Goju Ryu
Karate Centre
Traditional Karate in Roodepoort (Florida Hills)
The Benefits of Karate For Kids and Teens
You're here as a parent because you already know that karate is good for kids. We specialise in making kids bullyproof, giving them confidence, and helping them get stronger.
And if you're worried your kid is too ADHD? Don't worry - we're a neurodiverse dojo (after all, both instructors are ADHD). Worried about your child's fitness levels? They don't have to be fit to start, because making them fitter is our job.
And yes: all of the above and below applies to your teenager as well.
We can go on about all the benefits (and so we will:)
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The development of strength, power and agility
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Discipline
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Self-confidence
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Meaningful self-defence
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Anti-bullying strategies
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Attention to detail
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Soft skills, such as conscientiousness, punctuality and teamwork
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Learning to love and enjoy exercise
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Patience
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Kindness and responsibility
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Coachability and growth
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Respect and humility
Come try 4 free classes, and see our dojo spirit at work! These trials are your opportunity as a parent to get to know us as instructors, and to ensure that your child is happy in our dojo.
Full-time membership per month (2-3 classes per week)
1 member: R570
2 members: R980 (R490 each)
3 members: R1420 (R473 each)
4 members: R1770 (R442 each)
Part-Time Membership (1 class per week)
1 member: R360
2 members: R670 (R335 each)
3 members: R970 (R323 each)
4 members: R1160 (R315 each)
Class times:
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Beginners age 5 - 8: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm - 4:45p
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Beginners aged 9 to 13: Mondays and Wednesdays from 4pm to 4:50pm, and Saturdays 9:15am - 10:15am
Joining this dojo was easily the best decision I could have made for my kids. Sensei Ché and Zoë have the biggest hearts, and their passion for teaching shines through in everything they do. From day one, they’ve gone out of their way to make us feel like family. I can see the fruits of their hard work and dedication in the way my kid’s confidence and discipline have grown. We feel so incredibly blessed to be part of this amazing community!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are classes grouped?
Students are sorted first by age, and then belt. We try to keep children with their peers, and if the age gap falls within range, with siblings as well. Where appropriate, we may move beginners up or down an age group depending on their ability and maturity, and always in consultation with parents.
Q: Can I watch my child(ren) train?
A: Of course! We love when parents take the time to watch their children train, and thus be able to support their journey fully. However, we also know that you have many demands on your time, so older children can be dropped at the dojo, and collected after class.
Q: Do we need to buy the suit right away?
A: Not at all. For trial classes, children can wear comfy clothes they can move in. We recommend track pants and t-shirts. If you want to see a month of commitment from your child before you buy a gi (the training suit), you have our full support. If you want to get one right away so your child can fit in and feel more comfortable, then we do have stock on hand.
Q: What makes GRKC different from sport karate schools on the West Rand?
A: Unlike sports-focused martial arts schools, GRKC is a strictly non-competitive, traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu dojo focused on personal growth, self-defense, and building resilience. Our classes are led by highly qualified instructors, including Sensei Ché Jagger (6th Dan) and Sensei Zoë Jagger-Hinis, providing a safe, structured, and family-oriented environment.
Q: Are your kids' martial arts classes suitable for children with neurodivergent needs?
A: Yes, Goju-Ryu Karate Centre is highly inclusive and welcomes children of all abilities, backgrounds, and neurodivergent needs (such as ADHD and autism). Our teaching focuses on individual progress, motor skill development, and confidence building, rather than the high pressure of competition.
Q:I have little ones I'd like to start in karate, but I'm worried about injuries. Is karate safe?
We take our work as instructors seriously, and work hard to manage all reasonable risk in the dojo. We are fully insured (though we haven't had to use our liability insurance) and we ensure that students work safely and respectfully when sparring. It is safer for kids to learn to fight in the controlled environment of the dojo, than on the school playground. Bumps and bruises are inevitable, but we work on helping our students become tough (without becoming hard.)
We are also especially cognizant of head injuries, and do not allow contact to the head when sparring.
Q: How do I book a trial class at Goju-Ryu Karate Centre?
A: You can experience our dojo completely risk-free by claiming our 4 Free Classes trial offer. Simply click the "Book Your Free Trial" button below, or contact our dojo administrator directly to reserve a spot for your child using the Whatsapp button in the corner.
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