For over 40 years, Miyagi Kan has been one of the leading karate dojos in Australia and Oceania region. We offer a range of classes in multiple locations across NSW and New Zealand to suit your skill level. Whether its to learn a new skill, enhance your self-defence techniques, train for competition, get some exercise or for general well-being, you will be training with and learning from some of Australia’s top instructors and karate-ka.

Miyagi Kan is a member of the NSW and Australian Karate Federation, which are the official recognised governing bodies for karate by the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee. Miyagi Kan students consistently excel at all levels of competition, from local tournaments to representing Australia internationally.

If you are interested in a sport that will challenge your abilities both mentally and physically then karate may just be the answer you were looking for. Miyagi Kan offers a range of classes to suit all ages and fitness levels and ability. Our instructors are committed to providing the best training for our students in a way that is both fun and engaging whilst instilling the true spirit of karate-do.

The meaning of “Go Ju” translates to ‘hard-soft’ and was the name given to the style of karate by its founder Chojun Miyagi. The style is characterised by its contrasting ‘soft’ flowing circular movements and its ‘hard’ linear techniques. The ‘Go’ represents the positive and the ‘Ju’ represents the negative. It is based on the oriental concept that these opposing forces must complement each other.

The origins of karate developed over several centuries on the island of Okinawa, Japan. Okinawans were exposed through trade with the Chinese from as early as the 14th Century and drew heavy influences from Chinese kung-fu. Of all of the Japanese styles of Karate, Go Ju-Ryu has received the most Chinese influence.

This can be explained by the fact that Miyagi’s teacher Kanryo Higaonna spent 14 years in China learning ‘Whooping White Crane’ martial arts from the master Ryu Ru Ko (Xie Zhongxiang). When Higaonna returned from China he combined what he had learnt with the traditional martial art of Okinawa, known as ‘Te’. This is how Goju-Ryu was born. Much credit has been given to Chojun Miyagi for his work in founding GoJu-Ryu. However it was his teacher Kanryo Higaonna that actually laid the foundations of the style.

There is no pressure to be fit, as you work at your own pace or as hard or easy as you want. We start the class with a good warm up and stretch so you will be ready for the training that follows. Karate will provide you with the skills necessary such as improved flexibility, coordination, balance, muscle strength and muscle tone.

We often hear concerns such as “I have no coordination, I am not flexible enough, I am not fit enough”, but remember, you train to get fit. You don’t need to get fit to train.

Karate training exercises almost every muscle of your body. Will you be sore after your first ever Karate training session? Quite likely! But this is completely normal for any exercise activity that you’re not used to. It would equally apply to Salsa Dancing or to your first ever round of Golf!

DO YOU HAVE BEGINNERS ONLY CLASSES?

Students are often worried joining in with other students who have already been training for some time. At Miyagi Kan, we do have some classes designed specifically for beginners however, you are more than welcome to attend seniors classes.

By placing beginners in with the more advanced students, they are able to copy correctly what the other students as well as the instructor is doing. And as we practice partner work, you will be paired with a more advanced student who can correctly show you what to do. In this way you will be able to learn at a much faster rate.

DO I NEED A KARATE UNIFORM?

To start with for your first class wear something comfortable such as a T-shirt and shorts or track suit pants. We don’t wear shoes so you also don’t need expensive gym shoes.

Later on if you decide to continue we can provide you with a Karate Gi at a special student bulk rate that will last you for many years to come. The Gi is the traditional uniform of Karate, and its main purpose lies in its functionality.

A Gi has the advantage that it is very robust and comfortable at the same time. Typically, a Gi sports quite short sleeves and pants, so that you don’t get caught with your finger or trip over yourself. It allows you great freedom of motion, and for a beginner it also has a psychological effect, as it makes you feel more “real” when you wear the Gi, and you also feel as if you fit in better with all the other Gi-wearing students.

AM I TOO OLD TO START KARATE

With advanced age, everyone may find one or another technique harder or impossible to perform. Let this not deter you. Karate is a martial art, and as such it is a self-defence system, not a display of superhuman ability and athleticism. There is no shame in not being able to pull off a triple spinning flip kick. Chances are that in a real situation a simple front kick would have been the better option anyway.

All the benefits of Karate in terms of self-defence skills and improved health still apply, regardless at which age you start. With increased maturity you will also be in a better situation to judge what exactly YOU want to gain from karate training, and you will be able to focus on that in our classes – this way you’ll gain maximum enjoyment and benefit from karate training, regardless of your age.

WHAT ARE THE INJURY RISKS FOR KARATE?

The injury risk in karate is lower than in most other sports. All contact is controlled and the most you would expect is the occasional lump or bruise. Broken bones and noses as well as knee and joint injuries common with most popular sports but in fact very uncommon in traditional karate. The majority of injuries can be avoided by a proper warm-up, stretching and recovery. Whilst there is a risk associated with any combat martial art, persistent training will teach you to protect and strengthen vulnerable parts of your body thus reducing the risk of injury.

Our classes are meant to teach karate – thus Gung-Ho bone breakers and street thugs are not welcome, and you wont find them in our classes.

I HAVE BACK, SHOULDER, KNEE PROBLEMS … CAN I STILL DO KARATE?

As we grow older, we all have some legacies of previous sports played or work related injuries. With karate training you can simply work around them, if there is an element of training that will aggravate an old injury, there is always an alternative technique that you can train.

The general rule is: It is your body and you know it best, so when training be aware of anything that may upset your injury.

