Directors
Paul Enfield, Kyoshi
Paul Enfield, Kyoshi began studying the martial arts in Oxford, England in 1979; first in Lau Gar Kung Fu, and then Goju-Ryu Karate under Paul Coleman Kyoshi. He obtained his Shodan, first-degree black belt in 1984 and shortly afterwards journeyed to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, to study karate full-time. He remained in Okinawa and Japan for three years and became uchi-deshi (live in student) under Higaonna Morio Hanshi. While in Asia he traveled to Korea, Taiwan, and China to further his research into the martial arts. In 1987 he participated in the first ever official (IOGKF) karate origins research trip to Fuzhou, China, and the Fuzhou Wushu Association. In 1988 he came to the United States where he has taught karate ever since, founding the Goju Karate Center in Carlsbad, CA in 1992.
In December 1997, Paul Sensei returned to Okinawa to study Goju-ryu karate under World Headmaster for the style, Miyazato Eiichi Hanshi, at this time Goju Karate Center was appointed the San Diego area shibu dojo (branch school) for the Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-do Association. He later became a student under Taira Masaji Hanshi and was appointed United States west coast representative for Taira’s Kenkyukai organization.
While Okinawa Goju-ryu karate is Paul’s main area of study he has also studied Tai Chi Chuan, Lau Gar Gung Fu, and Brazilian Jiujitsu.
In 2017 Paul Sensei was awarded eighth-degree black belt by Patrick McCarthy Hanshi director of the International Ryukyu Karate-jutsu Research Society. In the same year he was awarded International Ryukyu Karate Research Society Instructor of the Year Award.
Paul has translated three martial arts books from Japanese to English, and has written martial arts related articles that have been published in the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition to releasing over forty instructional video titles.
Paul and Michelle Enfield founded GKCglobal, an international karate organization in 2017. They currently have members, and member dojo(s) across the globe. They travel widely teaching international seminars each year, in addition to running a robust uchi-deshi (live-in training) program. Furthermore, as part of GKCglobal’s unique approach to learning, they founded GKCollege, a novel distance learning program through which they teach in-depth personalized training programs to teachers and students around the world.
Michelle Enfield, Renshi
Michelle Enfield, Renshi, is a 6th-degree black belt (Rokudan) in Okinawa Goju-ryu karate-do and a Kobudo Shodan who began her training in Krav Maga. She earned her first black belt in 2004, and has since trained globally, including in Okinawa, Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.
Recognized for her infectious energy, she was nominated as the British Martial Arts Association’s 2019 Women Martial Artist of the Year and awarded the 2019 Humanitarian of the Year by the IRKRS. As the co-director of GKCglobal alongside her partner, Paul, she conducts annual seminars across North America and Europe, leveraging 15 years of experience as a California-licensed Sexual Assault Response Team advocate and her consecutive years serving as a United Nations delegate for the Commission on the Status of Women.
Instructors
Pamela Cuthbertson
Pamela Cuthbertson first became part of the Goju Karate Center family in 2018, joining the team as GKC Program Director. What began as a role behind the front desk soon grew into something much more when Pamela started her own karate journey in January 2020. Discovering a passion for martial arts, she progressed through the ranks to achieve her current rank of 2nd Kyu.
Today, Pamela proudly serves as both a Tiny Tigers Instructor and Program Director at GKC Carlsbad.
As a Tiny Tigers instructor, Pamela especially enjoys working with the dojo’s youngest students, helping them develop confidence, coordination, respect, and other important life skills through fun and engaging classes. She takes pride in making connections with every child and creating a welcoming and safe environment where every student feels supported.
When she’s not on the dojo floor teaching or training, Pamela can still be found behind the front desk, happy to help families, answer questions, and support the GKC community in any way she can.
GKC is truly a family affair for Pamela, with all four of her children also training and teaching at the dojo, as well as her husband, who she trains alongside in adult class.
Being a part of the GKC family is something Pamela treasures.
Abbie Cuthbertson
Abbie Cuthbertson began her karate journey at just four years old in Scotland before moving to the United States and continuing her training at Goju Karate Center at the age of seven. Having grown up within the GKC community, she developed a lifelong passion for martial arts and earned her Nidan (second degree black belt) in the summer of 2026.
Abbie is currently pursuing her degree in Child Development, which she expects to complete at the end of 2026. She loves combining her knowledge of child development with her passion for karate, creating a fun, supportive environment where students can build confidence, discipline, and a love for learning.
Aimee Cuthbertson
Sensei Aimee began her martial arts journey at just four years old in Scotland. After moving to California at the age of 10, she discovered Goju Karate Center and quickly found a second home within its community. With 18 years of martial arts experience, she is now a second degree black belt (Nidan) and full time instructor at GKC. Since 2019, Aimee has shared her passion for karate with students of all ages and abilities, with a special love for teaching younger children. She strives to create a positive, encouraging environment where students can build confidence, overcome challenges, and grow both on and off the dojo floor. Having grown up at GKC herself, Aimee takes pride in passing on the same values and love for martial arts that have shaped her own journey.
Leah Blair
Hi everyone! My name is Leah, and I am a current senior at Carlsbad High School. I teach mostly Black Belt Club, but love working with the littles too! I have been a student of GKC for 11 years now, and have learned so much about leadership, commitment, and discipline. GKC has been such a big part of my life, and I’m so grateful to now be able to help other students grow and find their own love for karate.