Training, Growth & Tournament Success
From Omagari to Sendai: Goshukan Karate Academy’s Transformative Journey in Japan
In July 2025, members of Goshukan Karate Academy travelled to Japan for a 13-day journey of dedicated training, personal achievement, and international camaraderie.
Our trip began in Omagari, where we trained for six of eight days under the expert guidance of Seiwakai Goju Ryu President, Seiichi Fujiwara Shihan. Each day consisted of 4.5 hours of training, totalling over 27 hours in physically demanding conditions. With temperatures soaring to 36°C and no air-conditioning in the dojo, these rigorous sessions pushed us to our limits—deepening our understanding of kata, body mechanics, breathing techniques, and posture refinement through precision, repetition, and discipline.
A special moment during our time in Omagari was being officially welcomed by Hiroyuki Oimatsu, Mayor of Daisen City. That evening, we were treated to a breathtaking local fireworks display—an experience that beautifully combined Japanese cultural tradition with heartfelt hospitality.
On our final day of training in Omagari, Ben Thornton, representing our ACT dojo, undertook his Seiwakai Black Belt grading. After months of dedicated preparation and many hours of training and assessment during the trip, Ben successfully passed and earned his Shodan (1st Dan) rank. Congratulations, Ben—an achievement well deserved.
To mark the end of our time in Omagari, we joined fellow karateka for the traditional Sayonara Party—a joyful evening of celebration, reflection, and connection that highlighted the deep sense of community and respect shared among all who train in karate-do.
On 23 July, we travelled to Sendai for the final leg of our journey. There, we participated in two intensive days of training with the JKF Gojukai Technical Committee, alongside karateka from across Japan and around the world. These seminars provided deep insights into advanced kata application, posture, timing, and efficiency of movement, all led by some of the most senior and respected Japanese instructors in JKF Gojukai.
Shihan Stacey Karetsian Makes History in Japan
One of the defining moments of our trip was witnessing an extraordinary achievement by our Chief Instructor, Stacey Karetsian Shihan. His dedication and mastery of karate-do culminated in a historic victory at the 51st JKF Gojukai All Japan Karatedo Championships, showcasing the high level of technical excellence and spirit cultivated within our Goshukan community.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Shihan Karetsian made history by winning 1st Place in the Men’s 50+ Kata Division—becoming the first non-Japanese competitor ever to win this prestigious division. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to his unwavering discipline, lifelong commitment, and world-class skill in Gojuryu karate. His success not only inspires every member of our Australian Goshukan family—it raises the bar for practitioners worldwide.
Omedetou gozaimasu, Shihan! Your pursuit of excellence and embodiment of the Gojuryu spirit continue to inspire us all.
We also extend our congratulations to Roderick Martin Shihan and Richard Harrison, who both placed in the Top 8 of the Men’s 50+ Kata Division, as well as Marie-Angela Pope and Mari Harrison, who earned Top 8 finishes in the Women’s 40+ Kata Division. We are proud to stand alongside such accomplished and passionate karateka.
Bringing New Inspiration Home
As we return to Canberra, we bring home more than sweat and memories—we return with renewed inspiration, a higher standard to strive for, and valuable lessons to pass on to our students. Thank you to everyone who supported us throughout this journey. We look forward to sharing what we’ve learned, both in spirit and in technique, on the dojo floor.
Blog Home Ask a question