On arriving it was a bit daunting, a sea of white doing moves that appeared hard and required the flexibility of a gymnast, the whole school was friendly and welcoming and within a few short minutes you felt part of the group. After a few short weeks the moves made sense and I felt I belonged. I was fitter and gaining in flexibility and the camaraderie of belonging felt great.

On fitness - David Sanna age: 25

Fitness of the mind, body and spirit is essential in any form of training.

The mind must be focused on the overall goal and clear of doubt in order to achieve each task. The body must be flexible and strong to carry out the task and the spirit must be willing to initiate and complete the task.

I have found that these simple but effective ideas have assisted my training immensely.

Luke Coyle

I have trained in Goju Kai Karate do in the UK over a decade ago. I am impressed and delighted with the emphasis on fundamentals and especially kata that forms a core to the curriculum at AGKK

Lisa Ackerman age: 36

Throughout my life I have always been involved in sports such as running, so my fitness level has always been quite good. However since I started training at AGKK with instructor Bernie Haughey, I have realized that this traditional martial art demands a great deal more from the body and the spirit. As a result of training regularly, I have found that my fitness has reached a higher level Through Goju I have developed upper body strength increased my endurance and have also improved my cardiovascular and respiratory systems through incorporating special breathing techniques and meditation.

Mark and Rhonda Lester

Joseph commenced Goju Kai Karate at the sandgate branch in October 2001, not long before his 8th birthday. He has been going to karate twice a week since then, with no persuasion, and he thoroughly enjoys it being very proud of the fact that he now has an orange belt.

There has been a noticeable change in his attitude and demeanor that has been noticed by family, friends and school teachers. He has become calmer in himself and less easily frustrated, and so is able to react to situations in a more mature and responsible fashion.

Joseph's teacher this year (who was also his teacher last year) has commented that, while always well behaved, she has noticed an improvement in the way he handles his emotions.

Overall we feel that Goju Kai Karate under Sensei Bernie has been very beneficial to Joseph's physical and emotional development and would recommend it most highly.

Robert Barry age: 12

Karate has helped me with my schoolwork because I have been taught to never give up and keep on going so for instance if I come across a question that puzzles me instead of saying "I can't do it" I sit down and think and try to work things out.

Karate has also helped me in the schoolyard so when a trouble maker tries to pick a fight with me I avoid danger and if I can't avoid the danger and he does try to strike me I should be able to block and defend most if not all the things he tries to do to me.

When I'm at home I try as hard as possible to do as I am asked but I am only human and sometimes I don't do as I am told but Karate helps me to do well.

Michelle Burdoe

Since Amber has started Karate her self confidence has improved greatly, she is a lot more motivated and has become a lot fitter than what she was before she started Goju Kai

Ambers concentration levels have improved. Amber has received a certificate from school for being respectful and considering others within the classroom and playground. Whereas before she would always stand back. Behavior at home has improved greatly by respecting what is said to her and appreciating what she has.

Amber enjoys coming to karate because it is such a friendly atmosphere which is great.