About us
Located on Level 1 at the 'Laurimar Town Centre', Office 108, 95 Hazel Glen Drive Doreen, Victoria, Northern Goju Karate offers coaching, tuition and education to students of all ages (from the age of 6 through adult) in traditional 'Goju' fashion with modern-day influences.
Our aim is to continually help students progress effectively through their karate journey in an enjoyable atmosphere, whilst offering excellent knowledge in self-defence strategies and techniques, and to motivate our students to aspire to greater accomplishments.
Northern Goju Karate prides itself on giving our students the best possible training in a friendly and caring environment.
Our Instructors
Kyoshi
Adrian
Delia
Kyoshi Adrian Delia is a Martial Arts Instructor and therapist based in Melbourne, Australia. He is the Chief Instructor of Northern Goju Karate and is a fully qualified 6th Dan (Rokudan) Black Belt Karate Instructor with 37+ years of Goju Karate experience and 33+ years of teaching experience. Kyoshi Adrian is an NCAS Level 1 Coach (Nationally Recognised Coach) and has his Level 2 First Aid. He is also recognised as a certified coach by the MAIA (Martial Arts Industry Australia) and is certified by Coach Check.
Kyoshi Adrian is praised for his high level of motivational, communication, and technical skills in 'Karate', 'Arnis', and 'Ground Awareness', whilst creating a fun and exciting class environment for all to enjoy.
Kyoshi Adrian has instructed many students to the prestigious Black Belt grade, and higher levels, and has also trained many State and National Champions.
He also collaborates with a clinical therapist to provide Martial Arts Therapy and Counselling services to clients who need help with stress, anxiety, anger, and other issues, and can offer services and assistance to those on NDIS as an NDIS Sports Therapist.
Kyoshi Adrian aims to pass on his karate knowledge and to continually help students progress effectively through their karate journey in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere, whilst offering excellent knowledge in self-defence strategies and techniques, and to motivate our students to aspire to greater accomplishments in both karate and in their everyday lives.
Sensei
Justin Gillivour
Sensei Justin Gillivour is a 3rd Dan Black Belt (Sandan) Instructor at Northern Goju Karate and is a perfect example of what karate can offer to anyone who is willing to work hard.
Sensei Justin started his Karate journey under Kyoshi Adrian's tutelage when he was 8 years old and was faced with a physical disadvantage (dwarfism), but with hard work, dedication, perseverance, and a focus on what he needed to do to defend himself, Sensei Justin excelled in all aspects of training.
Sensei Justin has a great understanding of Goju Techniques and has great communication skills and patience. Sensei Justin is also a Secondary School teacher, hence his knowledge in passing on skills and knowledge and his communication skills are amazing. All who have trained under/with Sensei Justin appreciate all he has to offer.
In the later part of 2020 Sempai Justin should have had the opportunity to attempt his 3rd Dan, but due to COVID interruptions and the legislated VIC lockdowns, his grading was postponed till July of 2021. This in itself was a testament to his perseverance and resilience and Sensei Justin did not disappoint the Grading Panel and performed impeccably at his grading. Kyoshi Paul Ceberano and Kyoshi Adrina Delia were both on the Grading Panel and can attest to the skills demonstrated by Sensei Justin.
Sempai Justin Gillivour is a true testament to being able to achieve anything if you work hard enough at it, and all who train with and under him appreciate and recognise it too!
Sensei
Darren McMurray
Sensei Darren McMurray is a Sandan 3rd Dan Black Belt and has been with Northern Goju Karate for many years, but his history and understanding of Goju are much greater.
Sempai Darren was a 3rd Dan Black Belt under Kyoshi Tino Ceberano's tutelage many years back. When he entered our dojo, Darren was humble enough to recognise that he was not at the fitness and agility requirements that he was at many years before. He requested that he start from his White Belt again, and retook his journey with NGK under Kyoshi Adrian's direction and tutelage. Sempai Darren trained religiously, put the effort in, and Graded to 4th Kyu, then to his Black Belt, and then continued to progress towards his current rank.
His knowledge, understanding, explanation, and communication skills are admired by all who teach alongside him and train under him, and he is a valuable member of our dojo.
Sempai Darren is always willing to assist at Gradings and be on the Grading Panel, and we thank him for his time in doing so also.
