Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania 剛柔流空手道タスマニア

Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania 剛柔流空手道タスマニア A martial art that follows the traditional budo-karate teachings of Hanshi Watanabe.

Ganbatte (がんばって) is a Japanese expression meaning “persevere,” “keep going,” or “do your best.” It comes from ganbaru (が...
29/09/2026

Ganbatte (がんばって) is a Japanese expression meaning “persevere,” “keep going,” or “do your best.” It comes from ganbaru (がんばる), meaning to persevere, work hard or remain determined when faced with difficulty. In Japanese, several variations of the expression are used depending on the situation and the relationship between the people speaking.
がんばって is an encouraging expression and is commonly used between friends, teammates and training partners. Ganbare (がんばれ) is a stronger and more forceful form, often heard in sporting situations when cheering someone on. Ganbatte kudasai (がんばってください) is a more polite version, appropriate when showing respect or making a courteous request. In response, ganbarimasu (がんばります) means “I will do my best” or “I will persevere,” expressing a personal commitment to make the required effort.
These expressions have particular relevance to karate-do. Progress in karate requires patience, repetition, discipline and the willingness to continue when training becomes difficult. Whether learning a new kata, preparing for kumite, working towards a grading or facing the challenges of competition, the spirit of がんばる encourages the karateka to persevere.
In recent years, Watanabe Hanshi made mention of the term がんばって to members of the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania dojo. They provide another connection between the language of Japanese karate and its underlying philosophy: that progress comes through consistent effort, perseverance and a willingness to keep moving forward.

In the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania dojo, the simple word hai (はい) meaning “yes” carries greater significance than its li...
27/09/2026

In the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania dojo, the simple word hai (はい) meaning “yes” carries greater significance than its literal translation. Many years ago, Watanabe Hanshi taught the students of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania that はい is not merely a verbal response, it is an acknowledgement that an instruction has been heard, understood and accepted.
In the dojo, communication between instructor and student is an important part of training. When a Sensei gives an instruction, the student should respond clearly and confidently with はい. The response tells the instructor that the student has heard what has been said and understands what is expected. It also demonstrates attentiveness, discipline and respect.
Across many systems of karate-do, practitioners commonly use “oss” or “osu” as a similar acknowledgement. While terminology and pronunciation may differ between schools and traditions, the purpose is often the same: to communicate that the instruction has been received.
Watanabe Hanshi emphasised that this acknowledgement should be loud and unmistakable. A quiet or hesitant response leaves doubt as to whether the student has understood. A strong はい provides clarity, the instructor knows the message has been received and the student has consciously committed to carrying it out.
Thus, はい becomes more than a word. It is a small but important expression of reiho, awareness, discipline and mutual respect, reinforcing the relationship between Sensei and deshi at the heart of karate-do training.
Hiragana
ha (は)
i (い)

Mushin (無心), a traditional Japanese Zen Buddhist concept often translated as “no mind” or “no thought, no thinking”, is ...
26/09/2026

Mushin (無心), a traditional Japanese Zen Buddhist concept often translated as “no mind” or “no thought, no thinking”, is a state in which the karateka is free from unnecessary thought, hesitation and emotional distraction. It does not mean an empty or unconscious mind. Rather, it is a state of clear awareness in which the body and mind respond naturally to the moment.
In his teachings, Watanabe Hanshi has emphasised the importance of developing the mind through disciplined practice. Mokuso and meditation provide pathways to this development. By sitting quietly and regulating the breath, the practitioner learns to settle the mind and remain present. This same discipline can then be carried into karate training.
Through repeated practice, techniques become internalised. The karateka no longer needs to consciously think through every movement. The body responds naturally and automatically, while the mind remains calm and aware. This is particularly important in kumite, where hesitation or excessive thought can interfere with timing, distance and movement.
Watanabe Hanshi’s teachings remind us that karate is not simply the accumulation of techniques, but a process of training the body, refining the mind and developing the spirit. 無心 represents an important stage in that process: acting without unnecessary thought, responding without hesitation and remaining composed regardless of the circumstances.
In this sense, 無心 is not the absence of thought, but freedom from being controlled by thought. It is the quiet mind that allows karate to be expressed naturally.
Written with the assistance of Kenshu H. Watanabe Hanshi, Kudan.
Kanji
mu (無) - nothing.
shin (心) - mind.

