I had never really considered running my own dojo until early 2013 when the club I had
trained with for several years left the IOGKF. I wanted to remain part of the IOGKF family, so I either needed to find another dojo to train with or finally find the courage to run my
own.
The decision to open my own dojo was made easier for me thanks to a number of my
friends within the association who had faith in my abilities and offered their support in
starting my own dojo. I am pleased to say many of these people are now my students.
For several days running up to the first class I was unbelievably nervous, for 29 years I
had only been responsible for my own progression; and now I was going to be passing
on my knowledge to others, guiding them on their karate journey and my teaching could
forever shape how my students felt about Goju Ryu.
On Monday 15th April 2013, Eastleigh Goju Ryu Karate Do held its first ever class. 10
friends came to train and support us on that first night, seven of these went on to form the
core of our new dojo.
In the year since we formed our numbers have steadily grown, and we now have double
the number we had on that first night; some are students from our old club, some were
total beginners who are now working their way through the ranks and a couple are old
karate friends who have returned to training after several years out of the dojo.
I have found teaching to be very rewarding, and have discovered that while teaching others I am continuing to improve my own karate and increasing my understanding of Goju
Ryu. I have also discovered that, since becoming an instructor, I have a new enthusiasm for my own training whether it is my regular classes with Sensei Ernie or going to
larger events and gasshukus to take instruction from IOGKF instructors from across the
world.
I would advise anyone thinking about starting their own club to speak to their senior instructors and, if granted permission, to take the step. There will be nights when only
three students come to train which can be disheartening, but persevere, the hard work
and stress is far outweighed by the joy you get from teaching. Running a club has given
me the opportunity to give a little back to the association I have gained so much from,
and watching students’ progress makes all the hard work worthwhile.
I am very proud of my dojo and its members, and I am trying to make Eastleigh Goju Ryu
Karate Do the kind of club I have always wanted to be a part of, a dojo that really does
reflect the feeling of family that can be found throughout the EGKA and the IOGKF.
I would not have been able to reach this point without the help and support of so many
people from the EGKA. Sensei Ernie and Sensei Roy both supported my request to open
a new dojo and I am lucky enough to be in a position to get regular instruction from
Sensei Ernie, which allows me to continue with my own training. Sensei Linda has always been very supportive of me throughout my time with the IOGKF and her support
now extends to my dojo and students. I have formed some great friendships during my
karate journey and I feel very lucky to be a part of this Goju Ryu family.