Karate Classes For Kids and Adults
Holy Family Primary School, Gowrie, ACT

About Us

Welcome to Kenbukan Australia, where we are committed to providing an authentic and profound Karate experience grounded in the rich traditions of Goju Ryu Karate. Our lead instructors, Adam Ball and Kayla Ball, have dedicated themselves to mastering the art of Karate under the guidance of Kuba Yoshio Sensei, a 10th dan master of Goju Ryu Karate. Their training in Okinawa, the birthplace of Karate, has shaped their approach to teaching and their understanding of the true essence of Goju Ryu.

Both instructors hold 5th dan and 4th dan ranks, respectively, and have been designated as Shibu Cho (Branch Chiefs) of the Okinawa Karate Do Kenpo Kai in Australia. This distinction highlights their leadership and commitment to the spread of authentic Okinawan Karate here in Australia. Furthermore, each of our instructors has traveled to Okinawa to train and compete, ensuring that their skills remain connected to the source of the art.

Our dojo is more than just a place to learn self-defense. We are dedicated to fostering personal growth, discipline, and respect in every student. Through traditional training, our students develop not only physical strength and technical skill but also mental focus, resilience, and a deeper understanding of Karate’s core principles. We believe that Karate is a lifelong journey—one that extends beyond the dojo and into every aspect of life.

What is Goju Ryu Karate?

Goju Ryu, which translates to "hard-soft style" in Japanese, is a traditional Okinawan martial art known for its unique blend of hard and soft techniques. This style incorporates linear and circular movements, combining powerful strikes such as punches, kicks, and elbows with softer techniques like open-hand blocks, locks, and grappling. The art also emphasizes balance, breathing, and control, offering a well-rounded approach that can be used for both self-defense and personal development.

In addition to the striking techniques, Goju Ryu includes elements like takedowns, throws, and joint locks, making it a comprehensive martial art that equips students with a diverse range of skills. At Kenbukan Australia, we focus on preserving the authenticity of Goju Ryu, as passed down from Miyagi Chojun, the founder of Goju Ryu, through Toguchi Seikichi and Kuba Yoshio, and finally to Adam and Kayla Ball. This lineage ensures that we honor the history and philosophy of the art while continuing to adapt and grow in modern practice.

Why Train with Us?

Authenticity: Our lineage traces directly back to the heart of Goju Ryu in Okinawa. The training you receive at Kenbukan Australia is deeply rooted in the traditional teachings of our masters.
Expert Instructors: With over half a century of combined experience and years spent training in Okinawa, Adam and Kayla Ball offer a wealth of knowledge and understanding that is rare to find.
A Complete Martial Art: We teach a full system, including striking, grappling, self-defense, and philosophical elements that help our students grow both as martial artists and as individuals.
Personal Development: Beyond learning techniques, you will develop mental strength, discipline, and respect, which are integral to the martial arts journey.
Community: Join a dedicated, respectful, and supportive community of students and instructors who share your passion for Karate.

If you are seeking genuine, no-nonsense Karate that goes beyond just learning self-defense, then you've come to the right place.

At Kenbukan Australia, we are committed to helping you reach your full potential, both on and off the mat.

Lineage

Karate lineage is an important aspect of traditional martial arts because it ensures the preservation and transmission of authentic techniques, philosophies, and teachings through generations. A strong lineage provides continuity, honoring the legacy of past masters while maintaining the integrity and evolution of the art. In karate, lineage also symbolizes the teacher-student relationship, fostering respect for tradition and ensuring that practitioners follow a credible and recognized path of training.

Kenbukan Australia, under the leadership of Adam Ball and Kayla Ball, follows a distinguished lineage that traces back to legendary figures in Okinawan karate. This lineage is rooted in the teachings of Miyagi Chojun, the founder of Goju-Ryu Karate, who is known for blending the hard, external techniques of karate with softer, internal practices, emphasizing both physical strength and spiritual development. Miyagi's teachings laid the foundation for the development of modern Goju-Ryu and have been influential in shaping karate as we know it today.

Miyagi's teachings were carried forward by Toguchi Seikichi, a highly respected master who played a significant role in spreading Goju-Ryu karate beyond Okinawa. Toguchi's profound knowledge of traditional techniques and his ability to adapt the art for the modern practitioner made him a key figure in maintaining the authenticity of the style.

From Toguchi Seikichi, the lineage continued through Kuba Yoshio, a master of considerable skill who further refined Goju-Ryu's techniques. Kuba's contribution to the martial art, particularly his emphasis on discipline and proper form, ensured that the fundamental principles of the style were passed on with precision and respect.

Finally, Adam Ball and Kayla Ball represent the latest generation in this lineage. As instructors and practitioners of Karate, they carry forward the teachings of Miyagi, Toguchi, and Kuba, continuing the legacy with a modern approach while staying deeply connected to the traditional roots of Goju-Ryu Karate. Their dedication to upholding this lineage ensures that their students not only learn the techniques but also understand the deeper cultural and philosophical aspects of karate.