Our Dojo

We are a karate school that practices and studies Okinawan Goju Ryu in downtown Toronto. A friendly environment promoting healthy lifestyles through physical education to children, youth and adults.

Goju Ryu Karate-do

Goju Ryu (hard - soft style) Karate-do (empty hand way) was created by Sensei Chojun Miyagi (April 25, 1888 - Oct 8, 1953) in Okinawa, Japan. The style utilizes linear attack (hard) with circular movements (soft) together to create a blend of striking, grappling, sweeps, throws, and locks. Kata is thoroughly practiced along with the study of application that can be found in the kata. Along with developing strength, flexibility, endurance through body conditioning, students will see the positive health benefits like stress reduction, increased lung capacity, that are provided with the training.

A treasure representing Okinawa, Goju Ryu is also recognized by the Dai Nippon Butotukai in Japan as a koryu and bujutsu, it is practiced worldwide and has created many offshoots of the style.

"When your temper rises, lower your fists - when your fists rise, lower your temper." - Chojun Miyagi

Shane Walters, Head Instructor
4th Dan Goju-ryu
3rd Dan Okinawan Goju-ryu

Head instructor Shane Walters started his karate training in 2001, and began competing and assisting classes within the same year. Over the years he provided workshops for public schools, community groups, at-risk-youth organizations, other martial arts clubs and private groups.

Since opening Gold Tiger Karate Dojo in 2015, Shane sensei has worked to get a better understanding of Goju Ryu by making trips to Okinawa, Japan to train at the Minei Karate Dojo, and to Collingwood, ON at Barton's Martial Arts to continue building a relationship with the Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Do Kyokai (OGKK).

Aside from karate, he studies and practices Hyoho Niten Ichi Ryu under the current 12th soke, Kajiya Takanori.