Sheffield Goju Ryu Karate Do is a traditional karate school located in Sheffield, New Zealand. The school specialises in Goju Ryu Karate, a complete self-defence system that incorporates various techniques such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, open-handed techniques, and ground fighting.
The school places a strong emphasis on close-combat fighting, focusing on the manipulation of joints and vital points, strangulation, throwing techniques, and ground fighting. Students will also learn important foundational skills such as generating power, grounding, tension/relaxation, and body evasion.
Sheffield Goju Ryu welcomes individuals of all ages, from 6 years old to senior citizens. The dedicated instructors, known as Senseis, ensure that all students train in a safe and controlled environment while gaining all-around fitness, coordination, confidence, discipline, and functional self-defence skills.
Established in 2001, Sheffield Goju Ryu is a proud member of the Goju Ryu Kyokai, which is affiliated with both the English Karate Federation and the World Karate Federation. The association is led by Chief Instructor Simon Golland, who founded Sheffield Goju Ryu but is currently based in Noosa, Australia.
Sensei Graeme Sampson, a 3rd Dan Goju Ryu practitioner, is one of the instructors at Sheffield Goju Ryu. He began his training in 2003 after watching his son participate in classes. Sensei Sampson found the classes with Sensei Simon Golland inspirational and therapeutic, benefiting not only his physical fitness but also his mental and spiritual well-being.
Over the years, Sensei Sampson has attended seminars and trained with various respected martial artists, including Sensei George Andrews (OTGKA), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Royce Gracie, and Ultimate Fighting Championship legend Chuck Liddell, among others. He has also successfully passed his grading exams, earning the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Dan ranks.
Sensei Simon Golland passed the club on to Sensei Sampson in 2013, and with the support of the dedicated students, the school continues to flourish at its location on Burton Street. Sheffield Goju Ryu Karate Do welcomes everyone to join their classes and embark on a journey of self-improvement and self-defence.