BUILD CONFIDENCE.
SHOW RESPECT.
NEVER GIVE UP.
Develop discipline, fitness and confidence through the practice of traditional JKA Shotokan Karate. Welcoming children and families in Gordonvale and the Cairns region.
Enquire About ClassesMore than martial arts.
At JKA Cairns Karate Academy, students learn traditional karate in a positive and supportive environment. Training helps develop strong foundations in technique while encouraging respect, perseverance and self-belief.
Whether your child is taking their first steps in martial arts or your family wants to learn together, our classes focus on steady progress, good character and enjoying the journey.
The way of the empty hand
Karate is a lifelong journey of learning. We aim to help every student grow in skill, confidence and character — one class at a time.
Strong foundations
Learn the basic stances, blocks, punches and kicks with correct technique.
Focus and discipline
Practise traditional sequences that develop balance, coordination and concentration.
Confidence and control
Build timing, awareness and control through structured partner practice.
Traditional JKA training.
Our training introduces students to the key elements of Shotokan karate, building skills step by step with attention to technique, control and respect.
Basic techniques
Stances, blocks, punches, strikes and kicks. Students develop strong fundamentals, balance and correct movement.
Forms and sequences
Traditional patterns of movement that develop focus, coordination, posture, rhythm and understanding of technique.
Partner practice
Structured partner exercises that introduce distance, timing, awareness and controlled application of techniques.
Respect and discipline
Students learn dojo manners, listening skills, courtesy and respect for instructors and training partners.
Confidence and perseverance
Regular practice encourages patience, self-belief, resilience and a positive attitude to learning.
Movement and coordination
Training supports general fitness, flexibility, coordination and body awareness appropriate to each student.
Grades, belts & grading syllabus.
JKA follows a structured Kyu and Dan grading system. Students begin as beginners and progress through Kyu grades towards the black belt Dan grades. Each assessment considers the student's technique, kata, kumite, understanding and readiness for the next level.
Kyu grading syllabus
Select a grade below to see an outline of the JKA syllabus. Kihon means basics, Kata means formal patterns, and Kumite means partner practice.
10th Kyu · White Belt
KIHON
Stationary basics in Hachiji-dachi:
- Chuudan Chokuzuki
- Joudan Ageuke
- Chuudan Sotouke
- Mae-geri (Heisoku-dachi, gedan kakiwake)
Introduction to basic commands and correct form.
9th Kyu · Yellow Belt / White Stripe
KIHON
Stationary basics, moving between Shizen-tai and Zenkutsu-dachi:
- Chuudan Junzuki
- Joudan Ageuke
- Chuudan Sotouke
- Kokutsu Shutou-uke
- Mae-geri (Heisoku-dachi, gedan kakiwake)
8th Kyu · Yellow Belt
KIHON · IDOU KIHON
Moving basics including Junzuki, Ageuke, Sotouke, Gedan-barai, Kokutsu Shutou-uke and Mae-geri.
KATA
Taikyoku Shodan
KUMITE
Gohon Kumite – Joudan Junzuki and Chuudan Junzuki.
7th Kyu · Orange Belt
KIHON · IDOU KIHON
Moving basics including Junzuki, Ageuke, Sotouke, Uchiuke, Kokutsu Shutou-uke, Mae-geri, Yokogeri Keage and Yokogeri Kekomi.
KATA
Heian Shodan
KUMITE
Gohon Kumite.
6th Kyu · Green Belt
KIHON · IDOU KIHON
Developing moving basics, blocks and kicks, including Yokogeri Keage and Yokogeri Kekomi in Kiba-dachi.
KATA
Heian Nidan
KUMITE
Kihon Ippon Kumite – Joudan Junzuki and Chuudan Junzuki, right and left.
5th Kyu · Blue Belt
KIHON · IDOU KIHON
Moving basics with Gyakuzuki combinations, blocks, Mae-geri and side kicks.
KATA
Heian Sandan
KUMITE
Kihon Ippon Kumite, including Joudan and Chuudan attacks and Mae-geri.
4th Kyu · Purple Belt
KIHON · IDOU KIHON
More advanced moving basics, including Junzuki, Sanbon Renzuki, combinations with Gyakuzuki, Shutou-uke, Nukite, Mae-geri and side kicks.
