Est. 1984 · Concord & Carlingford
Two dojos — Concord (North Strathfield) and Carlingford. Juniors from age 8, teens, adults and families, taught by black belts. Founded by Shihan Andrew Roubas.
First class free · all ages from 8 · no lock-in contract · $120 to start, then $99 (8–13) or $119 (14+) a month
Programs
Pick the program that fits, and we'll meet you there. Beginners are the rule in every class, not the exception.
8–13
Goju Juniors
Discipline, focus and confidence, taught with patience. Small groups, a black belt in every class, and no sparring until they're ready for it. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Concord; Wednesdays and Saturdays at Carlingford.
The Goju Juniors programTeens & Adults · 14+
Self-defence that works, fitness that comes as a by-product, and a grading path that takes as long as it takes — typically four to six years to black belt. Beginners train beside senior grades from the first night.
Teens & adults program
Women's Classes · women & girls 8+
The same Goju Ryu, in a class of its own — run by Sensei Tanya Sharma and the dojo's senior women, for women and girls from age 8.
Women's classesMembership
No lock-in contract, ever. Every student — juniors, teens and adults — pays the same monthly rate, and families training together pay less.
$99
per month · juniors 8–13$119
per month · teens & adults 14+$120 to start — your first month, uniform and joining fee — then the monthly rate.
Family discounts
Family discounts available — ask us when you sign up.
Your first class
Arrive about ten minutes early
An instructor meets you at the door, shows you where to put your things and introduces you to the class.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes and bring water
No uniform is needed for your first class. A gi is provided when you sign up.
Learn the basics with a black belt beside you
How to stand, how to move, how to block. No sparring on day one.
Reviews
5.0 on Google· 6 reviews
“What makes this school truly special is the skill and patience of the instructors and senior students. They never rushed me, and they always took the time to break things down, explain each step, and make sure I felt confident before moving on.”
Paul G.
“From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a positive atmosphere and a strong sense of community. The instructors are not only highly skilled and knowledgeable, but also incredibly supportive and patient.”
Alessandro B.
“All of the instructors are wonderful, full of knowledge and insights to inspire and motivate you on your karate journey. I would highly recommend going to check out a class and I'm sure you will not be disappointed.”
Lewis J.
“Our family has been part of this dojo for 7 years. What makes this dojo so special is the family atmosphere. No one is ever left behind — every student is encouraged to do their best, in their own time, with plenty of support along the way.”
Andrew B.
“Really nice, family and friends oriented, highly techniques and ethics focused dojo. Senseis are friendly and skilful. Children enjoy the sessions quite a lot and they're motivated to practice at home too. Highly recommended.”
Maduranga K.
“Best dojo with internationally accredited instructors.”
James L.
Lineage
Goju Ryu was founded by Chojun Miyagi in Okinawa. Gogen Yamaguchi carried it to mainland Japan; his student Gonnohyoue Yamamoto Soshihan carried it to the world. Shihan Andrew Roubas trained under Yamamoto Soshihan and founded this academy in Sydney in 1984.
Yamamoto Soshihan taught at the Concord dojo as recently as April 2024. The banners on the wall in the 1984 photograph — 剛柔流空手道 — are the same characters the dojo trains under today.
Founder
“Just like a canvas that is being painted, often it is hard to reach perfection. There can always be an extra shadow or additional colour to add. But this is the measure of a real artist; whether it is with a paint brush or the empty hand.”
Shihan Roubas founded the academy in 1984 and has taught Goju Ryu in Sydney for more than forty years. He still teaches, alongside the black belts he trained — several of whom have been with the dojo for two decades or more.
Meet the instructors
Questions
Comfortable athletic clothing is perfect for your first class. When you sign up, we provide a gi (uniform) for you, so there's no need to purchase your own. We recommend loose-fitting pants and a t-shirt that allows you to move freely.
We believe martial arts is a family journey. Families training together get a discount on their membership fees — ask us when you sign up and we'll work out what it means for your family.
The journey to black belt typically takes 4-6 years with consistent training. However, everyone progresses at their own pace, and we focus on mastery of techniques rather than rushing through ranks. Your dedication and frequency of training will influence your progress.
Both our Strathfield North and Carlingford locations offer the same high-quality instruction and programs. Choose the location that's most convenient for you - we maintain consistent standards and curriculum across both dojos.
Pick a dojo and a time. An instructor meets you at the door. No experience needed, nothing to bring but water.
Book your free trial classAges 8+ & adults · Concord & Carlingford · no lock-in