Heiko Ryu Goju Karate Glen Waverley and Keysborough

At Heiko-Ryu Karate Dojos, The principal instructor is Paul Tomassini Sensei (henceforth “the Sensei”). The style or system taught is based on Goju-Ryu Karate-Do, specially based on Goju-Jundokan template (KenKyuKai), though some members of the Dojo are transitioning from Goju-Kensha template under his guidance.The Sensei holds significant dan ratings on Goju-Kensha, KenKyuKai and Koryu Uchinadi systems. He is also an avid researcher into White/Singing/Whooping Crane Kung-Fu and MonkFist QuanFa forms and systems which are deemed to be precursor forms to GojuRyu. He regularly travels to Japan, Okinawa and China in order to further his understanding of the GojuRyu and these systems.Goju Ryu style is one of the mainstream Karate-Do styles in existence today. Goju ryu is self-defense or unarmed combat-system originating from Ryukyu Islands, now Okinawa, in Japan. This style’s founder is Miyagi Chojun Sensei (d.1953) who blended indigenous Okinawan martial arts (Te) and his sensei’s, Higashionna Kanryo’s (d.1915) system (Naha-Te) into a unique system and coherent combination of techniques.The basic goal of Goju-Ryu Karate is self-defense. It is primarily a stand-up form that teaches practitioners how to block strikes by using soft, yielding and angled responses, and then counter-attack them with powerful hand and leg strikes.In training sessions, Tomassini Sensei puts emphasis on both Kata and Bunkai as these are circular, self-feeding techniques to deliver effective teaching and positive learning outcomes for the Dojo members. Training focuses on Goju-Ryu specific warm-ups and stretching, strong emphasis on basics, kata and self defence applications drawn from kata practice. Dojo members in adult class, are from all walks of life, age and gender groups, with varying degree of fitness; from teenagers to middle aged students and beyond. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, non-judgmental and respectful to each other.The Sensei has various locations throughout Melbourne for the junior classes but only one adult class located in Glen Waverley Dojo. My two children attended and progressed through the Sensei’s junior class and curriculum. As a parent I can attest improvement in their self-esteem and self-worth through the years. The Sensei also helped them and all junior students, by way of an example and exposition, cultivating character traits that are desired most; applying honest and sustained effort towards a goal, persistence despite adversity and failure, controlling negative behaviours and thoughts, detaching from outcome or reward based actions, focusing on the process which results flow through eventually.The Sensei also runs Kobudo (Okinawan Weaponry; Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Tambo), defense against knife attacks, women’s self-defence chapters or classes alongside of the main GojuRyu curriculum. Sensei puts strong emphasis on injury-free training, thus students are warned on techniques that has that potential, are advised to deliver the techniques with caution and with as minimal contact to the Uke as possible.The Sensei’s Karate experience spans almost 5 decades, one would be hard pressed to find anyone with such deep experience in any profession,. He has detailed, extensive, even encyclopaedic knowledge on Goju-Ryu and Naha/Shuri/Tomari-Te styles. Yet, I personally find that his teaching ability and standards are even more impressive. His commitment to his art, his students is absolute. His deconstruction of the movements, exposition of the intent and logic of any given kata or bunkai components and re-assembling back to together into single flow-drill is simply outstanding and helped us immensely during our training. He also provides constant feedback which is necessary to learn forms correctly, and adjust any deviation from the required standard. I sometimes wonder if some of our teachers would have the same standards and commitment as his, what we could have become, as an individual and as a society.I highly recommend Heiko Ryu Karate.

My three children learn karate under Sensei Paul Tomassini at Heiko Ryu. They thoroughly enjoy the experience. Sensei Paul brings knowledge, experience and his expertise to the dojo. Most importantly however, he brings humour to the lessons. It has been an absolute delight to watch the children progress while having so much fun.

Amazing instructor very happy with Heiko Ryu Goju Karate kids have been attending for ovet 4 years now. All positive, highly recomended.

Paul Tomassini is a very knowledgeable Karate instructor who has over 40 years experience, it really shows. He is wonderful with kids and adults. Highly recommended for beginners and advanced practitioners

Good Instructor that has a lot of knowledge regarding Martial Arts and is also a very nice person. Highly regarded in the Martial.Arts community.

Very experienced instructor in Keysborough and Glen Waverley, really recommend Paul for kids and adult Karate tuition

Fantastic vibrant karate Club. Sensei Paul provides enthusiastic and energetic classes to both children and Adults. With fifty years experience behind him in teaching traditional karate there is none better or knowledgeable to begin your journey.

The kids love their training at Heiko Ryu Goju Karate. Their confidence, focus and fitness has dramatically improved and they have fun as well. Thanks Sensei Paul!