About Gôdôryu Karate
In 1995, Shihan Paul Smith (7th Dan) and Shihan Bob Rowe (7th Dan), each having more than 30 Years experience in both competing and teaching Karate, formed the Gôdôryu Karate Association.
Their experience, gained over many years at National and International level in Kumite and Kata competition was used to forge the basis of a new open Karate style.
This new style would see the combining of the traditionaly hard Shotokan style with the flowing style of Wadoryu Karate.
Many other elements would also be integrated over time to include Aikido and Jujitsu making the style more fluid.
The style is progressing and growing year by year.
The syllabus includes self defence techniques which promotes self confidence in our adult and junior students. We encourage discipline and dedication to training which is required to attain progression through the grading system.
For Dan grade practitioners, Gôdôryu Karate also includes weapons training, mainly Japanese sword but also incorporates close quarter weapons.
We predominately have clubs in the southwest, from Southampton through to Mevagissey near St.Austell in Cornwall. Our two chief instructors (7th Dan) have both competed for the England squad, where one achieved Gold in kumite and the other Gold in the Kata section, both these instructors have a huge wealth of experience and are well respected in the Karate community.
Each year the Association undertakes a Gashku, (Japanese training weekend) to promote the art and spirit of Karate-do. This encourages students to extend their levels of physical and mental endurance.
We also have Instructors that run clubs in and around these areas, if you would like to start a traditional style that combines the strength and power of Shotokan and the speed and mobility of Wado Ryu then please get in contact.
