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Book Your Free TrialDive into the world of Karate with our blog. Training tips, event recaps, and community stories.
Join Palm Court Karate and become part of our story
Book Your Free TrialMario Sequeira
15 December 2025 • 4 min read
You may have noticed the patch adorning our Gi or heard us reference the acronym "OGKK." But what does it signify, and why should it matter to you as a student?
OGKK stands for the Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karatedo Kyokai.
It is one of the most prestigious Karate organisations in the world, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan. It was established by the direct students of Goju-Ryu's founder, Chojun Miyagi, to preserve his teachings in their purest, most authentic form.
In an unregulated industry, anyone can purchase a black belt online and establish a school. At Palm Court Karate, however, our affiliation with the OGKK guarantees:
Standardisation: The Kata you learn in Roodepoort is identical to the Kata practised in Tokyo, London, or Los Angeles. The technical standards are universal.
Global Recognition: Your rank carries international recognition. A Black Belt from an OGKK-affiliated dojo commands respect worldwide.
Privileged Access: Our students have opportunities to attend international seminars and train alongside the world's highest-ranking masters.
When you train with us, you aren't simply joining a club in Constantia Kloof; you are joining a global family that spans continents and generations.
This connection to our roots in Okinawa is what distinguishes traditional Goju-Ryu from generic "karate" training.