Honouring Tradition, Building the Future in Canberra
Goshukan Karate Academy celebrates the grand opening of its full-time dojo in Phillip, ACT
We are proud to announce the official opening of our full-time dojo in Phillip, ACT — a purpose-built home for traditional Gojuryu Karate and a new hub for personal growth, discipline, and community spirit here in Canberra.
To mark this special occasion, we were honoured to welcome Shihan Stacey Karetsian, 7th Dan Seiwakai and JKF Gojukai — Chief Instructor of Goshukan Karate Academy, Australia, who led an inspiring seminar and officially opened the dojo. His presence brought an incredible energy and sense of tradition to the day, helping to set the tone for what this dojo will represent for generations to come.
We were also privileged to have Shihan Glenn Stephenson in attendance, along with a couple of Goshukan black belts from Tasmania and New South Wales who travelled to Canberra to show their support. Their presence meant a great deal to our local students and helped reinforce the unity and strength of our wider Goshukan family.
Our New Home in Phillip
Located on Dundas Court in Phillip, our new dojo has been carefully designed to support high-quality karate training across all levels and age groups. The facility features a 170-square-metre training floor, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, modern equipment, and shared access to change rooms, lockers, and barre, which we proudly share with our partner school, Bailamor Dance.
This dojo represents a big step forward for us — a space to grow, preserve tradition, and build a stronger community through the values of karate.
A Day to Remember
The seminar with Shihan Stacey offered a deep dive into the mechanics, mindset, and movement that define our style. For many of our Canberra students, it was their first opportunity to train under senior Goshukan leadership, and it was a powerful and inspiring experience.
Adding to the significance of the day, seven of our ACT black belts were proudly presented with their grading certificates, awarded for their recent successful gradings under Goshukan and Seiwakai. This special moment recognised their hard work, commitment, and technical development — and it was made even more meaningful being presented in front of their fellow students and families.
The shared energy in the room — with black belts, beginners, instructors, and guests all present — reminded us that karate is more than just physical movement. It’s a lifelong journey that connects people through shared values, discipline, and mutual respect.
Looking Ahead
With our new dojo now officially open, we’re excited to welcome new students and families from across Canberra. We offer classes for all ages, starting from 4 years old, with training available six days a week. Whether your goal is to build confidence, improve focus, or pursue excellence in martial arts, we’re here to support your journey.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who made this opening possible — from our ACT members and their families to the visiting instructors and students who came to show their support. Thank you especially to Shihan Stacey Karetsian and Shihan Glenn Stephenson for leading and guiding our growth, and to our wider Goshukan Karate family across Australia.
We look forward to many strong, spirit-filled years ahead in our new home.
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