24/09/2026

Karate Tasmania is pleased to advise that a First Aid Course will be conducted on Saturday 24 October, 2026 at St John's Ambulance 177 Main Road, Moonah and applications are now open.

Maintaining a current first aid qualification is an important part of providing a safe training and competition environment. The Karate Australia KIA Policy requires instructors and other relevant personnel to hold a current first aid certificate.

The course provides an opportunity for instructors, coaches, officials and other relevant club personnel to obtain or renew their first aid qualification.

Course Details
📆: Saturday, 24 October 2026
🗺: St John's Ambulance 177 Main Road, Moonah
🪙: $55.00 per person
📜: https://form.jotform.com/262587624539874

Karate Tasmania members seeking to participate should submit their application as soon as possible, as places are limited. Karate Tasmania has also made places available to non-affiliated Tasmanian karate clubs at a cost of $55.00 per person, subject to availability.

At the beginning and end of training at the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania dojo, the class falls silent. Students settle in...
22/09/2026

At the beginning and end of training at the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania dojo, the class falls silent. Students settle into seiza, place their hands comfortably on their thighs and close their eyes. This is mokuso (黙想), a period of silent meditation that provides a bridge between the outside world and the practice of karate.
黙想 is more than simply sitting quietly. The Japanese characters 黙想 mean “silent contemplation”, reflecting an opportunity to settle the mind, regulate breathing and become fully present. Before training, 黙想 helps students leave behind the distractions of everyday life and prepare mentally for the demands of practice. At the conclusion of training, 黙想 provides a moment to reflect on the session and regain composure before returning to daily life.
While clearing the mind is the main goal of 黙想, it is understood that thoughts will naturally arise. In this instance, the practitioner acknowledges them without becoming distracted, allowing attention to return to posture, breathing and stillness.
In the dojo, 黙想 also reinforces an important principle of karate: control begins with the mind. A calm and focused mind supports disciplined movement, awareness and respectful interaction with others.
Whether 黙想 is practiced for a few moments or several minutes, 黙想 reminds the karateka that training is not only about developing physical technique. It is also a practice of cultivating concentration, self-awareness and inner calm.
Kanji
moku (黙) - silence or silent.
so (想) - thought, idea or conception.

Reiho (礼法), the etiquette and proper conduct of karate-do, is an essential part of training. It is not simply a collecti...
19/09/2026

Reiho (礼法), the etiquette and proper conduct of karate-do, is an essential part of training. It is not simply a collection of formal rituals, but a way of developing respect, discipline, humility and awareness through consistent practice in the dojo.
Two important expressions of 礼法 are ritsu-rei (立礼), the standing bow, and zarei (座礼), the seated bow. 立礼 is commonly performed when greeting or acknowledging instructors and training partners, when stepping onto the tatami and when entering or leaving the dojo. The bow should be performed with correct posture, awareness and sincerity. It is not merely a movement of the body, but a conscious expression of respect.
座礼, the seated bow, is performed from the formal seated position and is often used during more ceremonial aspects of dojo practice. It reinforces the importance of composure, posture and respect, even when the body is at rest. In the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania dojo we say "onegaishimasu" (お願いします) when bowing in and "arigatō gozaimasu" (ありがとうございます) when bowing out of training.
Saying お願いします is an expression of respect and humility. It conveys the sentiment of “please teach me.” The words acknowledge that learning karate-do is a shared experience. Whether addressing the sensei or a training partner, the student recognizes the opportunity to learn, practice and improve together.
ありがとうございますor “thank you,” expresses sincere gratitude. When accompanied by the appropriate bow, it acknowledges the instruction received from the sensei and the time, effort and cooperation given by training partners. It is a recognition that progress in karate-do does not occur in isolation.
When spoken sincerely and supported by correct 立礼or 座礼, these simple expressions reinforce the spirit of 礼法 and help transform etiquette from a routine into a genuine way of conducting oneself.
礼法 extends beyond the bow itself. Students should demonstrate courtesy by listening attentively, following instructions, caring for the dojo and equipment, and treating every training partner with patience and consideration. Senior students should lead by example, while junior students show respect through their attitude and willingness to learn.
Ultimately, 礼法 should become natural rather than mechanical. The purpose of practising etiquette in the dojo is to develop behaviour that carries into everyday life.
Kanji
rei (礼) - bow, thanks, etiquette or gratitude.
ho (法) - law, method, rule, way or principle.

