Yushukan Karate Lineage
Honoring the Masters Who Shaped Our Path
Goju-Ryu Karate is more than a martial art—it’s a living tradition passed down through generations of dedicated masters. From its roots with Chojun Miyagi, who blended Okinawan and Chinese martial philosophies into the “Hard-Soft Style,” to the modern teachings of Fujiwara Hanshi and the leadership of Sam Seigers Sensei, our lineage is a testament to discipline, integrity, and authentic practice.
At Yushukan Karate, we proudly carry forward the spirit and teachings of this distinguished lineage, guided closely by Australian Kyoshi instructors Glenn Stephenson and Rod Martine - both direct students of Fujiwara Hanshi.
The founder of Goju-Ryu, Miyagi was instrumental in formalizing and promoting the style both in Okinawa and internationally. His teachings emphasized moral character, discipline, and the harmonious balance of hard and soft techniques. (History of Goju-ryu, Goju Ryu: - Miyagi-Do-Karate)
The founder of Goju-Ryu, Miyagi was instrumental in formalizing and promoting the style both in Okinawa and internationally. His teachings emphasized moral character, discipline, and the harmonious balance of hard and soft techniques. (History of Goju-ryu, Goju Ryu: - Miyagi-Do-Karate)
Known as "The Cat" for his agility and prowess, Yamaguchi was a direct student of Miyagi. He played a pivotal role in introducing Goju-Ryu to mainland Japan and founded the International Karate-do Goju Kai Association, expanding the style's reach globally.
Known as "The Cat" for his agility and prowess, Yamaguchi was a direct student of Miyagi. He played a pivotal role in introducing Goju-Ryu to mainland Japan and founded the International Karate-do Goju Kai Association, expanding the style's reach globally.
Shuji Tasaki and Gogen Yamaguchi were a father-son figure pair in Goju Ryu karate. Tasaki was a top student of Yamaguchi, known as "Goshu" by his master. Yamaguchi saw him as his most competent fighter and gave him the nickname "Goshu" (a combination of "Go" meaning hard and "Shu" for Tasaki's name). Tasaki later founded Seiwakai Goju Ryu, a prominent organization within the JKF Goju-Kai, after splitting with Yamaguchi's Gojukai.
Today, Tasaki's legacy continues through Seiwakai, with prominent figures like Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi leading the organization
Shuji Tasaki and Gogen Yamaguchi were a father-son figure pair in Goju Ryu karate. Tasaki was a top student of Yamaguchi, known as "Goshu" by his master. Yamaguchi saw him as his most competent fighter and gave him the nickname "Goshu" (a combination of "Go" meaning hard and "Shu" for Tasaki's name). Tasaki later founded Seiwakai Goju Ryu, a prominent organization within the JKF Goju-Kai, after splitting with Yamaguchi's Gojukai.
Today, Tasaki's legacy continues through Seiwakai, with prominent figures like Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi leading the organization
Fujiwara Hanshi was born in 1950. He began his training in Goju Ryu under Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei, and started training under Shuji Tasaki Hanshi in 1974. Today Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi holds the ranks of 8th Dan Seiwakai Goju Ryu and 8th Dan Japan Karate Federation Goju Kai.
Fujiwara, a top student of Tasaki, currently serves as the President and Chief Instructor of Seiwakai Goju-Ryu International. He is revered for his commitment to preserving the integrity and traditions of Goju-Ryu Karate.
Fujiwara Hanshi was born in 1950. He began his training in Goju Ryu under Gogen Yamaguchi Sensei, and started training under Shuji Tasaki Hanshi in 1974. Today Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi holds the ranks of 8th Dan Seiwakai Goju Ryu and 8th Dan Japan Karate Federation Goju Kai.
Fujiwara, a top student of Tasaki, currently serves as the President and Chief Instructor of Seiwakai Goju-Ryu International. He is revered for his commitment to preserving the integrity and traditions of Goju-Ryu Karate.
Our Lineage
From Okinawa to Australia
Our lineage connects us directly to the founders and grandmasters of traditional Goju-Ryu Karate. Through decades of rigorous training, dedication, and teaching, our instructors uphold and pass down authentic martial arts principles to future generations. Learn about the distinguished mentors and the heritage that shapes our approach to Karate-do.
