The G.K.K. Today

The Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai as it exists today is an organization designed to serve its members. This is accomplished in part by sharing the expertise of many talented, dedicated individuals who combine their efforts to provide mutual support and growth. In this organization everyone learns and everyone teaches.

The highest authority in the G.K.K. is Shihan Motoo Yamakura, the author of the series of books and videos entitled “Goju-Ryu Karate-Do, Fundamentals for Traditional Practitioners”. Master Yamakura generally oversees the operation of the organization and provides direction in the art and on the administration of the G.K.K., although most organizational functions are handled by the Assistant Chairman, CEO, Directors, and other officers. Most offices are open to election and officers are selected from the membership. We try to rotate officers to keep the G.K.K. democratic and to help our members grow through experience.

The organization serves its members by providing legitimate Goju-Ryu training and credentials such as rank certification, membership cards, dojo charters, teaching authorization and so on. The organization provides training material both written and taped, and regularly holds seminars and tournaments for its members. By drawing on the collective talents of our membership, we can offer training to complement Goju-Ryu such as weapons and other martial arts such as Judo, Jujitsu, Tai Chi, and Aikido; but our primary intent is the study of traditional Goju-Ryu Karate-Do.

This organization has been in existence since 1959. We have had more than one hundred fifty five active black belt members and more than thirty member dojo. There are and have been G.K.K. clubs on both coasts, from Florida to Minnesota, and throughout the Mid-West as well as in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Germany, India, Israel, Panama and Sri Lanka. Members are encouraged to practice and exchange ideas with other schools, and to get together for seminars and tournaments.

The organization has been rather selective in acceptance of member schools and, as a result, is not as large as it could be. In this manner we manage to maintain a relatively high quality of membership. Most of the members or schools were recommended for membership by existing members, and new applicants are expected to provide evidence of their qualifications and expectations. We can be selective because the G.K.K. is a non-profit organization. In other words, there is no financial motivation for having additional members and we do not solicit new member schools. All organizational time and effort are donated, and each member is expected to do his part. Only expenses for materials and supplies, seminars and special events come from member fees.

As with any organization, we need money to operate, and our philosophy is to balance income against expenses. We endeavor to keep member fees as low as possible and still meet their needs and the organizational expenses. Therefore, the fee schedule varies from time to time. Currently, there is a $15 dollar U.S. membership fee and $15 dollar U.S. annual renewal fee for kyu ranked students, and $25 dollar U.S. fees for dan ranked members. Members receive membership cards and a patch at no charge. Certificates of rank cost $15 dollars U.S. for kyu ranks and $25 dollars U.S. for dan ranks. Instructor Certificates and Dojo Charters are supplied at no charge, as are Newsletters, some training information and other written items. Individual school dues, promotional fees and etc. remain with each school.

The obligations of our members are primarily to themselves, to improve in character development through Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. The obligations of members to the organization are to abide by its constitution, goals and regulations - these items being established by the membership. When applying for membership you agree to follow the rules, and as a member you have a voice in their establishment. Generally, it is the intent of the G.K.K. to make legitimate training available to as many people as possible. This has been accomplished for the most part by operating through educational facilities, churches or community centers, where dues average $25 dollars U.S. per month and we have access to large groups of students who can participate at minimal expense. We encourage whole family participation.

This organization has grown to its present status through the combined efforts of a dedicated group of talented Goju-Ryu practitioners who emphasize the precepts of traditional Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. We welcome all serious practitioners to participate in our organization and to share with each other.

Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai International

The Goju-Ryu Kyokai International is an organization that contains various Martial Arts divisions. These include the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai, the karate division; the Kobudo-Kai, the weapons division; the Jujitsu Division; and the Judo Division.

Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai

The Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai has been in existence since 1959. It one of the oldest and largest Goju-Ryu karate organizations in North America. It has more than thirty active schools and more than one hundred and fifty active dan rank members. The G.K.K. is not-for-profit and operates under the guidance of Shihan Motoo Yamakura, eighth dan Goju-Ryu Karate.

Kobudo-Kai

The Kobudo-Kai is the weapons division and offers training and rank certification in the weapons commonly associated with martial arts. There are certified instructors and examiners in various member schools located the U.S.A. and Canada.

Jujitsu Division

The Jujitsu Division offers training and certification in traditional jujitsu with Goju-Ryu influence. The division has more than forty active dan rank members and more than ten active programs in North America. There are sixteen certified examiners in the division who can instruct and award rank through U.S.M.A. and U.S.J.A. as well as through this organization.

Judo Division

The Judo Division offers training and certification in Kodokan Judo. The division has more than fifteen active dan rank members in three locations in the U.S.A. There are five certified examiners who can award rank through U.S.M.A. or U.S.J.A.

Other Martial Arts

The organization has instructors qualified to teach Tai-Chi, Aikido, Iai-Do, Kendo and other martial arts, but no organized divisions for these. Contact the school in your area or the headquarters for additional information.