Goran Powell began training in Judo in 1972 and took up Shotokan karate in 1984. A year later he switched to Kyokushinkai, training in England and Spain and competing in the full-contact Knockdown. After 2 years of Taekwondo, he began studying Japanese Goju-Ryu under Shihan Chris Rowen, achieving the rank of Sandan, before joining Daigaku Karate Kai in 1999. Goran was badged in 2000 and completed the 30 Man Kumite in 2002, as documented in the August and September 2003 editions of Traditional Karate magazine, (Vol 16, No 12, Vol 17, No 1).

"It is an honour and a privelege to be the Sempai (senior student) at Daigaku Karate Kai London, where so many strong and able martial artists choose to train under Sensei Mulholland. The club embodies everything I hold to be important in the martial arts: hard training, high technical standards, realistic fighting applications, traditional values of respect and courtesy and a strong sense of camaraderie that runs through the club at every level. An exceptional place to train."

In April 2006 Goran achieved the rank of Yondan (4th Dan) after demonstrating proficiency in traditional kobudo weaponry, knife defence and escrima stick fighting. His book about the 30 Man Kumite 'Waking Dragons' was published by Summersdale in 2006. [click for more]

"I wanted the opportunity to develop beyond the hard or 'Go' element of karate and to compliment it with the softer 'ju' side.This is a more subtle and technically challenging area, but ultimately, the combination of the two, offers a more complete fighting system"

Carl was badged in 1997, holds full Shodan grades in Kyokushinkai and Goju and after completing his 30 Man Kumite at Summer Camp 2000, was subsequently awarded the rank of Nidan.  Carl currently lives and trains in Cambridge UK.

Genevieve Charles began her Martial Arts training in Shotokan Karate at the age of seven. While dabbling in both Tae-Kwon-Do and Shaolin Kung Fu, Genevieve finally settled on Goju-Ryu Karate in 1993 at the Westminster Karate Club in Central London.

"I have always believed that as a woman there is no point in taking the easy path - Martial arts are about facing and overcoming adversity"

An article by Genevieve on training whilst pregnant can be found in Traditional Karate Volume 15, No 12, (August 2002).

Genevieve achieved Black Belt level in September 1997 and after completing her 30 Man Kumite was awarded the rank of Nidan at Summer Camp 2001.

Mark achieved Black Belt level in June 1998 and was graded to Nidan at Summer Camp 2001.

"Miyazato Sensei believed Karate-do's greatest gift was 'Humility'. The dismissal of the ego is crucial to the Goju Way. In Japanese when the characters go (hard) and ju (soft) are combined they do not stand in opposition to each other, but symbolise a single state of energy. I seek to achieve the balance of Goju in both combat and life."

Steve was awarded his Shodan Black Belt by the Japan Karate-do Federation in June 1999 and was badged into Daigaku Karate Kai one year later. In June of 2002 Steve returned to the UK from his home in Canada in order to complete his 30 Man Kumite which he did with exemplary ability and spirit. An account of this event can be found in Traditional Karate Vol 17, No 4 (November 2003).  Steve consequently holds the rank of Nidan .

"Goju, like life itself, doesn't come easy and the time spent studying and training should be worth your whole spirit. I have dabbled with Judo and Aikido but have found all these things already within the goju system and there is always more to be found."

Jay was badged Shodan by the Daigaku Karate Kai in 1999 and successfully completed her Nidan Grading in June 2002.

"Karate means different things to different martial artists. But for me, it has always been about my own personal struggle, mentally - to beat the demons from within, and physically to improve my natural abilities. In both cases to push myself past my limits."

Karen attained Shodan in June 2000 and Nidan in June of 2003.

"The Goju style of karate has shown me that though strength can take you up to a certain level, once black belt has been achieved, the 'Go' needs to be supplemented with the softer 'Ju' side if you wish to continue to grow"

After seven years of Karate training, Charmaigne achieved Shodan Black Belt at the Daigaku Karate Kai Summer Camp in June 2001 and Nidan in December 2004.

While continuing to train and teach Jiu Jitsu, Saeed achieved his Goju Ryu Black Belt at the 2002 Summer Training Camp and completed his 30 Man Kumite three years later.  Saeed now holds the rank of Nidan.

Dominic Du Plooy initially began training in Wado Ryu Karate in 1996. Due to location changes he began to study Goju Kai under Shihan Leo Lipinski achieving Shodan in 2000.  Dominic moved to Daigaku Karate Kai in 2002.

"Training with Sensei Mulholland has opened my eyes to the holistic nature of Goju Ryu. By removing myself from my comfort zone and learning many aspects of the style from scratch, (such as grappling and locks), I have seen my training develop to a whole new level."

Dominic was badged in 2003 and successfully completed his 30 Man Kumite in June 2006. Dominic now holds the rank of Nidan.

“I wanted to train within martial arts for the specific goal of learning to fight and defend myself on the street. I think Goju Ryu, under Sensei Mulholland, realistically aims at achieving this objective. Over the years I have found that learning a martial art has also provided very much more then simple combat training. Incorporating a martial art into my life has been an incredibly positive thing. It has taught me a lot about myself. I would recommend anyone to challenge themselves with a martial art.”

Justin achieved the rank of full Shodan in the rain and mud of Daigaku Karate Kai's annual 'Summer' Training Camp in June 2002.  Now resident in California Justin intends to return to the UK in June 2007 to face his 30 Man test.  Watch this space...

"I believe one should train to the point where the whole combat process becomes natural and it's application seemingly 'planned' and 'calculated'. Achieving this engages the whole being and requires dedication and belief. I find this system very practical and effective covering every aspect of combat from stand-up fighting to ground work, armed to unarmed combat. I consider it a privilege to train with the calibre of people in the club and especially an honour to train under Sensei Mulholland."

Tunde achieved the rank of Shodan-Ho at Summer Camp 2003 and full Shodan one year later in 2004.

"Training to me is a totally positive and life-affirming experience, learning skills and attitudes applicable and beneficial to all aspects of life. Since training in Goju-Ryu under Sensei Mulholland I have discovered greater emotional depth and strength of mind, achieved through physically and mentally challenging training. With so much to learn there are constant possibilities for goals to achieve and boundaries to push. I enjoy embracing what is difficult and conquering it, breaking self-imposed limits, creating increased confidence and self-belief."

David achieve the rank of Shodan-Ho at Summer Camp 2003 and full Shodan in 2004.