Karate Legend Retires

Gojuryu karate grand master Goshi Yamaguchi has retired after 40 years of teaching the martial art at the Club.

The third son of Gogen Yamaguchi, the founder of the International Karatedo Gojukai Association (IKGA), Yamaguchi, 73, began practicing karate at the age of 8 and has been teaching it for more than 50 years. He has mentored students in over 40 countries.

Member Greg Story and his son, Riki, studied under Yamaguchi at the Club. The Australian, who has practiced karate for 46 years, described Yamaguchi as "the epitome of humility."
 
"He is also one of the most patient of karate teachers," Story said. "Teaching children is a challenge, yet he took such care with each student. He always focused on the good points of the students, not the bad points, and encouraged them to improve."  

The Gojuryu karate program will be taught by Anthony Palumbo, who formerly assisted Yamaguchi.