The JKF GojuKai Australia 36th Seminar and National Championships 2026, held in Sydney from 17th to 19th April, brought together karateka from across the country for three days of high-level training and competition. It was a standout event for traditional Goju-Ryu karate in Australia, combining world-class instruction with strong national competition.
World-Class Instruction
The seminar was led by:
Sato Sensei, 8th dan Hanshi JKF Gojukai.
Takegawa Sensei, 8th dan Hanshi JKF Gojukai;
Fujiwara Sensei, 8th dan Hanshi JKF Gojukai;
Ishida Sensei, 7th dan Kyoshi JKF Gojukai.
These senior Japanese masters represent the highest level of traditional Goju-Ryu karate in the world. Their teaching covered kihon fundamentals, advanced kata application, and high-level kumite concepts, reinforcing the core principles of JKF GojuKai.
Training under instructors of this calibre is a golden opportunity in Australia. Even capturing a small fraction of their knowledge is invaluable. The level of detail, timing, and understanding they bring cannot be replicated outside of direct experience. Learning from these incredible humans accelerates growth and deepens understanding of authentic Japanese karate.
Grading Achievements
One of the most memorable parts of the weekend was the dan grading, where dedication and perseverance were rewarded.
A huge congratulations to:
- Monique Fatseas on achieving JKF GojuKai Sandan (3rd Dan)
- Luka Zivkov on achieving JKF GojuKai Shodan (1st Dan)
Earning a black belt, or advancing through the dan ranks, is never just about technique. It represents years of commitment, resilience, and personal growth. These achievements are a testament to the countless hours spent training, learning, and pushing beyond limits.
National Championships and Team KAS Results
Competition in karate is not just about medals; it is about growth, resilience, and continuous improvement. In Goju-Ryu karate, we never lose, we win, or we learn. Every time you step onto the mat, you gain experience, build confidence, and become stronger beyond the result.
It takes real courage to compete in karate. Standing in front of judges, facing an opponent, and performing under pressure is something to be proud of, no matter the outcome.
Congratulations to every competitor who stepped onto the mat at the JKF GojuKai Australia National Championships 2026. Medal or not, you represented your dojo with heart, discipline, and respect. That is what defines true martial artists.
Karate Academy Sydney had 40 competitors across 39 divisions and achieved 40 medals, a powerful result that reflects the strength, spirit, and dedication of the team.
🏆 Medal Results – JKF GojuKai National Championships
2026
🥇 Gold – 8 Medals
🥇 Sienna Pagaimo – Girls 16 and 17 years Kata
🥇 Lily Siwek – Girls 8 and 9 years Kumite
🥇 Alexandra Kontoleon – Girls 10 and 11 years Kumite
🥇 Bastian Astudillo – Boys 16 and 17 years Kumite
🥇 Luka Zivkov – Male under 65kg Kumite
🥇 Georgie Crisafis – Female over 55kg non-black belts Kumite
🥇 Sabrina Vetrisano – Female Open Kumite
🥇 Alex Vetrisano – Male Open Kumite over 75kg
🥈 Silver – 12 Medals
🥈 Ziggy Mansour – Boys 8 and 9 years Kata
🥈 Sienna Siwek – Girls 8 and 9 years Kata
🥈 Nate Anastasovski – Boys 14 and 15 years Kata
🥈 Bastian Astudillo – Boys 16 and 17 years Kata
🥈 Georgie Crisafis – Female Open Kata
🥈 Evelyn Dang – Girls 14 and 15 years Kata
🥈 Theo Karvouniaris – Male Open Kata🥈 Maria Kontoleon – Girls 12 and 13 years Kumite
🥈 Victoria Kontoleon – Girls 16 and 17 years Kumite
🥈 Victoria Chan – Female over 55kg non-black belts Kumite
🥈 Gary Smith – Male Open non-black belts Kumite
🥈 Chris Vetrisano – Male Open Kumite over 75kg
🥉 Bronze – 20 Medals
🥉 Minh Nguyen – Mixed 7 years and under Kata
🥉 Lily Siwek – Girls 8 and 9 years Kata
🥉 Mitchell Hunt – Boys 10 and 11 years Kata
🥉 Maria Kontoleon – Girls 12 and 13 years Kata
🥉 Patterson Dang – Boys 12 and 13 years Kata
🥉 Kateryna Dorosh – Girls 14 and 15 years Kata
🥉 Victoria Kontoleon – Girls 16 and 17 years Kata
🥉 Monique Fatseas – Female Open Kata black belts
🥉 Michael Mikulicin – Male Open Kata
🥉 Alex Vetrisano – Male Open Kata black belts
🥉 Veronica Chemaly – Mixed 7 years and under Kumite
🥉 Minh Nguyen – Mixed 7 years and under Kumite
🥉 Sienna Siwek – Girls 8 and 9 years Kumite
🥉 Ziggy Mansour – Boys 8 and 9 years Kumite
🥉 Mitchell Hunt – Boys 10 and 11 years Kumite
🥉 Saba Mardani – Girls 10 and 11 years Kumite
🥉 John Atsas – Boys 12 and 13 years Kumite
🥉 Kateryna Dorosh – Girls 14 and 15 years Kumite
🥉 Sienna Pagaimo – Girls 16 and 17 years Kumite
🥉 Theo Karvouniaris – Veterans Male over 40 Kumite
This event highlighted the strength of JKF GojuKai karate in Australia. High-level instruction, strong competition, and a united community. A weekend that pushes everyone forward.
See you all next year in SYDNEY!
