About OGK North America

The North American Branch of the Gojuryu Kenkyukai is to serve as a resource and means to connect all schools and students with Gojuryu Kenkyukai education. Masaji Taira Sensei was a student under Eiichi Miyazato Sensei who continues to lead his education today.  North America is fortunate to have multiple skilled high ranking teachers who trained directly under Miyazato Sensei and continue to cultivate and further the education of Okinawa Gojuryu.  Glenn Cunningham (8th Dan - Kouketsu Dojo New York), Mark Kapel (7th Dan - Mountain Martial Arts New Jersey), and Brian Loterbauer (7th Dan - Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate DoJo/ Mason City, Iowa) Sensei have all trained under Miyazato Sensei and continue their training under Taira Sensei.​

Cunningham Sensei

Kapel Sensei

Loterbauer Sensei

In 2020 Kapel Sensei established the Head Shibu Dojo in Holmdel Dojo to primarily serve as an educational facility to further the education and refinement of Blackbelts and their detail to Okinawa Gojuryu Kenkyukai Curriculum.  The dojo is the school of schools for those interested in joining, training, and having the opportunity to have mentorship for their school into the Gojuryu Kenkyukai Organization.​