Sensei Alex
As a child growing up in Brazil, l had always wanted to learn karate, but my parents enrolled me in swimming to help with my asthma, and karate was put on the backburner. Even so, the desire to learn never left me. Years passed and before l knew it, l had married, migrated to Australia and had children of my own.
When my two boys were 5 and 6, we enrolled them into karate at a local karate school. l believed l was too old to start, so l never considered joining – until the day l tried a trial class. From that moment, l never looked back. I still remember stepping onto the dojo mats for the first time and thinking, finally, l was going to fulfil a dream of mine. I realised that l wasn’t too old to have a go after all.
My journey to Black Belt had begun. Over the next four years l attended every class l could, particularly enjoying the self-defence aspect of karate. My final year was not easy – l faced significant obstacles, including a double hernia operation that set my training back months and later that same year, l was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It was a shocking period, but l never lost sight of my dream. Through focus and determination, l achieved First Dan Black Belt in 2009 at the annual karate camp.
For many, earning a Black Belt marks the end of a journey. For me, it was the beginning of a new chapter. I continued training and assisting in classes, enjoying the opportunity to pass on my knowledge. In November 2011, my wife and l opened our own karate school, marking the start of an exciting new journey.
Today as l watch our students train hard and grow as karatekas, l have immense pride in their achievements and personal growth. Karate for me is not just a sport – it is a way of life. It’s principles guide me to improve continuously, physically and mentally, in everything l do. Karate is deeply personal, the more you put into it, the more it gives back to your life.
Train hard to be your best
Osu
Sensei Alex
Alex has his NCAS Silver Level, WWC(Working With Children Check) and First Aid Level 2
Sensei Dalila
Traditional karate – it’s time honoured traditions and principles. The teachings to honour and respect ones sensei, ones elders and most importantly, one self.
I wasn’t a sporty person, so when my husband said to me – “Why don’t you join me in karate?” l laughed. But then l actually thought about it and thought, yes why not…l was already sitting there watching our boys through their class. Learning the terminology and moves to try and help them practice at home. My husband had also joined them – so l thought l’d give it a go. l bought myself a Gi (karate uniform) and l still remember the first day l walked into my first karate class. From that day I absolutely loved it!
I trained hard as l worked my way up to Black Belt, putting in 100% at each training session. I have trained with some great karatekas along the way who inspired me and I have made many friendships along the way.
Karate for me has been and continues to be about training hard. Pushing myself a little bit more, everytime. It challenges me both physically and mentally. With each new belt level, comes new challenges- new basics to learn, combinations, and katas. To go up for a grading and give it all that you have. To come out of it with a new belt and the satisfaction of knowing you did it! You gave your all. Nothing beats that sense of accomplishment.
I have been training in karate now for the past 12 years. Karate has changed my life in ways l never thought possible. My fitness has improved and my confidence has grown. It has helped me to believe in myself. I know my own strengths. I know how to defend myself. I have proven to myself that with hard work and commitment, l can do anything l put my mind to.
Today l teach karate to students at our dojo, from 3yr olds upwards. I have great pride in each and every one of our students as they embark on their own karate journey.
Osu
Sensei Dalila
Dalila has her NCAS Bronze level, WWC (Working With Children Check) and current First Aid Level 2.
Sensei Dylan
My karate journey began in 2005 when I was six years old, training alongside my younger brother Josh. In the early years, karate wasn’t always easy, there were plenty of moments when I thought about quitting. But with my parents’ encouragement, I kept going. Looking back now, I’m incredibly grateful that I persevered. Karate has taught me a lot about myself and what I’m capable of.
A major turning point came in 2010 when I graded for my 1st Kyu.
Achieving that belt gave me a huge sense of accomplishment and reignited my motivation, ultimately pushing me toward earning my 1st Dan Black Belt in 2012.
Karate has shaped me both inside and outside the dojo. My mental strength and the way I approach everyday decisions come from the positive training environment and the support of the people I’ve trained with over the years.
My love for karate also contributed to some proud moments outside the dojo—such as receiving the Sports Captain award at Lakeside College in 2015, along with several sporting achievements throughout high school, especially in running events where focus, discipline, and determination were essential. Karate has taught me self-control, self-discipline, and respect for myself and others.
Today, my biggest passion is passing on my knowledge to our juniors, who always bring a smile to my face. Watching them grow, improve, and reach their goals is something I’m truly proud of.
“Karate should be viewed not so much as a sport, but as a way of thinking, learning, and behaving. Karate is a way of life.”
OSU
Sensei Dylan
WWC, First Aid Level 2
Senpai Josh
Hi, l’m Senpai Josh. I first started karate when I was just five years old. I was getting tired of doing swimming so dad suggested we try karate.
After training hard for 11 years, I successfully graded for my 2nd Dan black belt in July 2016.
My passion is Kata (forms). The detail in each move throughout the Kata and the application of each move. There is always improvement to be made in Kata.
Karate is a great way to keep fit. I have learned how to defend myself against attacks. The best thing about karate for me is that l get to meet some fantastic people and make new friendships.