Becoming a GKK Member

Hello.  We appreciate your interest in the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai.

The GKK has its headquarters in the United States but is an international organization with members and member schools in many countries.

The usual procedure for obtaining membership in the GKK is through recommendation by an existing member.  In most cases the recommendation comes from the School Leader of a member program.  Therefore, if there is a GKK Member School in your area, the application should be made there.

In countries where the GKK is represented, the National Director of that country should be contacted for membership information if there is no GKK Member School available locally.

In countries where there is no current GKK representation, the GKK CEO should be contacted for membership information at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Contact information is available in the GKK Dojo Directory and on the Contact Us page.

Membership Considerations

When considering an applicant for membership in the GKK, our primary concern is to determine if the organization can meet the applicant’s needs.  To do that, we have to have a clear understanding of those needs.

It is also very important to determine if the candidate is in a position to abide by the rules and regulations of the GKK and participate in its goals.

We strive to avoid having dissatisfied members, so determining that membership would be mutually beneficial is an important consideration.

In cases where the recommendation of an existing member is not available, there will be dialog necessary to establish if the relationship is appropriate.

It is typical to acknowledge existing rank earned from a recognized Goju-Ryu organization.  Copies of rank certificates and references are usually required.

We welcome all serious practitioners to be part of the GKK and share their knowledge and expertise.  It is our intention to assist deserving applicants in the membership process.

Please contact the local GKK School Leader, the GKK National Director in your country, or the CEO of the GKK International for more information.

Contact information is available in the GKK Dojo Directory and on the Contact Us page.