At Tathra Karate, we practice the traditional Okinawan karate style of Goju Ryu karate. Goju Ryu translates to hard and soft style, making it a complete martial art that combines powerful, explosive techniques with graceful movements, awareness, and mindful breathing. In addition to being an effective self-defense system, Goju Ryu karate offers a fulfilling, lifelong journey towards building strength, confidence, and focus, while also connecting you with a healthy and vibrant community through our karate classes in Tathra.
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Tathra Karate is dedicated to preserving traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate. We offer Karate classes in Tathra and are proud members of the Australian Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Federation (AOGKF) as well as the International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Federation (IOGKF), the largest Okinawan karate organization in the world, boasting over 75,000 members across more than 60 countries, all under the guidance of Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura.
Sensei Joseph Falsone, a 2nd Dan black belt in Goju Ryu karate, has a decade of training under AOGKF Chief Instructor Sensei Joe Roses OAM (8th Dan). He has trained internationally in Okinawa, Canada, and New Zealand. Formerly an Assistant Instructor at the AOGKF head dojo in Canberra, he relocated to Tathra in 2025, where he now offers karate classes Tathra. With extensive experience teaching Okinawan karate to all ages, he also serves as Treasurer on the AOGKF National Executive Committee.
Our first grading will be held on Saturday 27 September
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Age 6 to 12
Thursdays 4.00 pm - 4.45 pm *New class
Thursdays 4.45 pm - 5.30 pm
Saturdays 10.15am - 11.00am
In our Karate classes in Tathra, primary school-aged children learn authentic Goju Ryu karate in a fun, age-appropriate, and respectful environment that promotes the values of Okinawan karate.
Fees: $150 per school term (1 class per week)
or $220 per school term (2 classes per week)
Age 13+
Thursdays 5.45pm - 6.45pm
Saturdays 11.15am - 12.15pm
Teenagers benefit from a rigorous Goju Ryu karate curriculum that establishes positive habits in a supportive and encouraging setting. In our karate classes in Tathra, they explore their potential as individuals and develop more advanced Okinawan karate skills.
Fees: $150 per school term (1 class per week)
or $220 per school term (2 classes per week)
Age 18+
Mondays 7.15 pm - 8.45 pm
Thursdays 5.45 pm - 6.45 pm
Saturdays 11.15 am - 12.15 pm
Join our Goju Ryu karate classes in Tathra, where we train both the mind and body, fostering a strong spirit. Our adult program encompasses the full spectrum of traditional Okinawan karate, focusing on enhancing physical and mental wellbeing while building confidence in self-defence.
Fees: $220 per quarter (1 class per week)
or $280 per quarter (2 or more classes per week)
Join us for our dedicated family class in Goju Ryu karate on Mondays from 4.45pm to 5.30pm. Parents and their children are welcome to train together in these engaging karate classes. The fees are $150 per school term for one class each week.
Traditional Okinawan karate, including Goju Ryu karate, is for life! Our adult training in Tathra caters to all ages and abilities, and we tailor our karate classes to meet individual needs. Our Saturday 11.15am-12.15pm class is recommended for beginners looking to start their journey in Okinawan karate.
Tathra Karate offers a pathway from the NSW Far South Coast to the highest levels of Goju Ryu karate internationally. As members of the AOGKF and IOGKF, students participating in our karate classes Tathra are given the opportunity to train with world-class instructors and peers at NSW, national, and international training events (gasshukus) and friendship tournaments, as well as the IOGKF World Budosai held every four years in Okinawa.
Wear comfortable workout clothes, such as a t-shirt and shorts or trackpants. We train barefoot and leave our shoes in the foyer. Please also bring a water bottle and gym towel.
Contact us to book your two free trial lessons and see if Tathra Karate is for you. After that, if you decide to join, we'll give you a free karate gi (uniform) and belt with your first term's enrolment.
No! Karate is for everyone. We teach a structured and well-rounded traditional curriculum according to each student's age and level. Goju Ryu training includes full-body warm ups, basic techniques, partner work, kata, self-defence applications, sparring drills, and more.
We recommend attending at least twice a week to see steady progress. However, if you can only make it once a week, you will still benefit!
Our fees for 2025 are invoiced per school term (children) or quarter (adults), payable in advance. Mid-term enrolments are charged for the remaining portion of the term only. There are no lock-in contracts or automatic renewals. A modest annual registration and membership fee is also payable to the Australia Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Federation to cover insurance. This fee varies according to belt level and age.
We hold grading exams two or three times each year. Most students can expect to grade twice a year. We have attendance, goal-setting and belt-tip programs in place in all of our class categories to keep you on track and motivated between gradings.
Miyagi Chojun Sensei (1888-1953), founder of Goju Ryu
Tathra Hall, Cnr Bega and Beach Streets
Eligible students will be invited to grade to their next belt level. Students who have not yet trained long enough to qualify are also welco...
Tathra Hall, Cnr Bega and Beach Streets
Tathra Hall, Cnr Bega and Beach Streets
Eligible students will be invited to grade to their next belt level. Students who have not yet trained long enough to qualify are also welco...
Tathra Hall, Cnr Bega and Beach Streets
Wollongong
Students are invited to attend the AOGKF national gasshuku and tournament in Wollongong. Early bird discount ends 18 September. Register at ...
Wollongong