Victoria University – Wellington
Club Location
Recreation Centre
Kelburn Campus
Victoria University
Wellington
CLICK HERE to view a map of the Kelburn campus.
Club Contact Details
Name: Jennifer Sigley
Phone: (027) 422-6119
Email Address: VUWkarate@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook
Club Training Times
Trimester 1 & 2
Sundays: 4:00 – 5:30pm Dance Room
Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30pm Dance Room
Trimester 3 (Summer hours)
Sundays: 4:00 – 5:30pm Dance Room
Thursdays: 6:15 – 7:45pm Dance Room
Club History
Started in February 1975 by founding members Leo Donnelly, Paul White and Chris O’Conner. Leo was the main instructor for many years until being succeeded by Joe Tait in 1989 and then David Croxford in the early 1990’s. The club’s main instructor is now Sensei Jennifer Sigley.
The club is a member of the Traditional Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Federation New Zealand (TOGKFNZ), which is affiliated to TOGKF, Okinawa, Japan.
The club is also registered to Victoria University of Wellington.
Club Instructors
Sensei Jennifer Sigley, Godan (5th Dan)
Sensei Jennifer Sigley has trained in Goju Ryu since 1997, attaining her Godan (5th Dan) rank under Higaonna Sensei in Okinawa. She is also studying Ryukyu Kobudo (Okinawan weapons training), holding the rank of Godan (5th Dan), and has some experience in Close Quarter Combat.
Additional Club Information
The Victoria University Goju-Ryu Karate Club offers instruction in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, as taught in the Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Do Federation (TOGKF). Goju Ryu is considered a traditional karate style because it can trace its lineage straight back to the founder, Chojun Miyagi Sensei. Organisations such as the TOGKF are dedicated to preserving the art in its original form as handed down by the founder.
Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate emphasises a wide range of karate techniques appropriate to all levels of training. The Traditional framework within which the training is placed provides an environment that cultivates personal strengths. Sessions include strength and fitness exercises, basic karate techniques, pad work, self defense applications, sparring and kata.
Anyone interested in finding out what Goju-Ryu Karate is about is encouraged to attend a training session. You may watch or (much preferred!) join in. Introduce yourself to any of the members, and he or she will direct you to the session instructor. Wear comfortable (light and loose-fitting) clothing, but no shoes or socks.