Shinji Fushimi Hanshi, who is an 8th Dan in the Japan Karate Federation JKF Gojukai. Fushimi Sensei has a rich history with Goju Ryu Karate and was taught by Kizaki Sensei, who was part of the first group of Goju ryu students trained by Chojun Miyagi at Ritsumeikan University before World War II.
Fushimi Sensei is highly respected for his kata expertise and has twice placed 2nd in the JKF Gojukai competition. His kata skills were so renowned that he was chosen as one of the models for the first JKF Gojukai technical manual, where he demonstrated sei yun chin and sei pai. Fushimi Sensei has also served as the head of the JKF Gojukai Referee Committee, a member of the Technical Committee, and a member of the Dan Grading Committee. He has represented the JKF Gojukai and Kizaki Sensei's organisation, Yuishinkan, at kata seminars worldwide in countries such as Germany and Mexico.
Under Fushimi Sensei's leadership, many junior students from the Shingokan have become state, regional, and national champions in Japan. The Shingokan's honbu dojo is located in Okayama city, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, and hosts a summer camp and monthly seminars. Western Japan has around a dozen dojos, mostly in Okayama.
The Shingokan was introduced to Australia by Geoff Rhode renshi in the mid-2000s. Australian practitioners of the Shingokan have been fortunate to benefit from this valuable karate link. The Shingokan operates dojos in Mt Gambier, Virginia, and Kapunda. Fushimi Sensei used to visit Australia every November for training seminars; however, he has now passed away, and the Shingokan is now led by new leadership.
At the Shingokan Barossa and Light, the focus is on Goju Ryu Karate, which is based on the teachings of Kanryo Higaonna Sensei. Higaonna Sensei studied martial arts for 20 years in Fujian, China during the late 19th Century. Goju Karate was named by Chojun Miyagi Sensei in Okinawa during the early 20th Century and draws inspiration from Fujian White Crane and other forms of Chinese Kung Fu.
The Shingokan believes that the study of Goju Karate helps individuals develop emotional resilience, mental strength, and personal excellence. Through dedicated practise of the 12 katas, students not only build their fitness and self-defence skills but also expand their understanding of integrity in building positive human relationships. The objective is not to learn how to hurt people but rather to become better human beings.
The Shingokan Barossa and Light is a proud member of the Japan Karate Federation Gojukai and aims to instil the values of REDI 4 Life – Resilience, Excellence, Dedication, and Integrity in its students.