ACADEMY FOR KARATE

The Academy for Karate Goju-Ryu (AKG) mission is to promote the outstanding qualities of Goju Ryu karate to all Karatekas in each level of development and to make available to them all the benefits that practicing a Martial Art brings.

We aim to impart strong traits such as achieving self-discipline, high self-esteem, a positive outlook, a spirit of constant improvement and an attitude that refuses to give up. “To never give up” is an attitude and a way of life.

AKG is committed to the health, happiness, peace and developing abilities of our Karatekas, granting each person the opportunity to get physically in good shape and feel confident to be responsible for their own personal safety and well-being.

Training in karate teaches us not only self-defence but to respect others as well as ourselves. We train our body to be strong and our mind and spirit to be patient, in order to become the best human beings we can be. Karate is a spiritual endeavour, a way to develop a person as an individual. Everything we learn in the dojo, or training hall, should be applied to everyday life. Karate training is not always easy. Often times it can be very difficult and demanding. This is also true of life. If we can overcome obstacles in our training, it enables us to build a strong character too and apply those traits into our everyday lives.

The very essence of karate, the main purpose of training – is all about improving ourselves and excel as human beings, but to achieve this we must always work hard. When we take responsibility to become persons of good character and integrity, we will be doing our part to make the world a better place, which in turn can help to bring harmony to our inner circle and ultimately peace to the world. This was the legacy of past karate teachers, i.e. Master Chojun Myiagi. It is also my personal goal, and the goal of the Academy for Karate Goju Ryu, to teach not only karate techniques, but moreover, to do our best to guide our members in the understanding of what it means to be a true martial artist. A true martial artist constantly strives to be a good human being. 

As human beings, we are all the same, and have the same vulnerabilities. This is human nature. We can overcome many things if we first understand and accept this about ourselves. If we accept the good and the bad about ourselves, it is much easier to accept shortcomings in others and become more tolerant toward other people. 

To be a true martial artist, we ought to accept nature and continually work on perfecting our character. Everyone has the inner power to be good human being and to bring this out in one another. This is the true power of a good martial artist. 

AKG can only maintain its excellence in the teaching of karate through the quality of its instructors. The qualities AKG requires of its instructors relate to their abilities in karate, their teaching skills and their personal attributes as individuals.

As a large national martial arts organisation, AKG is able to ensure that high standards apply throughout its various branches through the application of its Instructor Accreditation Program.

In order to become a AKG accredited instructor, an individual must undertake a three stages program. Firstly we undertake the appropriate police checks to ensure that there is nothing in the background of a potential instructor which would give AKG cause for concern. AKG requires its instructors to be of good character, and such checks are important, particularly when instructors are entrusted with the care of children. Secondly, we require that an instructor successfully undertakes an appropriate level first aid course. Thirdly, an individual is assessed by the Chief Instructor on his or her skills in both technical karate and the ability to teach.

An instructor who completes the program is issued with a certificate to indicate their status as an accredited instructor which is available for public inspection. Their accreditation will continue for so long as AKG is satisfied that the instructor continues to adhere to the high standards required by AKG.

AKG’s insurance provides coverage to all members of the public under the care and control of AKG. This means that in every single venue where AKG is holding a special event, seminar or conducting a class, whether an injury occurs during the time that the event is taking place.

Instructors are required to hold a Professional Indemnity Insurance to cover them for liability and can rely on AKG’s protect them from a claim. Additionally, students are required to hold a licence, which includes a member to member cover. This means that if an injury is caused by a student to another student, this is covered so long as it occurs in the course of the members’ participation in any AKG supervised class or activity.