Copyright © All rights reserved by Goju-kan Hawaii
剛柔館空手連盟
United Goju-kan Karate Do
Shihan Jann Aki
Born Feb. 22, 1957. And at the age of 11 yr. old. Jann Aki started learning the Martial Arts. In his hometown of Kaneohe, Hawaii. Jann joined up with the Goju-kai of Hawaii, Yamaguchi side. The chief instructor at the time was Sensei Masachi Oshiro. From Sensei Oshiro, came a Black Belt by the name of Mateo Arnado. It was Sensei Arnado that trained Jann in the years forth coming.
After an unsuspecting breakup, in the year 1978, the Goju-kai of Hawaii closed its doors and Oshiro Sensei retired. A few senior Black Belts tried to keep it running, however it was not meant to be. Everyone went on their own path for the future.
By November 1980 Jann was still training on his own. Friends came to train with him in his parent’s back yard. Class was growing and the need for a dojo became reality. A dojo in the backyard was built in 1981. Along with the blessing from Oshiro Sensei, and the title of Sensei. Sensei Jann was given the approval to pass on the Goju he knew.
The respect was hard and heavy. Other senior sensei’s from other styles questioned him and his knowledge.
Then in 1982, Sensei Jann and eight of his students were invited to their first tournament. It was to change the thinking of everyone. Each one of the students including Sensei Jann won in their own category. Placing both in Kata and kumite. Sensei Jann was to be invited to more and more tournaments. The respect was finally given.
In 1986, a turning point in life. Sensei Jann was invited to go to Australia to join up with the Goju-kai Australia under the leadership of yet another Hawaiian born Sensei. Kiyoshi Tino Ceberano.
Kiyoshi Tino brought out the finer points in Sensei Aki’s training. Something that will never be forgotten.
Achievements:
1972 - Shodan rank (Goju Kai Hawaii)
1975 - Nidan rank (Goju Kai Hawaii)
1981 - Sensei of the Goju Kan Hawaii (beginning)
1982 - Member of the Hawaii Karate Congress (Vice-President in the years to follow)
1986 - Member of the Goju kai Australia under Shihan Tino Ceberano
1990 - Sandan rank (Intl. Goju Karate) Australia
1991 - Team Captain to Australia (2nd place in Kata and Kumite) and in New Zealand (2nd place Team Kumite)
(1992 - 1995) Co-Chairman to the Aloha State Games
1994 - Yondan rank (IGK Australia)
1995 - Head Team coach to Canada
1997 - World Karate Union Hall of Fame Inductee (Instructor of the Year)
1998 - Godan (Shihan) rank (IGK Australia) / Co-Founder of the “United Goju Kan Karatedo”
2009 - Rokudan (UMAA) Universal Martial Arts Association North Carolina
2009 - Hall of Fame Inductee “Master Instructor of the Year” (UMAA)
Rokudan Rank
After an unsuspecting breakup, in the year 1978, the Goju-kai of Hawaii closed its doors and Oshiro Sensei retired. A few senior Black Belts tried to keep it running, however it was not meant to be. Everyone went on their own path for the future.
By November 1980 Jann was still training on his own. Friends came to train with him in his parent’s back yard. Class was growing and the need for a dojo became reality. A dojo in the backyard was built in 1981. Along with the blessing from Oshiro Sensei, and the title of Sensei. Sensei Jann was given the approval to pass on the Goju he knew.
The respect was hard and heavy. Other senior sensei’s from other styles questioned him and his knowledge.
Then in 1982, Sensei Jann and eight of his students were invited to their first tournament. It was to change the thinking of everyone. Each one of the students including Sensei Jann won in their own category. Placing both in Kata and kumite. Sensei Jann was to be invited to more and more tournaments. The respect was finally given.
In 1986, a turning point in life. Sensei Jann was invited to go to Australia to join up with the Goju-kai Australia under the leadership of yet another Hawaiian born Sensei. Kiyoshi Tino Ceberano.
Kiyoshi Tino brought out the finer points in Sensei Aki’s training. Something that will never be forgotten.
Achievements:
1972 - Shodan rank (Goju Kai Hawaii)
1975 - Nidan rank (Goju Kai Hawaii)
1981 - Sensei of the Goju Kan Hawaii (beginning)
1982 - Member of the Hawaii Karate Congress (Vice-President in the years to follow)
1986 - Member of the Goju kai Australia under Shihan Tino Ceberano
1990 - Sandan rank (Intl. Goju Karate) Australia
1991 - Team Captain to Australia (2nd place in Kata and Kumite) and in New Zealand (2nd place Team Kumite)
(1992 - 1995) Co-Chairman to the Aloha State Games
1994 - Yondan rank (IGK Australia)
1995 - Head Team coach to Canada
1997 - World Karate Union Hall of Fame Inductee (Instructor of the Year)
1998 - Godan (Shihan) rank (IGK Australia) / Co-Founder of the “United Goju Kan Karatedo”
2009 - Rokudan (UMAA) Universal Martial Arts Association North Carolina
2009 - Hall of Fame Inductee “Master Instructor of the Year” (UMAA)
Rokudan Rank