KATA
Heian Yondan
KUMITE
Kihon Ippon Kumite.
3rd Kyu · Brown Belt
KIHON · IDOU KIHON
Refined combinations, moving basics, blocks, counterattacks and kicking techniques.
KATA
Heian Godan
KUMITE
Jiyuu Ippon Kumite – Joudan Junzuki, Chuudan Junzuki and Chuudan Mae-geri, right and left.
2nd Kyu · Brown Belt
KIHON · IDOU KIHON
Advanced combinations including Junzuki, Ageuke, Sotouke, Uchiuke, Mae-geri, Mawashigeri and side kicks.
KATA
Tekki Shodan
KUMITE
Jiyuu Ippon Kumite with a wider range of attacks, including Mawashigeri.
1st Kyu · Brown Belt
KIHON · IDOU KIHON
Advanced moving basics and combinations, including Yoko Enpi, Gyakuzuki, Mae-geri, Mawashigeri and side kicks.
KATA
Bassai Dai
KUMITE
Jiyuu Ippon Kumite.
Find your training time.
Join us at Gordonvale Community Hall. New students and families are welcome to enquire and come along to learn more.
Traditional Karate
Foundations in Kihon, Kata and essential Shotokan techniques.
Kumite Training
Structured partner training, movement, timing and control.
Please contact the academy to confirm class suitability and current availability.
How to enrol.
New students and families are welcome. Contact us and we will help you understand the class options and how to get started.
Make an enquiry
Contact the academy by email or phone and tell us a little about the student and their experience, if any.
Complete registration
We will provide the enrolment details and registration process for you to complete before joining.
Come to training
We will explain what to wear and bring for your first session and help you settle into the class.
Train, learn and grow.
Straightforward monthly training fees for individuals and families joining JKA Cairns Karate Academy.
We believe karate is a journey built through regular practice, encouragement and commitment. Get in touch if you would like to discuss enrolment or the family discount.
Contact the academy for family discount details and enrolment information.
Questions before you begin?
Where are classes held?
Training takes place at Gordonvale Community Hall, 19 Cannon Street, Gordonvale, Queensland.
When are the classes?
Tuesday classes run from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, with a focus on Kihon and Kata. Saturday classes run from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with a focus on Kumite.
Is there a family discount?
Yes. A family discount is available. Please contact the academy to discuss the details.
How do I enrol?
Contact us by email or phone. We will explain the registration process and help you prepare for your first class.
How does grading work?
Students are guided by the instructor and assessed against the relevant JKA / WF Australia requirements for their grade. Grading opportunities are communicated when students are ready.
What is included in the syllabus?
Training covers Kihon, Kata, Kumite, dojo etiquette and the development of good technique, control and discipline.
Traditional training. Personal guidance.
Sensei Rasika brings more than 20 years of karate experience, with a strong foundation in traditional JKA Shotokan Karate developed through his training and involvement in Sri Lanka. His karate journey includes national-level experience and a long-standing commitment to the values and traditions of the JKA.
Since moving to Australia, he has continued his connection with karate and is now sharing his knowledge with the Gordonvale and Cairns community through JKA Cairns Karate Academy.
His teaching approach is patient, encouraging and focused on helping each student progress at their own pace. Training places importance on strong fundamentals, correct technique, kihon, kata and kumite, while developing respect, discipline, confidence, focus and perseverance. Whether a student is taking their first steps in karate or looking to strengthen existing skills, the aim is to provide a welcoming environment where everyone can learn and improve.
Get ready for training.
JKA students can enquire about the official JKA karate gi, JKA/WF Australia badge and approved safety equipment through the academy.
JKA Karate Gi
Ask us about the correct uniform and sizing for your student.
JKA/WF Australia Badge
Order the association badge to wear on your karate uniform.
Approved Safety Gear
Enquire about suitable protective equipment for your training level.
Orders are coordinated through the academy so we can help confirm uniform sizing and the appropriate approved safety equipment.
Train with us in Gordonvale.
Ready to begin?
Contact JKA Cairns Karate Academy to ask about classes, registration or visiting a training session. We look forward to welcoming you to the dojo.
Email the Academy0405 781 152 · Facebook: JKA Cairns · Instagram: @jka_cairns