This lineage underscores Yushukan Karate's deep-rooted connection to the origins of Goju-Ryu, reflecting a commitment to tradition, excellence, and the continuous pursuit of martial arts mastery.
Sam Seigers Sensei
Yushukan Karate Founder
As the founder and chief instructor of Yushukan Karate, Sam Seigers continues this esteemed lineage under the guidance of Fujiwara Hanshi and his top students in Australia Glenn Stephenson Kyoshi 7th Dan and Rod Martin Kyoshi 7th Dan, Yushukan Karate upholds the principles and techniques passed down through generations, fostering a community dedicated to the art's authentic practice.
These two can be a little extra on the page and I will send images – Im thinking like the lineage goes from Miyagi Chojun down to me then beside me to my left would be Glenn and then Rod.
Kyoshi Glenn Stephenson
A Pillar of Goju-Ryu Karate in Australia
Kyoshi Glenn Stephenson stands as a prominent figure in the Australian martial arts community, with over four decades dedicated to the practice and teaching of Goju-Ryu Karate. Holding the esteemed rank of 7th Dan Kyoshi Shihan in Goju-Ryu Karate-do Seiwakai and 6th Dan Renshi Shihan in the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) Gojukai, his expertise is recognized both nationally and internationally.
Martial Arts Journey and Lineage
Glenn's martial arts journey commenced in 1979 under the guidance of Keith Hill Shihan (5th Dan) at the Karate Academy of Japan Goju in Ashfield, NSW. His dedication led him to train directly under renowned masters such as Shuji Tasaki Hanshi (9th Dan) and currently under Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi (8th Dan), ensuring a direct lineage to Goju-Ryu's founder, Chojun Miyagi.
Competitive Achievements
Glenn's commitment to excellence is evident in his competitive accolades. Notably, he secured the World Kata Bunkai Champion title at the WKKF Championships in Tokyo in 1994. His consistent performance also earned him multiple national and state titles throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Leadership and Teaching
As the President and Chief Instructor of Goju-Ryu Karate-do Seiwakai Australia, Glenn has been instrumental in expanding the reach of traditional Goju-Ryu Karate across the nation. He founded the Karate Academy of Japan Gojuryu in 1983, which now boasts multiple dojos throughout NSW, QLD, and SA. His leadership has fostered a community that values discipline, respect, and continuous learning.
Kyoshi Rod Martin
Founder of Hoshindo Karate
Kyoshi Rod Martin is a highly respected martial artist based in Brisbane, Australia, with a career spanning over four decades in Goju-Ryu Karate. Holding a 7th Dan Black Belt in Goju-Ryu Karate, his dedication to the art has made him a prominent figure in both national and international karate circles.
Martial Arts Journey and Lineage
Rod's journey in martial arts began at a young age, and over the years, he honed his skills under the guidance of influential karate masters. His commitment to continuous learning and excellence led him to train extensively in Australia, the UK, and Japan, achieving recognition and titles in each of these countries. He is affiliated with the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) Gojukai and the Seiwakai Goju-Ryu organization, both of which are dedicated to preserving traditional Goju-Ryu Karate
Founder of Hoshindo Karate
Rod Martin is the founder and chief instructor of Hoshindo Karate, the official school of the Japan Karatedo Federation Gojukai in Brisbane Central and Adelaide Central. Hoshindo Karate emphasizes the development of character and perseverance, promoting self-discipline, control, and confidence among its practitioners. The school offers a family-friendly environment, making it an ideal place to learn the art of karate-do without politics
Sam Seigers Sensei
Yushukan Karate Founder
As the founder and chief instructor of Yushukan Karate, Sam Seigers continues this esteemed lineage under the guidance of Fujiwara Hanshi and his top students in Australia Glenn Stephenson Kyoshi 7th Dan and Rod Martin Kyoshi 7th Dan, Yushukan Karate upholds the principles and techniques passed down through generations, fostering a community dedicated to the art's authentic practice.
These two can be a little extra on the page and I will send images – Im thinking like the lineage goes from Miyagi Chojun down to me then beside me to my left would be Glenn and then Rod.
