Growing Stronger Together
Celebrating a Year of Triumphs, Growth, and Community in 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, it’s incredible to reflect on a year filled with dedication, achievement, and memorable milestones at Goshukan Karate Academy ACT. From beginners taking their first steps onto the mat to senior instructors and students competing nationally and internationally, this year has showcased the hard work, perseverance, and passion of every member of our dojo community.
Consistent Training and Student Development
This year, students across all age groups demonstrated remarkable commitment to their training. Regular attendance, technical improvement, and growing confidence were evident throughout the dojo. Students developed focus, resilience, and discipline—qualities that extend far beyond karate and into daily life.
The regular Saturday morning tournament training sessions played a key role in developing our students’ skills. These focused, high-intensity sessions helped build a strong foundation, preparing students to grow in technique, confidence, and resilience—laying the groundwork for future tournament success.
Celebrating Competition Success
AMAC Australian Titles – Victoria
One of the major highlights of the year was the AMAC Australian Titles, where our students delivered remarkable performances.
Alaina Makkar achieved a Dual Australian Title, taking 1st place in both the 13–15 years Advanced to Black Belt Traditional Forms and Points Contact categories. Her incredible double victory is a reflection of months of relentless training, unwavering focus, and true dedication. Alaina’s achievements have set a high standard and inspired every student in the dojo.
Ben Thornton earned two 3rd-place finishes in Adult Male Freestyle and Points Contact Sparring, demonstrating determination, skill, and consistency.
Andrew Drake, along with Alaina, contributed to a historic Team ACT victory in the State of Origin Traditional Forms, defeating NSW, QLD, and VIC—a milestone achievement for our region and dojo.
Phillip Cup
The Phillip Cup was another high-energy event, giving students the chance to test themselves in a supportive competitive environment. The courage, effort, and sportsmanship displayed—especially from first-time competitors—was inspiring. Congratulations to all medalists, and well done to everyone who demonstrated courage, effort, and respect on the mats. A huge thank-you to the volunteers, officials, and families who made the event possible.
Australian Masters Games
The Australian Masters Games brought some of the most challenging competition of the year for our instructors and senior members:
Ben Sensei – 1st place in 30–49 Male Kumite Black Belt Freestyle Sparring and 2nd place in 30–49 Male Kata Black Belt Division.
Andrew Drake – advanced through multiple rounds, demonstrating determination, skill, and focus.
Toy Drake, Andrew, and Ben also contributed as judges, helping ensure the tournament ran smoothly.
2025 JKF Gojukai Australia National Championships
This national championship serves as the official pathway to compete in Japan’s prestigious JKF Gojukai Tournament:
Ben Sensei – Gold medal in 40+ Men’s Kumite.
Andrew Drake – Bronze medals in 40+ Men’s Kumite and 50+ Men’s Kata.
With over 160 competitors from across the country, these results are a testament to preparation, dedication, and the high standard of training in our dojo.
Black Belt Grading Achievements
Toy Drake – Nidan (2nd Dan) grading at the Seiwakai Training Seminar in Wollongong, earning a perfect 100% score. Toy’s achievement reflects two years of dedicated training and perseverance.
Ben Thornton – received his official Shodan (1st Dan) certificate, confirming his successful grading in Japan last July.
International Training and Connections
Our extended Goshukan community continue to strengthen its ties internationally, attending intensive training and the 51st All Japan JKF Gojukai Karatedo Championships.
A standout moment was Shihan Stacey Karetsian winning 1st place in the Veterans Men’s Kata Division, becoming the first non-Japanese competitor to achieve this remarkable milestone.
This experience enriched our technical knowledge and reinforced our dojo’s connection to the global karate community.
Celebrating Together – Christmas Party 2025
To close out the year, we held our Christmas Party, celebrating the effort, achievements, and community spirit of all our students and families. The day was filled with laughter, games, and recognition of everyone’s hard work throughout 2025. Events like this remind us that Goshukan Karate Academy is about community as much as it is about skill.
A Grand Milestone – Full-Time Phillip Dojo Opening
Crowning the year was the official opening of our full-time training facility in Phillip. This purpose-built dojo provides a dedicated space for students to train in a professional environment, offering enhanced opportunities for growth, skill development, and community connection.
The Phillip dojo marks a significant step in the evolution of Goshukan Karate Academy ACT, providing a permanent home for our students where they can train, achieve, and grow together—laying the foundation for many successful years ahead.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
From tournaments and gradings to international seminars, Christmas celebrations, and the opening of our new dojo, 2025 has been a year of incredible growth, achievement, and memories. Every student, instructor, and family member contributed to the dojo’s success, helping create an environment where skill, perseverance, and respect are celebrated every day.
As we move into 2026, we look forward to new challenges, higher goals, and unforgettable moments on and off the mats. The foundation has been set—now we continue building stronger, more skilled, and confident karateka for years to come.
Thank you to all our students, instructors, families, and supporters for making 2025 a year to remember!
- Ben Sensei
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