Sempai Richard
Duff
Sempai Richard Duff is a Nidan (2nd Dan) Black Belt Instructor and has been assisting with Junior and Senior Classes since the beginning of 2017, alongside his training.
Sempai Richard studied Martial Arts (Karate) when he was younger and returned to Karate training in his adulthood. Whilst he had some skills already, Sempai Richard was open to learning and relearning, and has improved and honed his skills as a practitioner and as an instructor, and is a great asset to the dojo.
Sempai Richard received his Black Belt at the end of 2018 and in 2020, Sempai Richard should have had the opportunity to grade to his 1st Dan (Sandan). Due to the legislated 2020 VIC COVID lockdowns, it was not possible. The Grading was rescheduled in May 2021 and then rescheduled again in July 2021 when it actually took place.
Sempai Richard was an exemplary student at the Grading and displayed his skills for all to witness. Kyoshi Paul Ceberano was present at that grading and was extremely impressed with Richard, and other students present on that day.
Sempai Richard is a great instructor with remarkable form and ability and is always a pleasure to have at the dojo. His instruction, motivational skills, communication skills, and his enthusiasm toward training and helping others are truly admired and respected. We are so proud to have him as one of our instructors and karate-ka.
In mid-2023, Sensei Richard Graded to his 2nd Dan (Nidan), and from time to time, he has been referred to as Sensei in lieu of Sempai due to his amazing teaching skills.
Sempai Marc Nuzzolese
Sempai Marc Nuzzolese is a Nidan (2nd Dan) Black Belt Instructor and has been assisting with classes from early 2020.
Sempai Mark studied Kyokushin many years ago, and in his adulthood, in early 2015, he took up Goju tutelage at Northern Goju Karate restarting at his White Belt. Sempai Marc had (and has) a huge passion for Kata, Kihon, and Kumite, and has amazing form and strength through all aspects of his karate training, performance, and endeavors. Over the past years, he has developed and grown into a great Goju karate-ka. Sempai Mark has competed and shown his skills obtained at tournaments with great success also.
Sempai Marc received his Black Belt at the end of 2018 and was/is pursuant of higher grades. In 2020, Sempai Mark should have had the opportunity to grade to his 1st Dan but due to the legislated 2020 VIC COVID lockdowns, it was not possible, and occurred in July 2021.
In mid-2023, Marc achieved his Nidan (2nd Dan).
Sempai Marc regularly assists with our Senior Classes (on Tuesday and Thursday nights) during the week, and has a great passion and energy at the dojo.
Northern Goju Karate is grateful to have him assisting /teaching and belonging to the Dojo.
Sempai Stephen West
Sempai Stephen West is a Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt Instructor and Karate-Ka and is the longest-serving member since we opened our doors on August 23, 2012.
Sempai Steven graded to his 1st Dan on August 7, 2022 and has always appreciated the journey of a Karate-Ka and never raced to get to a belt or Grading, embracing the journey.
Sempai Stephen endeavors to continue to train and teach and reach greater ranks and achievements through his time as a Karate-Ka.
Sempai Stephen's work commitments have always been a part of his availability to train and attend classes, but his dedication has seen him work through and around his hectic work schedule to ensure he continues to turn up, and this is testament to his dedication to the dojo.
Sempai Stephen is known to have bones of titanium (a joke amongst his peers), but all who have sparred with him know it.
In 2024, Stephen has been able to free up some additional time from his work commitments, and we are seeing him in attendance almost religiously, and has even been helping/assisting with classes on a more regular basis.
Sempai Stephen brings a level of respect, dedication, honour, and hard work to every class he attends.
Sempai Tash & Kim Pagniello
Sempai Natasha (Tash) Pagniello and Sempai Kimberly (Kim) Pagniello, sisters, are both Shodan (1st Dan) Black Belt students at Northern Goju Karate, and whilst their initial Goju teachings didn't begin at Northern Goju Karate, they have embraced our Dojo/Club as their own.
Both Natasha and Kimberly originally started their journey with Kyoshi Adrian's Sensei, Sensei Terry Carberry from 2011, and when the Vic COVID Lockdowns occurred, affecting many Small and Medium Businesses, Natasha and Kimberly sought Northern Goju Karate and began training with us. They both came to Northern Goju Karate as Shodan-Ho's (Black Belts), and we endeavoured to get them both to their next rank.
