Getting Started
Ready to begin your karate journey? Getting started is straightforward – just follow the steps below and your instructor will guide you through the rest.
Wessex Karate Academy is proudly affiliated with Goju Ryu Karate International (GKI). As a club member you’ll need to hold a valid GKI licence, renewed annually.
1. Join Wessex Karate Academy
Please download the Student information and Joining Form (PDF, 388 KB). Return the completed form to your instructor.
2. Register an account with GKI
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need an account to purchase your licence, access GKI events and make bookings.
Existing members: please note this is a new system, launched in 2026. Your old GKI account will not carry over, so you’ll need to register again.
Register for a GKI account here.
Choose “Wessex Karate Academy” as your dojo.
Note: you may currently see two “Wessex Karate Academy” options when selecting your Dojo – the second was added in error and will be removed shortly. Please select the first option. See the image below.
Once you’ve created your account, your instructor will need to approve it before you can purchase your licence. You’ll receive an email notification when that’s done – usually within a day or two. If you haven’t heard anything after 2 days, please contact Sensei Pete.
3. Get your GKI licence
Purchase your GKI UK licence here.
The GKI licence provides:
- Full insurance coverage for training, gradings, and events
- Eligibility for gradings and belt promotions
- Entry to competitions, seminars, and special events
If you experience any difficulties applying online, paper copies are available from your instructor, or can be downloaded here (PDF, 124 KB). Return the completed form along with the licence fee to your instructor and they will process it on your behalf.
Existing students
The GKI is moving all licence applications to a new system, which means all students will eventually need to set up a new account.
If your licence is currently valid, your information will be carried over automatically. If you haven’t already, we strongly recommend registering for an account sooner rather than later – all future events, including brown and black belt training and Gasshukus will also be booked through this site.
If you experience any problems with the new system, please contact Sensei Pete.
