The History of GKR Karate

GKR Karate (or Go Kan Ryu Karate) is a traditional form of Japanese Karate. It is a relatively new style — it was founded only in 1984 in South Australia by a man named Robert Sullivan. It is a combination of the Goju Ryu and Shotokan styles of Karate. Sullivan had been practicing karate for approximately 20 years and had attained the rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt in Keishinkan. After teaching in the United States for a while, he returned to Australia and founded GKR Karate.

GKR Karate’s training philosophy focuses on building strong basics in an individual and incorporates both kata and kumite (better known as “patterns” and “sparring”). It is considered a non-contact karate because contact is not permitted during kumite, a practice that teaches the students to develop control over their technique. GKR Karate is designed for people of all ages and promotes self defense, discipline, character, and fitness.

Originally based in only Australia, today there are more than 40,000 students of GKR Karate along with 1500 instructors spread out across Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand and is recognized as one of the more popular styles of japanese karate. It is continuing to grow at a rapid pace.