasions -always an amazing experience.

I also enjoy riding road/mountain bikes and playing my Bass. Married, 4 grown up kids (2 of whom are junior Shodans in Goju Ryu) & 1 grandchild.

Emergency physician when not doing all the above, so you can be sure you will be looked after if you hurt yourself when training!

Spring Street Children’s Centre Hall, Orange, NSW 2800