In August of 2022, Both Sempai Natasha and Sempai Kimberly had the opportunity to grade and they both put in a great effort to achieve their Shodan (1st Dan).
It is an honour to have these practitioners in our dojo, as part of our team.
Sempai Kim amd Sempai Tash assist with Gradings when requested and their input/feedback at the gradings is always appreciated.
Sempai Kim also assisted with the St. Josephs Catholic Primary School Mernda Karate Program through 2023 and 2024.
Both Kim and Tash also assist with adjudicating (refereeing & judging) at the GKK competitions we (Northern Goju Karate) attend and are fantastic and amazing.
Sempai Kim is a huge Kata competitor also, and possibly has the sharpest Kata in our dojo, competing at GKK, VKL, and AKF competitions. Kim is a GKK State Champion and those fortunate enough to see her compete can testify to her Kata standard.
In mid-2025, we expect to see them both Grade again and anxiously await their further progress.
Sempai Elizabeth Detsik
Sempai Elizabeth (Liz) Detsik is a Shodan-Ho Black Belt and assists with Junior Classes typically on Mondays, and Tuesdays, and if given the opportunity would be assisting at every class.
Sempai Elizabeth always was and is an amazing student and throughout her journey was utilized to demonstrate what was expected from students. There are vivid memories/recollections where we utilised Elizabeth to display the requirements and criteria we need to see in sparring with her group/class/peers and setting a benchmark example to others of what was expected when Elizabeth was just an 8th Kyu.
Elizabeth has always practiced and excelled as a karate-ka and is enthusiastic and motivated to assist others to improve themselves.
In the later part of 2020, Sempai Elizabeth should have attempted her Black Belt Grade. Due to the legislated 2020 VIC COVID lockdowns, it was not possible and occurred in March of 2021 instead.
Sempai Elizabeth has become a very valuable part of our team, and we look forward to seeing her further develop in her role as an instructor and coach at Northern Goju Karate.
Sempai Elizabeth has also developed and refined her coaching and her adjudicating (refereeing and judging) at competitions/tournaments and is a huge asset.
Sempai Zoe
Delia
Sempai Zoe Delia is a Shodan-Ho Black Belt and assists with Junior Classes typically on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Sempai Zoe has embraced her training and commitment to training and self-improvement.
Zoe has a very outgoing and independent nature, whilst being very caring for others.
Zoe has always given her best in classes and excelled in both in-house competitions (Best Mawashi Geri, Best Shikodachi) and in NAS (National All Styles) and GKK (Goju Karate Konpe) competitions.
For the longest part of our dojo's existence, Zoe held the longest record in the dojo for staying in Shicodachi as part of our in-house competitions, and this is no small feat.
Zoe, with her competitive nature holds State and National Titles, and she is an inspiration to many at the dojo.
Zoe is very respected by students of the dojo and has a good connection with numerous parents too, and is always happy to spark a conversation with people.
Zoe should be attempting her Senior Shodan-Ho mid-2025.
Sempai Zoe is a very valuable part of our team, and we look forward to seeing her further develop in her role as an instructor and coach at Northern Goju Karate.
Sempai
Amber
Delia
Sempai Amber Delia is a Shodan-Ho Black Belt and assists with Junior Classes typically on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Sempai Amber is a remarkable Kata practitioner, embracing her training and acquired knowledge. Her depth of knowledge and understanding of requirements in Kata and Kihon allowed her to develop remarkable Kyogi, presented at her previous grading, and we look forward to what she will present at her next upcoming Grading (should be attempting mid-2025.)
Amber has also taken on a large part of the administrative tasks at the dojo and has proven time and time again to be a humongous helper/keeper of the dojo.
Amber is always ready to assist anyone who requires additional assistance in class. Whilst taking a whole group, she truly excels at assisting/teaching with one-on-one or smaller groups of students.
Similar to her sister, Amber has done extremely well in competitions (NAS and the GKK) and holds State and National Titles.
Amber has a strong preference for Kata over Kumite, whilst still holding her own in Kumite and winning numerous bouts and competitions.
Amber is very methodical in her approach to everything and puts 150% effort into all tasks assigned to her, and it is a characteristic that makes her greatly respected.
Sempai Amber is a very valuable part of our team, and we look forward to seeing her further develop in her role as an instructor and coach at Northern Goju Karate.