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Chief Instructor

Nimrod Z. Astel

After experiencing several styles of martial arts including the Israeli "Krav-Maga" Fighting System and with substantial CQB (Close Quarter Battle) experience from the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), I found my way to GOJU-RYU KARATE-DO.
I began to practice Goju-Ryu in 1999.
In June 2003 I was awarded with my Sho-Dan Rank (Black Belt).
In Dec 2004 I Certified as a Karate Instructor as required by the Law of the State of Israel.
In June 2005 I have attained my Ni-Dan Rank (Second Degree Black Belt). 
In September 2005 I was accepted as a member of the GKK, The "Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai"- one of the largest and most esteemed Goju-Ryu Organizations. Additionally, I serve as Chief Instructor and National Director for the organization in Israel.

On April 2008, after a series of intensive training in the USA, which was directed by my teacher "Kyoshi" Richard Stamper, I was awarded with my San-Dan Rank (Third Degree Black Belt). During my stay I was honored to attend public and private training sessions with the GKK's most senior teachers. I was also very fortunate to be tutored personally and privately by the GKK Chairman "Shihan" Motoo Yamakura - "Hanshi". 

In order to expand my knowledge and understanding in the martial arts tradition and in order to be of better service for my students and my fellow men, I took it upon myself  to explore and study the traditional healing arts. In order to get the right information and in the most reliable and organized manner, I have joined one of Israel's finest schools for Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine "Tmurot", where I have attained my certification to practice as a Therapist.      

I consider teaching the art of Karate and supporting others my calling as a man and my duty as a Karate-ka. 

My Karate Teachers

(In Chronological Order)

Since Dec 1999 – To Sep 2005

"Renshi" Eli-Hu Binyamin, Yon-Dan (4^th Degree Black Belt). 

Headmaster of "Bi-Do-Ryu" School of Martial Arts.
Representing in Israel "Zen-Do-Kai" International Martial Arts Organization. 

"Renshi" Binyamin is blessed with outstanding technique and phenomenal teaching skills. He is open minded in learning other styles, constantly training and evolving. As his student I learnt from him the importance of being an all-around fighter. A lot of emphasis was given on takedowns, throw-downs, shooting to the ground, grappling techniques, ground work and freestyle sparring. The roots of Karate were learned and practiced in some selective Traditional Kong–Fu Forms, whilst the "quite side" was taught by the internal arts of Tai-Chi and Chi- Gong.   

"Renshi" Binyamin had opened the door for me to the world of Traditional Karate and the virtues it posses in its physical aspects, self awareness and personal growth.
My Sensei provided me with the tools to get to know myself, and to empower myself.
Most importantly he helped me to see my true mission and calling - Paving and stepping in my own path in life, whilst helping others to so as well.  

Oct 2003 – Oct 2004 – Karate Instructors course

Dr. Ron Kluger, "Kancho" Hachi-Dan (8^th Degree Black Belt)

Dean for the "International Budo Academy" & Headmaster of "Karate-Do International".
Representative of the "Jundokan" Go-Ju Ryu Karate-Do Organization from Okinawa Japan.

I had the pleasure and the honor to participated in the first Instructors course held by the "International Budo Academy" in the "Humbo" Dojo in Petach-Tikva Israel.
"Kancho" Kluger who headed the course had a profound influence over me.
During my training for a Karate Instructor under his guidance, he opened my eyes to see things from a different point of view – the Teacher's point of view.
Classes of 5 Hrs each seemed to last no longer than 5 minutes as time just flew by in alert discussions, training and fellowship with "Budo-ka" from other schools and styles.

I was intrigued and inspired by the Kancho's knowledge, abilities, charisma, pleasant nature and kindness.
I feel privileged for knowing Dr. Kluger, and thankful for the wisdom, knowledge and experience he shared with us in forming the next generation of Martial Arts Teachers.

Since Sep 2005

"Kyoshi" Richard Stamper, Shichi-Dan (7^th Degree Black Belt).

Asst. Chairman for the "Goju Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai" (G.K.K), International Martial Arts Organization.  

Mr. Stamper is a "Kyoshi" – "A Teacher of Teachers".
"Kyoshi" Stamper is motivated out of love and dedication. He is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable exponents in the Arts of Fighting, in the Art of Living as well as in the Art of Teaching them both.  

I am inspired by his approach of letting others grow in their own way. "Kyoshi" Stamper encourages his senior students to take responsibility for themselves and for their own students. The teachers that he teaches are expected to make their own decisions based on what they believe to be right for themselves and best for their students.

When I was making my way into the organization, I inquired about what a "Typical school" should be like. "Kyoshi" Stamper answered me that in the G.K.K each teacher and each school is different and that together they shape the spirit and nature of the organization and not the other way around.
We are all pieces of a puzzle. Each is unique, yet a part of something bigger, and apparently we also need each other to fill in the missing pieces...  By striving and working to know who we really are, we learn about our piece and our place in the puzzle, and just as important on how to connect with the other pieces. I believe that by accepting and respecting our differences, we learn more about ourselves, and the fact that we can actually complement one another, rather than to contradict each other.
I believe that to know that, to be able to see it and to manifest in life so that others will be inspired to learn and grow, is what being a real Master all about. To me, "Kyoshi" Stamper represents it to the fullest.

I admire the vision and commitment of "Kyoshi" Stamper for the personal growth of his students as Teachers, as "Karate-ka" and first and foremost as human beings. I am grateful and honored that he accepted me as a member of the organization and I feel privileged to be his student.

I once heard a nice phrase – "When the pupil is ready, The Teacher arrives". 

Thank god - I guess I was ready… 

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