Sensei Simon Golland - UK Chief Instructor
Simon started Goju Ryu training in 1990, having previously studied a variety of different styles such as Shotokan, Jujitsu and traditional weapons. He first discovered Goju Ryu Karate at Greystones Karate Club (Britain's oldest Goju Ryu Karate Club), home to Senseis such as Steve Bellamy, Graham Ravey, Steve Legden, Gavin Hall and Mick Warrington to name a few. He has trained in Goju Ryu ever since, believing it is a complete system. In 2001 Simon opened his own Goju Ryu Dojo in Sheffield, England.
In the absence of Sensei Ravey who was then living in Australia, Simon sought guidance and teachings from Sensei George Andrews (OTGKA), and the IOGKF so as to not become stale as some instructors can do. Continually developing his skills Simon has received instruction from renowned martials artists such as Morio Higaonna Sensei, Terauchi Sensei and Nakamura Sensei of IOGKF, George Andrews Sensei (OTGKA/IOGKF), and Sifu Martin Paul Watts (White Crane Kung Fu). In 2006 he competed in the ‘IOGKF World Championships, Canada’, as a member of the OTGKA England squad.
In 2005 when Sensei Graham Ravey returned to England, Simon continued his training with him. In 2009, after passing his 4th dan grading Sensei Simon was appointed position of TOGKA - UK Chief Instructor. In 2010 Sensei Graham Ravey "passed the batton" of the TOGKA over Simon to continue to promote and grow the association.
Simon often attends seminars where he trains with people such as Chuck Liddel (UFC), Royce Gracie (Brazilian Jujitsu), Albert Timen/Craig Welsh (KAPAP). He has also conducted seminars in self defence, traditional Goju Ryu and general fitness workshops.
He is a qualified Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist who has worked for well known companies such as Fitness First and LAPT, but currently operates independently.
Sensei Simon continues to train with and learn from Sensei Ravey. He also studies Brazilian Jujitsu, KAPAP, Kickboxing and Boxing on a weekly basis, adapting these techniques to his Goju training. As Sensei Ravey would describe it - 'Adding his own flavour to the yoghurt'.
In the absence of Sensei Ravey who was then living in Australia, Simon sought guidance and teachings from Sensei George Andrews (OTGKA), and the IOGKF so as to not become stale as some instructors can do. Continually developing his skills Simon has received instruction from renowned martials artists such as Morio Higaonna Sensei, Terauchi Sensei and Nakamura Sensei of IOGKF, George Andrews Sensei (OTGKA/IOGKF), and Sifu Martin Paul Watts (White Crane Kung Fu). In 2006 he competed in the ‘IOGKF World Championships, Canada’, as a member of the OTGKA England squad.
In 2005 when Sensei Graham Ravey returned to England, Simon continued his training with him. In 2009, after passing his 4th dan grading Sensei Simon was appointed position of TOGKA - UK Chief Instructor. In 2010 Sensei Graham Ravey "passed the batton" of the TOGKA over Simon to continue to promote and grow the association.
Simon often attends seminars where he trains with people such as Chuck Liddel (UFC), Royce Gracie (Brazilian Jujitsu), Albert Timen/Craig Welsh (KAPAP). He has also conducted seminars in self defence, traditional Goju Ryu and general fitness workshops.
He is a qualified Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist who has worked for well known companies such as Fitness First and LAPT, but currently operates independently.
Sensei Simon continues to train with and learn from Sensei Ravey. He also studies Brazilian Jujitsu, KAPAP, Kickboxing and Boxing on a weekly basis, adapting these techniques to his Goju training. As Sensei Ravey would describe it - 'Adding his own flavour to the yoghurt'.
