The Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-do Kenkyu Kai is the organization formed by Masaji Taira Sensei for the research and development of advanced, applicable goju ryu technique. Unlike other organisations, membership is not restricted and regular members are not required to relinquish affiliations they may already have to other organisations.

The membership to the organisation is separated into three categories:

• Shibu Dojo
• Jun Shibu Dojo
• Regular Member

 Shibu Dojo

A shibu dojo is an affiliate dojo. Sihibu dojo status is awarded to members who have their own dojos and have demostrated dedication to the active pursuit of the goals of the organisation. Shibu dojos are selected from Regular members who have their own dojos. Shibu dojo status allows members to grade their students under the Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-do Kenkyu Kai name and have certification issued by the organisation.

Jun Shibu 

A jun shibu dojo is an associate dojo. Jun shibu dojo status is the first step towards shibu dojo status. Those wishing to apply for Jun Shibu Dojo status within the organisation must meet the criteria outlined in the organisational regulations. They must own their own dojo, and have demonstrated a willingness to actively pursue the development of advanced goju ryu technique.

Regular Member

Regular membership may be applied for by any person interested in advanced goju ryu technique. They may members or shibu dojos, jun shibu dojos, or any other organisation. Regular members are not required to relinquish affiliations to their current organisation or dojo. Regular members will have full access to the Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-do Kenkyu Kai web site and the video library of bunkai in the members section (currently under construction).

Fees

Membership fees for the organisation for all membership types (Shibu, Jun Shibu, regular) is 10,000 yen per year.

Membership

Those wishiing to apply for membership to the organisation may complete the application for on this site (Application Form). Once the form has been submitted you will be directly to a page with a paypal link that will take you to the paypal site and allow you to pay your membership fees. Your site membership user name will be the email address you use for payment on paypal. A password will be automatically emailed to you. Your membership will automatically renew on the same date each year. Please note that membership is reviewed personally by Taira Sensei and you membership approval will be sent via email. Should membership not be granted, your membership fee will be refunded immediately and in full.