APOGK - Portuguese Association of Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do

About APOGK

The Portuguese Association of Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do (A.P.O.G.K.) was founded in 1982 and is an association affiliated with the I.O.G.K.F. (International Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation).

Official Website: https://apogk.pt

Mission and Objectives

The association aims to:

  1. Promote and disseminate the practice of Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do as a formative activity and sport modality, as well as protect its reputation through the establishment of applicable legal procedures against those who offend it.

  2. Organize and participate in training seminars, tournaments, and national and regional championships.

  3. Conduct and validate graduation examinations.

  4. Develop cooperative relationships with similar associations, national or foreign, particularly through membership in federations or unions.

  5. Safeguard the interests of its members.

  6. Promote the practice of other sports modalities.

Sensei Jorge Monteiro - Chief Instructor

Jorge Monteiro, National Chief Instructor, was born on September 17, 1961, in the city of Gaia. In 1974 he began training Karate Shotokai at a scout club, then switched to training Shotokan in September 1976.

Early Years and Introduction to Goju-Ryu

In 1977, he met Sensei Morio Higaonna at a seminar in the city of Porto, from which he began practicing Goju-Ryu. It was also at this seminar that he obtained 1st place in both Kumite and Kata at the first Goju-Ryu championship in Portugal.

In 1979, he participated in the first international Goju-Ryu Gasshuku in England, during which the I.O.G.K.F. (International Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation) was founded. In 1980, he was graded 1st Dan by Sensei Morio Higaonna during a European seminar in Spain.

Career Achievements

Competition and Recognition:

  • In 1984, he was selected by the National Karate Federation and participated in the 19th European Championship of WUKO (World Union Karate-Do Organisation) in France
  • In 1987, he graduated as a 2nd Grade Instructor by the Martial Arts Directive Committee

Leadership Roles:

  • In 1988, he was chosen as Chief Instructor of Portugal by Sensei Morio Higaonna
  • In 2000, he was appointed member of the Shikoin Kai, Executive Committee of IOGKF, in Sweden
  • In 2004, he was awarded the title of Shihan by Sensei Morio Higaonna

Officiating and Recent Achievements:

  • Has refereed several times in national championships of F.P.K.D.A. (Portuguese Federation of Karate and Associated Disciplines), F.N.K.-P. (National Federation of Karate – Portugal), and in IOGKF world championships
  • Currently holds the rank of Karate Coach – Grade IV
  • More recently, in 2015, he traveled to Okinawa for the IOGKF Chief Instructors Seminar held every two years, where he was graded 8th Dan

Legacy and Dedication

Sensei Jorge Monteiro represents the dedication and authentic transmission of Goju-Ryu karate in Portugal, maintaining the high standards established by his teacher, Sensei Morio Higaonna, and ensuring the continuation of traditional Okinawan karate practices through A.P.O.G.K.