Calgary Gojukai is a traditional karate dojo based in Rocky Ridge in northwest Calgary, Alberta. We are members of the International Karatedo Gojukai Association, through IKGA Canada. We practice the style called Goju Ryu, as taught by Grandmaster Goshi Yamaguchi, President of IKGA.

While our training foundation is traditional, we enjoy the benefits of modern training practice, as well as regular participation in tournaments. Our members are successful athletes at all levels, and we have medalists at local, provincial and international tournaments. Calgary Gojukai members are encouraged to participate in national and international events, including training at our headquarters (Hombu) in Tokyo, Japan.

We offer classes for both children and adults, and all levels of skill are challenged to improve their karate at each class.

In August, 2025 members from Calgary Gojukai took part in the 8th IKGA Global Championships that were held in Chiba, Japan. As members of the Canadian team, our athletes did their best in Kata, Kumite, Team Kata and Bunkai events.

The team consisted of:

• Rob Shihan - Coach
• Yukiko Shihan - Coach
• Austin Sensei - Athlete, Coach
• Satoshi T. - Athlete, Coach
• Shotaro R. - Athlete
• Akito T. - Athlete
• Kai B. - Athlete
• Leo I. - Athlete
• Kyto W. - Athlete
• Kai M. - Athlete

IKGA members from across the world came together for this momentous event, sending their best athletes to compete. All the members of the team from Calgary performed exceptionally well, and took home memories and freindships that will last for a lifetime.

While the competition was fierce, our team's efforts to prepare were met with great success. Congratulations to everyone, and especially to our finalists and medalists:

• Sho R, Akito T, Kai B - Bronze Medal, Junior Boys Team Kata
• Sho R, Akito T - Bronze Medal, Junior Boys Bunkai
• Sho R - 4th Place, Junior Boys Individual Kata
• Akito T - 4th Place, Junior Boys Individual Kumite
• Satoshi T - 5th Place Veteran Kumite, 6th Place Veteran Kata

Great work everyone, your efforts truly paid off!

A very big congratulations to Yukiko Hirayama on her promotion to Shihan Renshi! Yukiko Shihan recently was asked to submit her thesis which was reviewed by Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi. We are proud to announce that she passed and is now promoted to Shihan or Master Instructor for IKGA. Well done Yukiko Shihan!

Additionally, Rob Richardson recently passed the examination for Nanadan (7th Dan). The senior dan examination was conducted by Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi for the IKGA North American Block, and Rob Shihan was successful in passing the test.

Congratulations Yukiko Shihan and Rob Shihan!

Congratulations to everyone that passed their recent rank examinations in December. Special congratulations to our newest black belts! Our new Shodan members are:

• Leo Imagawa
• Kengo Kawai

Great work everyone!