It is always an absolute pleasure to welcome Sensei George to Cambridge. This year we started at 10 am for a 1 hour class for our younger members. The time flew past but before letting the children go, we gathered everyone together for a couple of group photos. The following three hours were then dedicated to the adults and a couple of our more experienced junior students.

Both sessions started with traditional Junbi Undo warming up exercises to prepare for the training ahead. The children practiced san dan gi, blocked 'noodles' and mini bean bags and had a go at skipping. The adults worked through basic techniques on strike pads before moving onto practice of kata.

​It was all over so quickly, but everyone left into the sunshine with smiles on their faces. We'll do it all again next year!

Many congratulations to David, passing to yellow belt during class last night.

Sensei Dave will take our regular Thursday evening class on 18th April, 6.30 to 8pm, usual class fees apply. Sensei Dave is the most senior current student of Sensei George Andrews and his been a dedicated practitioner of Goju Ryu since a young age. A very popular instructor, Sensei Dave brings great passion and depth of experience to his sessions.

We look forward to welcoming Sensei George back to Cambridge, on Sunday 19th May. Training will be held at Impington Sports Centre. A class dedicated for children will run 10-11am, followed by a session for all adult grades 11am to 2pm. As the Chief Instructor of the OTGKA, Sensei George doesn't need much introduction. Sensei George is one of Higaonna Sensei's most senior students and has been training in Goju Ryu for over 50 years. Prices:

Children: £5
Adults: £30
Godan and above: Free of charge.

Sometimes we assess our students for their next grade during a regular class. Last week we said farewell to Max as he moves away from Cambridge. He missed our last regular grading but we couldn't let him leave without awarding his with a very well earned yellow belt. On Saturday it was the turn of one of younger students, well done to Ema!

We held a grading tonight on what was must have been our busiest class with 21 students on the dojo floor. Many congratulations to everyone on successfully passing to their next grades. Ben to yellow belt, Nisan and Victor to orange belt, Robert, Mike and Joe to green belt, Chaz and Shyane to blue belt, Virginia to 3rd kyu brown belt and Jon to 2nd kyu brown belt. With all the excitement we completely forgot to take a group photo!

On Saturday 7th October we held a grading for the children's class. Under the watchful eyes of Senseis Martin, Louise and Fabio, everyone did their best. We're very pleased to announce that all students passed to their next belts. We would also like to welcome Alice to the club.

September has got off to a busy start this year, as the Summer has made a pleasant return. We started with the black belt grading weekend at the OTGKA honbu dojo in London. It is compulsory for students taking their black belt tests to attend a full weekend of training, which gives Sensei George Andrews, 8th dan, the opportunity to evaluate the students abilities before the formal test, and to provide advice on areas for them to improve. The grading this September was especially busy with a total of 13 students taking their tests, and many people training alongside them. The combination of a full dojo and the return of outside temperatures to the mid 20s, it was very hot and humid in the dojo.

The Cambridge dojo was very well represented, and it gives great pleasure to announce that Holly passed her Shodan test, David passed to Nidan and Tiffany passed to Sandan. Congratulations all round!

David timed his grading to perfection, as he is moving back to Australia later this week to be closer to his family. His last class at the club was last night and we had a great turn out to wish him farewell on his new adventures. David has been training with us for almost 8 years and hasn't let any obstacles get his way. A highly respected and loved member of the dojo, his positive attitude and friendly demeanor will be greatly missed by all. 

Every student that trains at Cambridge Goju Ryu and successfully grades to shodan (first level black belt) is awarded an embroidered black belt (obi) from Shureido 'The World Famous Brand from the Birthplace of Karate'. It isn't always possible to award the black belt at the time of grading as the belt can take 2 months to make and then a few more weeks for shipping. We were very pleased to receive news from South Africa this week, that our former student Cameron Frew was presented with his very own Shureido black belt by Sensei Elrie Bosman. 

The last time Sensei George taught in Cambridge was at our 10 year club anniversary early in 2020, so it was an absolute pleasure to welcome him back. Training this year was held over two days, with separate sessions for the children and the adult black and brown belts on Saturday 17th, followed by a 3 hour class on Sunday 18th for all adults. We were also delighted to welcome karate friends from outside of our club. Sensei Luke Smith and his student Geoff had travelled all the way from Hereford, and they were able to enjoy the full weekend and see some of Cambridge. Those that joined our online classes during the pandemic will have already met both virtually so it was great to be able to train together in the dojo. From the South we had a contingent from Three Valleys Karate, Sensei Steve Johnson and his students, always a pleasure training with like minded practitioners of Goju Ryu regardless of affiliation. Martin Pinto flew the flag for our sister clubs in Essex. Taking the prize for the furthest travelled was (Huggy) David McNaught, all the way from Singapore!

Training covered a lot of basics, both static and moving, impact work, self defense practice and some time at the end of each session for kata. Thanks to everyone that supported this event, and to Sensei for making the trip up to Cambridge.

Congratulations to Victor and Shyane for passing their gradings at class this evening!