Kyoshi Glenn Stephenson
A Pillar of Goju-Ryu Karate in Australia
Kyoshi Glenn Stephenson stands as a prominent figure in the Australian martial arts community, with over four decades dedicated to the practice and teaching of Goju-Ryu Karate. Holding the esteemed rank of 7th Dan Kyoshi Shihan in Goju-Ryu Karate-do Seiwakai and 6th Dan Renshi Shihan in the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) Gojukai, his expertise is recognized both nationally and internationally.
Martial Arts Journey and Lineage
Glenn's martial arts journey commenced in 1979 under the guidance of Keith Hill Shihan (5th Dan) at the Karate Academy of Japan Goju in Ashfield, NSW. His dedication led him to train directly under renowned masters such as Shuji Tasaki Hanshi (9th Dan) and currently under Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi (8th Dan), ensuring a direct lineage to Goju-Ryu's founder, Chojun Miyagi.
Competitive Achievements
Glenn's commitment to excellence is evident in his competitive accolades. Notably, he secured the World Kata Bunkai Champion title at the WKKF Championships in Tokyo in 1994. His consistent performance also earned him multiple national and state titles throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Leadership and Teaching
As the President and Chief Instructor of Goju-Ryu Karate-do Seiwakai Australia, Glenn has been instrumental in expanding the reach of traditional Goju-Ryu Karate across the nation. He founded the Karate Academy of Japan Gojuryu in 1983, which now boasts multiple dojos throughout NSW, QLD, and SA. His leadership has fostered a community that values discipline, respect, and continuous learning.
Kyoshi Rod Martin
Founder of Hoshindo Karate
Kyoshi Rod Martin is a highly respected martial artist based in Brisbane, Australia, with a career spanning over four decades in Goju-Ryu Karate. Holding a 7th Dan Black Belt in Goju-Ryu Karate, his dedication to the art has made him a prominent figure in both national and international karate circles.
Martial Arts Journey and Lineage
Rod's journey in martial arts began at a young age, and over the years, he honed his skills under the guidance of influential karate masters. His commitment to continuous learning and excellence led him to train extensively in Australia, the UK, and Japan, achieving recognition and titles in each of these countries. He is affiliated with the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) Gojukai and the Seiwakai Goju-Ryu organization, both of which are dedicated to preserving traditional Goju-Ryu Karate
Founder of Hoshindo Karate
Rod Martin is the founder and chief instructor of Hoshindo Karate, the official school of the Japan Karatedo Federation Gojukai in Brisbane Central and Adelaide Central. Hoshindo Karate emphasizes the development of character and perseverance, promoting self-discipline, control, and confidence among its practitioners. The school offers a family-friendly environment, making it an ideal place to learn the art of karate-do without politics
Start Your Journey With Yushukan Karate!
When choosing a martial arts school, it’s important to find a place that aligns with your goals and values. At Yushukan Karate, we prioritise the personal growth of each student. Here’s why students love training with us:
Experienced and passionate instructors: Our instructors bring years of experience and a deep commitment to teaching students of all ages.
Inclusive environment: We welcome everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or have experience in martial arts training. Our karate dojo is a place where everyone can learn, grow and feel supported.
Convenient locations: With karate dojos in both Tweed Heads and Perth, we’re easy to reach if you’re looking for karate classes near you.
Flexible schedules: We offer classes at various times throughout the week, ensuring that you can find a session that fits into your busy schedule.
Join our community today, and begin your journey towards physical fitness, mental clarity and practical self-defense.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from my first class?
Your first class will introduce you to basic karate movements and techniques. Wear comfortable workout clothes, and we’ll guide you through everything from there.
How often should I attend classes?
Consistency is key. We recommend attending classes at least twice a week to see steady improvement in your skills and fitness.
What should I wear to my first class?
For your first class, wear comfortable athletic clothing and bring a water bottle. If you're joining a martial arts class, we recommend wearing a clean, comfortable gi or workout attire. Protective gear will be provided for your safety.
Is karate safe for young children?
Yes, karate is very safe when taught in a controlled and supportive environment. Our instructors are experienced in working with young children and focus on teaching proper techniques to prevent injuries.
Do I need to be in shape to start karate?
Not at all! Our beginner's martial arts for adults are suitable for everyone, regardless of fitness level. Karate will help you improve your physical condition at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
Progression depends on your dedication and frequency of practice. On average, it takes several years to reach a black belt, but the journey is what truly matters.
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