The Goju Karate dojo was founded on November 8, 2011. This year, we'll mark our Fifteenth Anniversary.
On Tuesday, November 8th, 2011, our dojo held its very first class at 2PM in the afternoon. Those three students trained during our first General Class, and were the first karateka in a line of (literally) more than a 1,500 adults and kids.
Since then, more than a thousand karateka have gone through rank testing, and our dojo is privileged to have produced sixteen blackbelts.
We'll be celebrating from now until November, with a number of special events and special features here on GOJUKARATE.COM
Here's a directory of what's coming – we'll be updating this list, with more information and with links to articles, as the year progresses.
Magnificent Seven: The History of Goju Karate
A history of the founding of Goju Karate and all the places the dojo has lived throughout the years.
A Walk Through History
A photo essay of fifteen years of karatedō.
Our Lineage: Where All This Comes From
Chojun Miyagi, his 2 1/2 Uechi Deshi, and their three Uechi Deshi
The Merch: Limited Edition 15th Anniversary T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Caps
Two sets of t-shirts; three new hoodies, and two hats.
Shinzen: History and a Tour
The Shinzen is a living history of the fifteen years of our dojo. Read the stories behind the objects, where the kamidana came from, and find out what the oldest thing on the Shinzen actually is.
A Very Special Surprise #1
Coming early September 2026. Stay tuned for details ;)
Shinzen: An Unveiling
A special set of new items on the Shinzen make their first appearance.
A Very Special Surprise #2
Another special addition to the dojo.
Blackbelt Week: Anniversary Events
Special events during a very special week.
The 15th Anniversary Event: Blackbelts November 8th, 2026
A special event for blackbelts only as we unveil an amazing new part of the dojo.
The 15th Anniversary Event - November 9th, 2026
A day of special classes and events for everyone.
And, as a bonus, two specific pieces of Goju Karate trivia and lore:
The photo at the top of this article shows the same Daruma that is on the Shinzen. That Daruma has always been on the Shinzen, and further: that Daruma is the first thing that, by tradition set fifteen years ago, is also the first dojo symbol on the ground at any construction site of all seven (so far!) locations of the Goju Karate dojo. The dust on it is drywall dust and construction dust, and the Daruma is never dusted or cleaned. The dust on the Drama is the epitome of the concept of Sabi 寂.
And consider this: of those three karateka who trained in the very first class on November 8th, 2011: two are blackbelts now, and one is a 2nd Kyu brown belt.
Stay tuned for more history, and more stories from fifteen years of karatedō!