In principle, karate training strengthens the back muscles, and also the muscles and tendons around the shoulders and knees. However, if you contemplate to start karate as a beginner, it is better not to exasperate existing problems with a new sport that contains movements that you’re not familiar with. Always consult your medical practitioner before commencing training in any martial art. If you have minor physical problems that may or may not interfere with your training ability, let your instructor know before training so that your safety and physical health is ensured.

DO YOU HAVE A BELT SYSTEM AND WHAT DO THE COLOURS MEAN?

The grading system in karate has been introduced for a variety of reasons. In modern day, it is a sign of having achieved a particular skill level, that gives the student an indication on how they are progressing. As a visible sign, the colour of one’s belt lets other students in the class know what skill level to expect from their fellow students. This makes partner training easier, and the newer students know where to look for the more experienced students.

The grading procedure typically involves a training session where experienced karateka (typically black belts from 1st Dan onwards) examine the performance of the students, including basic kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). In general, the further you advance in the study of karate, the more precision and fighting spirit is expected in the performance of all techniques. Familiarity with dojo etiquette and also a good grasp of the Japanese terminology is also increasingly expected.

There is no pressure to be fit, as you work at your own pace or as hard or easy as you want. We start the class with a good warm up and stretch so you will be ready for the training that follows. Karate will provide you with the skills necessary such as improved flexibility, coordination, balance, muscle strength and muscle tone.

We often hear concerns such as “I have no coordination, I am not flexible enough, I am not fit enough”, but remember, you train to get fit. You don’t need to get fit to train.

Karate training exercises almost every muscle of your body. Will you be sore after your first ever Karate training session? Quite likely! But this is completely normal for any exercise activity that you’re not used to. It would equally apply to Salsa Dancing or to your first ever round of Golf!

DO YOU HAVE BEGINNERS ONLY CLASSES?

Students are often worried joining in with other students who have already been training for some time. At Miyagi Kan, we do have some classes designed specifically for beginners however, you are more than welcome to attend seniors classes.

By placing beginners in with the more advanced students, they are able to copy correctly what the other students as well as the instructor is doing. And as we practice partner work, you will be paired with a more advanced student who can correctly show you what to do. In this way you will be able to learn at a much faster rate.

DO I NEED A KARATE UNIFORM?

To start with for your first class wear something comfortable such as a T-shirt and shorts or track suit pants. We don’t wear shoes so you also don’t need expensive gym shoes.

Later on if you decide to continue we can provide you with a Karate Gi at a special student bulk rate that will last you for many years to come. The Gi is the traditional uniform of Karate, and its main purpose lies in its functionality.

A Gi has the advantage that it is very robust and comfortable at the same time. Typically, a Gi sports quite short sleeves and pants, so that you don’t get caught with your finger or trip over yourself. It allows you great freedom of motion, and for a beginner it also has a psychological effect, as it makes you feel more “real” when you wear the Gi, and you also feel as if you fit in better with all the other Gi-wearing students.

AM I TOO OLD TO START KARATE

With advanced age, everyone may find one or another technique harder or impossible to perform. Let this not deter you. Karate is a martial art, and as such it is a self-defence system, not a display of superhuman ability and athleticism. There is no shame in not being able to pull off a triple spinning flip kick. Chances are that in a real situation a simple front kick would have been the better option anyway.

All the benefits of Karate in terms of self-defence skills and improved health still apply, regardless at which age you start. With increased maturity you will also be in a better situation to judge what exactly YOU want to gain from karate training, and you will be able to focus on that in our classes – this way you’ll gain maximum enjoyment and benefit from karate training, regardless of your age.

WHAT ARE THE INJURY RISKS FOR KARATE?

The injury risk in karate is lower than in most other sports. All contact is controlled and the most you would expect is the occasional lump or bruise. Broken bones and noses as well as knee and joint injuries common with most popular sports but in fact very uncommon in traditional karate. The majority of injuries can be avoided by a proper warm-up, stretching and recovery. Whilst there is a risk associated with any combat martial art, persistent training will teach you to protect and strengthen vulnerable parts of your body thus reducing the risk of injury.

Our classes are meant to teach karate – thus Gung-Ho bone breakers and street thugs are not welcome, and you wont find them in our classes.

I HAVE BACK, SHOULDER, KNEE PROBLEMS … CAN I STILL DO KARATE?

As we grow older, we all have some legacies of previous sports played or work related injuries. With karate training you can simply work around them, if there is an element of training that will aggravate an old injury, there is always an alternative technique that you can train.

The general rule is: It is your body and you know it best, so when training be aware of anything that may upset your injury.

In principle, karate training strengthens the back muscles, and also the muscles and tendons around the shoulders and knees. However, if you contemplate to start karate as a beginner, it is better not to exasperate existing problems with a new sport that contains movements that you’re not familiar with. Always consult your medical practitioner before commencing training in any martial art. If you have minor physical problems that may or may not interfere with your training ability, let your instructor know before training so that your safety and physical health is ensured.

DO YOU HAVE A BELT SYSTEM AND WHAT DO THE COLOURS MEAN?

The grading system in karate has been introduced for a variety of reasons. In modern day, it is a sign of having achieved a particular skill level, that gives the student an indication on how they are progressing. As a visible sign, the colour of one’s belt lets other students in the class know what skill level to expect from their fellow students. This makes partner training easier, and the newer students know where to look for the more experienced students.

The grading procedure typically involves a training session where experienced karateka (typically black belts from 1st Dan onwards) examine the performance of the students, including basic kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). In general, the further you advance in the study of karate, the more precision and fighting spirit is expected in the performance of all techniques. Familiarity with dojo etiquette and also a good grasp of the Japanese terminology is also increasingly expected.