KARYUKAIwas established by Natsuko Mineghishi, a Japanese female Karate-ka and a renowned Melbourne soprano. In January 2007. KARYUKAI is officially recognized bythe Shotokan Karate-Do International Australia [SKIA] and the Shotokan Karate -Do International Federation [SKIF] in Japan. SKIA is also affiliated with the Australian Karate Federation [AKF].
The KA- and RYU- fromKARYUKAI mean summer and dragon respectively. The first character of Natsuko's name also means summer, representing the energetic and bright spirit of the club. The dragon character represents the God of water, reflecting a wish for members to maintain fluidity and a constant striving for self-improvement.