Here at Norton Dojo we practice Goju-Ryu,an original style of Okinawan karate,for those who wish to acheive fitness,self protection,improved confidence,flexibility or respite from workaday stress.All these can be found inside the Art of Goju-Ryu. Goju-Ryu can be practised by anyone,regardless of build, gender,age or athletic ability,no previous proficiency in sport is required. What is required however,is commitment and a desire to progress, without these two ingredients you are merely dabbling. Whatever your physical condition the exercises and training are scaled to introduce you methodically to this fascinating Art. The combat techniques are close range and designed to be over quickly.The training regime uses original,traditional time-tested Goju-Ryu methods.Norton Dojo is a member of the E.G.K.A. which is affiliated to the I.O.G.K.F. These organisations are run on a not-for-profit basis and exist solely to promote and spread Goju-Ryu Karate.

Goju-Ryu is one of the most dynamic of Martial Arts.The trained Karate practitioner (karateka) is able to co-ordinate their mind and body enabling them to unleash tremendous power at will. It's not strength that makes for good self protection, rather the ability to co-ordinate the body to move and strike with accuracy at the right time, so, a small person can deliver a devastating blow to an attacker. Even one of the many "blocks" against a punch, kick, grab or strike, when used with timing, accuracy and technique can inflict a severe injury. Like all original Okinawan karate, Goju-Ryu was never intended for military use,or for one trained martial artist to fight another in a skilled exchange.It was,however,very effective as a civilian defence system against untrained armed attackers. Which is the reason why karate was devised in the first place.