Karate Tournament in Okinawa, Japan

Celebrating the Success of Stacey Karetsian Shihan at the 2024 JKF GojuKai Championships

We are thrilled to share the outstanding achievement of our Chief Instructor, Stacey Karetsian Shihan, who competed in the prestigious 50th JKF GojuKai All Japan Karatedo Championships held in Okinawa, Japan, on the 17th and 18th of August, 2024. This event marked the 50th anniversary of the JKF GojuKai, making it a momentous occasion filled with top-level karate talent from around the world.

This was Stacey Shihan’s first time competing in this renowned event, specifically in the Men's 50+ Kata division. Competing on such a grand stage had been a goal he had long contemplated, and this year, he decided to take the plunge.

With 40 highly skilled competitors in his division, the challenge was formidable. Despite this, Stacey Shihan set a goal to reach the final 8—a goal that many would consider ambitious given the competition's caliber.

In the first round, Stacey Shihan delivered a powerful performance, placing equal 1st in his ring of 20 competitors. Notably, he was the first to perform, setting the bar high for those who followed. This achievement was even more remarkable as he, along with his long-time friend and colleague Rod Martin Shihan from Brisbane, were the only two international competitors to advance to the final 8.

The finals took place the following day, where once again, Stacey Shihan led the group as the first to perform. After another strong showing, he was thrilled to secure 3rd place, a truly inspiring result that reflects his dedication, skill, and years of hard work in the art of Goju Ryu Karate.

Stacey Karetsian Shihan secures 3rd place at the 50th JKF Gojukai All Japan Karatedo Championships

Stacey Shihan expressed his deep gratitude to the Seiwakai family and his Sensei, Fujiwara Hanshi, Chief Instructor and President of Seiwakai Goju Ryu. The support and encouragement from senior instructors and leaders around the world have been instrumental in his journey.

Stacey Karetsian Shihan and Sensei Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi at the 50th JKF Gojukai All Japan Karatedo Championships — Stacey Shihan and Sensei Fujiwara Hanshi at the 50th JKF Gojukai All Japan Karatedo Championships

We at Goshukan Karate Academy ACT are incredibly proud of Stacey Shihan’s achievement. His success is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration to all of us who are part of this karate community. His commitment to continuous improvement, or Kaizen, serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance.

Please join us in congratulating Stacey Shihan on this remarkable accomplishment! As he often reminds us, the journey in karate never truly ends, and we are excited to see where his journey will take him next.

Blog Home Ask a question

Student and Parent Testimonials

What our members say about us.

    
 
 
       Sensei Ben and Justin were great with the kids. They were firm but not too harsh and were able to keep the kids in line. The kids still had a great time learning. Thanks Sensei Ben!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Tian Shiu 
 31 July 2024
 
 
 
      The club is led by Sensei Ben, a great karate practitioner, a very knowledgeable and experienced instructor with strong passion for karate and teaching karate.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Tri Nguyen 
 30 July 2024
 
 
 
      Sensei Ben is an incredible teacher, always providing guidance and encouragement to his students. My son has been going to his classes for the last one year and loves it! The atmosphere in the classes is friendly and inclusive. With a number of classes to choose from, sessions by the lake in summer and clear progression through the different levels, karate with Sensei Ben is teaching my son the value of discipline and the importance of showing up. Highly recommend this!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Padmapriya Muralidharan 
 30 July 2024
 
 
 
      Every since my granddaughter  started Karate at Goshukan Academy her confidence has become more positive she loves  getting up on Saturday  getting ready for more learning  her inspiration is so much better now thank you for teaching her how to become a better person
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Linda Seal 
 30 July 2024
 
 
 
      It's been a great karate journey for my kids, learning discipline, self-defence, or what's left and what's right, and building confidence and fitness. All important life skills for kids. It's a great environment to start karate. Highly recommended.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Eric Li 
 30 July 2024
 
 
 
      I have been practicing Karate with my son at this dojo for over a year and have enjoyed every single bit of it.  Sensei Ben and Justin have been always good at what they are doing and are very helpful teachers. The content of classes is designed well and the class is well paced. The assistant teachers are attentive and nice. I reckon the mix classes on Monday and Friday nights are the best for families!  I find it a good opportunity to get exercise myself and a chance to show commitment and hard work to my child instead of talking about it. Happy to recommend this place to any family.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Jing Zhu 
 30 July 2024
 
 
 
      Ben Brillante and his team are great teachers and very supportive.  It is a very friendly dojo where all students and black belts know each other.  Coffee after training on a Saturday morning is always a great chat!  People of all ages from small kids up are welcome.  Everything you learn is always explained about how it can be applied in a practical way for self defence.  I am one of the oldest students and have only been training for about 6 months.  I am feeling far fitter and more flexible and would highly recommend Goshukan Karate Academy!!!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Mark Williamson 
 30 July 2024
 
 
 
      I have trained with Sensei Ben on multiple occasions, and each time he has shown to be a proficient practitioner and competent instructor. I encourage anyone in the area to consider his dojo. Context: I am not a student, but another martial arts school owner.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Reece Cummings 
 5 March 2024
 
 
 
      Exceptional Karate Dojo Transforming Lives! We've been part of Goshukan Karate Academy for nearly a year now, and the positive impact it has had on my daughter's life is truly remarkable. Sensei Ben is not just an expert in karate but also an outstanding mentor who exudes professionalism in every aspect. Under his guidance, my daughter has not only honed her physical strength and self-defence skills but has also experienced a significant boost in confidence. The supportive and nurturing environment of the dojo has played a pivotal role in shaping her personality positively and it stands out as the only after-school activity that has made such a profound difference for us (and we've tried many!). Our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for creating a space where personal growth is not just encouraged but celebrated. This dojo truly deserves its spot among the best, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a transformative and enriching martial arts journey.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Jenny Shaviv 
 13 January 2024
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 26 reviews

JKF GojuKai 2024

A momentous occasion with Stacey Shihan and Rod Shihan at the Okinawa Prefectural Budokan, Japan

Karate Tournament in Okinawa, Japan

Celebrating the Success of Stacey Karetsian Shihan at the 2024 JKF GojuKai Championships

Student and Parent Testimonials

What our members say about us.