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There are a large number of dedicated students who have been training for many years and several students have achieved tournament success at regional, state and national levels in both GKR and NAS tournaments.

Training at Algester is largely traditional, as all the instructors have been training with GKR for several years. However, training also takes a modern approach with the use of scientific principles and recent educational pedagogies.

Generally we focus on strong basics (kihon) and their application in both kata and kumite. Whether it for gradings, competing or developing fundamental skills, kata training is important aspect of our training. 2006 saw the introduction of a structured kumite development and enhancement program as part of our new training syllabus. Fitness training and self-defense drills and also key and regular components of training. The classes are varied so as to provide opportunity for students' different learning styles. Students participate in both whole class training and small group activities and are also given one-on-one attention on a regular basis.

Algester Dojo also has an active social club for senior members. A large proportion of students at Algester are serious about their training and regularly train many times a week at a variety of Brisbane dojos. With weekly dining after training and the occasional day out or party, they're also serious about having fun too!

New members are always welcome, so if you're not already training on a Friday night - come along and try a class. The 6 - 7pm class is generally for kids and/or new students. However, there are usually a few brown or black belts in the class. The 7:30 - 9pm class is generally for adults and/or senior students - with a focus on brown and black belt level techniques, kata and kumite drills.

If you are interested in taking your karate to next level, come on down and visit. Remember, that if you are serious about your training you should be already training twice a week, so if you're looking for another class to add to your weekly training schedule or perhaps just want to try something different, Algester is the place for you.

Not everyone competes in tournaments, but a reasonable proportion at our dojo do. So in the lead up to GKR and NAS tournaments, specific tournament training becomes part of our class for those who are entering. There are many students and instructors at Algester who have significant tournament experience, several who have won medals at a national level, so if you are keen to improve your competitive skills - come along as they're all happy to share their experience and give you some tips.

Instructors and students from Algester have also been involved in public demonstrations over the last few years. Rehearsing and performing kata, bunkai, and self-defense routines have provided opportunities to enhance understandings and build confidence levels. Everyone also agreed it was a lot of fun!

With a large number and proportion of senior grades, there is opportunity for advanced students to learn beyond the standard curriculum. If you are keen to learn some advanced martial training, then we hope to see you on Friday nights. There are regular opportunities to practice advanced kata, continuous sparring, and weapons training.

Here's what some of them had to say about what being part of the A-Team means to them:

"Friday night release.. The place where everybody knows your name... or has a fair idea of it. Best banner in the world.. Paying with a $100 bill.. Laughing 'with' Sensei.. Squeaky floor... The happiest sumo stance.. Hungry Jack's chaser... Top group of Karatekas!"

"Algester Dojo... the abbreviation of the school says it all really: A Super Session! The friendliest dojo around, where the classes are tough and challenging as well as being fun and rewarding at the same time. You really get your $8 worth out of one class and the $4 just pays for itself when you do the second class. Generally a great place to make good friends."

"Peace;  quiet;  tranquility;  and an overall sense of selfishness! It has the ability to transform me into a sane, sensible person.  Allowing me to contribute to the real world (where not everyone wears white PJ’s) Because my husband and son spend every Friday Night there….I LOVE IT - Yours always and most appreciative, Karate Widow."

"I first started training at Algester dojo in 2000. In my time I have seen many faces change, though the names stay the same. As one of the senior students there, it is great to see such loyalty and friendship among the students and sensei. It is a testimony to those who have taken the class. The dojo is a warm and friendly place where one can go after a bad day to feel good, or a good day to feel great. Keep up the good work."

"Algester... Its OK!!"