Goju Juniors · ages 8–13
Karate for kids from eight.
Traditional Goju Ryu for children who are ready for real training — with the patience, small groups and structure that age needs.
Who it's for
Ready for something more structured
Goju Juniors is for children aged 8 to 13 who are ready for structured martial arts training. At this age they can learn the traditional techniques properly, while the instruction is still pitched at a child.
Students learn the same Goju Ryu the adults train in, and pick up the discipline, respect and confidence that carry into their teenage years. Many of our junior students keep training into adulthood; several of today's instructors started in this program.
Curriculum
From white belt to junior black belt
A structured path. Each belt builds on the last, and nobody is graded before they're ready.
- 01
Foundations
White to yellow belt
- Basic stances — Sanchin, Shiko
- Fundamental blocks and strikes
- First basic kata
- Dojo etiquette and respect
- 02
Technique
Yellow to green belt
- Hand techniques
- Basic kicks and combinations
- Second basic kata
- Introduction to kumite (sparring)
- 03
Refinement
Green to purple belt
- Intermediate kata
- Self-defence applications
- Controlled sparring
- Helping younger students
- 04
Depth
Purple to brown belt
- Longer kata sequences
- Self-defence in more detail
- Competition sparring
- Mentoring juniors
- 05
Junior Shodan
Junior black belt
- Kata performed to grading standard
- Assisting the instructors
- Competition preparation
- Character first
What it builds
Skills that leave the dojo with them
- Self-defence
- Practical technique, taught with control, so a child knows what to do and when not to.
- Discipline & focus
- A class with structure — lining up, bowing, listening — that carries into the classroom.
- Goals
- A belt system with clear steps. Effort is recognised; nothing is handed out.
- Character
- Respect, perseverance and looking after the person beside you.
Bullying
Confidence first. Fists last.
Goju Juniors deals with bullying in three parts: confidence, de-escalation, and physical self-defence only as a last resort.
Children learn to carry themselves with quiet confidence, to use their words to defuse a situation, and — if it comes to it — to defend themselves effectively. Just as importantly, they learn not to become bullies themselves.
How we teach it
- Build real self-confidence
- Teach situational awareness
- Practise de-escalation
- Learn effective self-defence
- Develop empathy and respect for others
Class times
Junior classes
Sixty-minute classes at both dojos.
A parent, on Google
“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.
Bring them to a free class.
No uniform needed for the first night. An instructor meets you both at the door.
Ages 8–13 · Concord & Carlingford · no lock-in