A local Shepparton karate school is now a member of a world-renowned organisation following its acceptance this month.
The Goju Ryu Genku Kai, which trains at the Kialla Karate Dojo, has been accepted to be a full member in the Okinawa Karate Goju Kai organisation, becoming one of the first international clubs to do so.
But the acceptance of the Shepparton Goju school could only be made possible by the exploits of its founder and chief instructor.
Less then two weeks ago, head instructor and founder of Goju Ryu Genku Kai, Greg Olver Sensei, travelled to the birthplace of karate to be graded by the Okinawa Karate Goju Kai.
Made up of 12 Goju Ryu schools and sensei's, the Okinawa Karate Goju Kai is a prestigious organisation for many Goju students and schools across the world.
All of these international schools are affiliated with the Okinawa Karate Goju Kai, however, after Olver passed his grading, Shepparton's Goju Ryu Genku Kai is now a full member of the Okinawa Karate Goju Kai organisation.
“It's a very special feeling,” Olver, 59, said.
“We've been able to achieve a lot since we first started out (two years ago), many clubs go a long time without having as much success.
“It's so unbelievable and amazing that this happened to our little karate school.
“We've been very fortunate.”
Olver, who first started training Goju karate in 1982, has many accomplishments to his name.
He is an Australian Open karate champion, a two-time bronze medallist at the national state karate championships a gold medallist at the Funakoshi International karate championships and countless more.
But his most recent feat is sure to be remembered for many years to come.
On November 10, Olver was graded by a panel consisted of seven Okinawa Karate Goju Kai Sensei's, with three of the sensei's rated 10th Dan - the highest rank in karate.
“I was graded by seven sensei's and for me to pass, is an incredible feeling,” Olver said.
“I'm the first international sensei to be graded by the Okinawa Karate Goju Kai.
“It hasn't happened before, so it's a great honour and a proud feeling.”