Approximately two weeks ago I wrote a few words about Rei (礼). An expression that embodies the concept of respect, cour...
16/09/2026

Approximately two weeks ago I wrote a few words about Rei (礼). An expression that embodies the concept of respect, courtesy and etiquette and lies at the heart of budo karate. I now find myself compelled to delve a little deeper and write about the comprehensive system of respect and discipline - Reigi (礼儀). Proper conduct, manners and protocol.
礼儀 is fundamental to the practice of traditional karate. It is not simply a set of rules governing behaviour inside the dojo (mutual respect, attire and hygiene, punctuality, entering and leaving, posture, silence and attention, and addressing others); it is a way of conducting oneself that should remain with every karateka long after training has finished.
From the moment a student enters the dojo, 礼儀 is evident in the way they bow, greet their Sensei and fellow students, listen to instruction and conduct themselves during training. Every student, regardless of age, experience or rank, is expected to demonstrate respect at all times. Through this, 礼儀 promotes a safe and respectful training environment.
For senior students, 礼儀 carries an even greater responsibility. Their behaviour provides an example for younger and less experienced practitioners, reinforcing the understanding that rank brings responsibility rather than privilege.
礼儀 is equally important outside the dojo. A student's true character is revealed not when they are wearing a karate-gi, but when they are at home, at school, at work or interacting with the wider community. Courtesy, humility, patience and consideration should be reflected in everyday actions.
Karate develops physical skill, but its deeper purpose is the development of character. A student who demonstrates 礼儀 consistently understands that being a good karateka is not simply about how they train, but how they live.
Kanji
rei (礼) - bow, thanks, etiquette or gratitude.
gi (儀) - ceremony, rule or propriety.

I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between uke (受け) and tori (取り), a concept which is fundamental to karate...
10/09/2026

I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between uke (受け) and tori (取り), a concept which is fundamental to karate-do. More than simply attacker and defender, they form a partnership built on trust, responsibility, control and mutual respect.
A simple explanation is that 受け initiates an attack, while 取り executes a technique with correct distance, timing and control. Both are responsible for each other’s safety and development.
This relationship reflects the bond between Sensei and deshi. The Sensei guides, challenges and corrects; the deshi listens, accepts instruction and embraces the discomfort necessary for growth. Like 受け and 取り, both contribute to the development of the other. The Sensei provides knowledge and direction, while the deshi provides commitment, effort and an openness to learn.
This has, and continues to be, particularly evident in many of the lessons I have received throughout my years of training. At times, instruction may appear to be a stern lesson directed solely at myself. But in reality, I may simply be fulfilling the traditional role of 受け—the person through whom the lesson is being delivered.
I have provided the situation and Hanshi Watanabe provides the lesson. While one student receives the correction, everyone in the dojo has the opportunity to observe, listen and learn. For the deshi, the important question is not, “Why is Sensei correcting them?” but, “What is Sensei teaching through this?” The lesson may be directed at one, but its purpose is to develop all.
Kanji
uke (受け) - receiver, one who receives
tori (取り) - taker, one who executes

In karate-do, we can see the stance, the punch, the kick, the kata, the kumite and the coloured belts. But something far...
07/09/2026

In karate-do, we can see the stance, the punch, the kick, the kata, the kumite and the coloured belts. But something far more important cannot be measured or seen — Kokoro (心), the heart.
心 represents the heart, mind and soul of the practitioner. It is the inner strength that allows us to continue when training is difficult, remain humble when we succeed and keep moving forward when the journey becomes challenging.
Like many establishments where budo martial arts are taught, 心 is demonstrated throughout the Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Tasmania dojo. It can be seen in young kyu-grade students who overcome nerves and uncertainty to step onto the tatami and give their best. It is evident in those who struggle with techniques or kata, yet return each week determined to improve.
Our Dan grades and senior members demonstrate 心 through their commitment to continued learning, their willingness to support and encourage others and through their resolve to cultivate their inner spirit and fighting commitment.
Perhaps the greatest examples are those who find training particularly difficult. Their progress may be slower, but they continue to attend, practice and pursue their goals. To me, that is 心.
Karate-do is not a race. True progress is measured not by how quickly we achieve a grade, but by our willingness to continue despite obstacles. 心 is the courage to try one more time.

Kanji
心 (kokoro) - heart, mind or soul.

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300 Liverpool Street
Hobart, TAS
7000

Opening Hours

Monday 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Thursday 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm

Telephone

+61418336004

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