Join the Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (TOGKF)
Thank you for your interest in the Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (TOGKF).
TOGKF offers membership options for individuals wishing to begin training, as well as for organization leaders and dojo operators. Please select the category below that best matches your interests.
Individuals
TOGKF welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced practitioners who sincerely wish to learn Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do. We also offer trial training and online instruction, so please feel free to contact us for more information.
Opportunities
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Training at the dojo
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Participation in online training sessions
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Participation in seminars and events
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Kyu and Dan grading examinations
(subject to requirements)
Fees
For those who wish to train at the TOGKF Headquarters Dojo on a short-term basis (upto 1 month), training is available at the following rates.
TOGKF Members ¥15,000
Non-Members ¥30,000
※ Please contact us separately regarding online training.
※ Additional fees are required for grading examinations and event participation.
How to Join
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Inquiry / Reservation
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Trial Training or Observation
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Guidance
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Registration
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Begin Training
Free Trial & Dojo Visits Available Anytime!
Organizations
Consists of a group of Dojo’s wishing to operate as an Organisation within a country.
There can be more than one Organisation per country provided they operate in harmony with each other and cooperate on technical issues such as Dan gradings, Gasshukus.
An Organisation may be administered by a committee or Kambukai, ideally with at least a Godan as the Technical Head. Other cases might be discussed by the Technical Committee on merit for possible exception
For more information regarding organization affiliation, please contact us
Individual Dojo
TOGKF expanded the membership category to permit individual Dojos to affiliate directly with TOGKF in instances where membership does not warrant an Organisation application.
An individual dojo should ideally be led by an TOGKF graded Black Belt with minimum rank of Sandan.
In the event of a Dojo head having a lesser rank than Sandan, the Dojo application might be discussed by the Technical Committee on merit.
All Dojo’s and sub-Dojo’s taught by the same Instructor will be regarded as one Dojo.
A network of multiple Dojo’s in various locations taught by various instructors under leadership and financial incentive of a single Instructor will be considered an ORGANIZATION.
For more information regarding individual dojo affiliation, please contact us
CONDITIONS OF APPLICATION
Many TOGKF members enjoy a long relationship with Higaonna Sensei and his former organisation and understand the basics of TOGKF membership – especially how it applies to new members from another style. Sensei welcomes member applications from other styles if they are committed to training themselves and others in traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do.
People who do not wish to become members are still welcome to train at the Higaonna dojo.
Here are some examples of TOGKF’s normal process that is followed for applicants who wish to join us.
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We encourage applicants to attend a TOGKF event or Dojo training to experience Higaonna Goju Ryu before finalising their application, please contact us for a list of local TOGKF instructors.
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People from other styles can join the TOGKF, but they must resign from their current organisation and focus on developing TOGKF technique.
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TOGKF understands and respects that applicants may have trained in other Karate styles, but TOGKF requires all members to be graded by TOGKF.
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TOGKF never gives rank to any member without a TOGKF grading examination. There is no promise, guarantee, or expectation that applicants will receive a TOGKF grade equal to their former organisation’s grade.
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If the applicant from another style was a ‘black belt’, then the new member is considered an ‘ungraded black belt’ until graded by TOGKF. As a practical matter, the new member may wear a black belt and will be viewed as a ‘Shodan’ during their probation period.
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New members who hold a Dan grade in another organisation must wait a minimum of one year before attempting their initial TOGKF grading in Okinawa.
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New members are permitted to advertise (Facebook, website etc) as TOGKF members, but they are not permitted to use any rank issued by a previous organisation, however they may of course include their prior martial arts history.
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To fast track a successful application, new applicants would ideally include a reference from an existing TOGKF member after having practiced and enjoyed training with them.
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Applicants are probationary and will be observed for a minimum 12 months by senior TOGKF instructors before full affiliation is granted.
By proceeding with this application, you agree to the terms requirements set out above.