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EGKA History and Ethos

The English Goju-Ryu Karate Do Association was formed in 1973 under the guidance of Sensei James Rousseau. At that time it was called the BGKA (the "B" stood for British as Scotland was also included). The founder dojos of the BGKA were Liverpool, Portsmouth, London and Fife. We have expanded across England since that time and a list of the current EGKA dojos can be viewed by clicking here.

A karate association and its associated individual dojos are defined by the standards of excellence set by its senior instructors. At a recent IOGKF Goju-Ryu karate gasshuku held in Okinawa, most of the front row during the line-up consisted of high ranking English black belts that resulted in many Chief Instructors of other countries taking their place on the second row. This is a reflection of the high standard of technical expertise and experience we have to draw upon here in England. It is through the dedication and hard work of all of its senior members that the EGKA remains the largest member country of the IOGKF.

The current EGKA Chief Instructor is Sensei Ernie Molyneux who, in conjunction with his senior instructors, runs many EGKA sponsored courses and seminars across England. Sensei Ernie´s international reputation often takes him abroad and his teaching skills are in demand from military special forces units around the world.

The primary objective of the EGKA is to teach and preserve the unarmed combat system of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate. The consequences of not preserving the traditional teaching methods can be seen by the explosion of so many divergent styles of karate in the last few decades. Although their continuing popularity confirms they must serve a worthy purpose, it is sometimes hard to recognise an effective fighting system contained within their teachings methods. The importance of the EGKA´s contribution to preserving Goju-Ryu karate as a highly effective self-defence fighting system should never be underestimated, nor forgotten.

All EGKA dojo are run by licensed instructors who are properly insured, police vetted and required to undergo continuous training themselves in order to maintain the high standards expected by the association.

Adults considering taking up karate will be assured that the training they will receive at any EGKA dojo will be both enjoyable and demanding at both the physical and intellectual level. Goju-Ryu karate exponents of all levels regular do well at open martial art competitions around the world, which demonstrates the relevance and effectiveness of the Goju-Ryu combat style the EGKA teach. You will meet many people who have practised Goju-Ryu for decades and as a result will have formed friendships that last a lifetime with other practitioners all around the world.

Parents can be confident that if their children join an EGKA dojo, they will be taught Goju-Ryu karate in a way that promotes physical strength, stamina, and coordination as well as self-discipline and respect for others. The EGKA run regular seminars to educate its instructors on the best way to train children. To engage young children and retain their interest is a skill that has to be learnt and developed. The EGKA also adheres to responsible physical training programmes appropriate for young and developing children. A young child simply does not have the same musculature and bone development as an adult, and our training programmes recognise these factors.

For a full list of the EGKA approved Dojos in England, please click here.