Who we are
We are a family oriented traditional japanese Karate Dojo that was established in 2000 with a handful of keen juniors at the Epping YMCA, and has grown into a club that now has more than 100 registered members which is a testament to the commitment & support of our members, families and instructors.
Epping Shotokan Karate Dojo prides itself on the quality of its instruction with current and former students competing nationally as well as representing Australia on the international stage.
We aim to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters the development of character, respect and self-discipline, whilst instilling a sense of self-confidence and sense of belonging and “mateship” in all our students – through the study of Karate.
Epping Shotokan Karate Dojo is a member of Shotokan Karate International Australia (SKIA), which in turn, is a part of the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) with its headquarters in Japan. Belt-grading assessments at Epping Shotokan Karate Dojo strictly follow a national syllabus and qualifications are recognised internationally through SKIF.
The Instructors
All Epping Shotokan Karate Dojo instructors have
- AKF coaching accreditation
- Registered with NSW Services Working with Children
- St Johns Ambulance First Aid
Resident Instructor: Alistair Sensei - 6th Dan
“Sensei” has been a student of Karate for over 30 years. Starting his training in England as a young boy, Sensei attained the coveted black belt in 1991, and while still a junior, went on to represent England at his first Karate World Championships. Sensei would later represent Australia at the World Championships. In 1997, Sensei was the youngest person ever to achieve the rank of 3rd Dan and has gone on to instruct hundreds of students over the years.
Sensei sees the joy of Karate in finding Karate in everything that we do in everyday life. With the personal credo of “being better tomorrow than I am today”, he is continually motivated by seeing the personal development in his students as well as himself. Sensei believes that Karate provides an opportunity for students to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being as well as learning patience, determination, humility, and focus.
Assistant Instructor: Matthew Sensei - 2nd Dan
“Sensei Matt” did not start his Karate journey as a child, but began training relatively late in life as an adult when he started Karate with his son as a father son activity, 16 years on, Sensei Matt has instructed and mentored hundreds of students of all ages, including his own children.
In teaching karate, Sensei Matt has had to overcome his natural aversion to public speaking, and has seen how Karate can help develop character in his students, but also within himself. He believes he learns as much from his students as they do from him.
Sensei Matt sees the value of Karate in the way it teaches not only self-defence, but also self-confidence, humility and improves fitness of body and mind. Karate teaches you to embrace challenges which help build resilience through persistence and fosters a sense of connection and community.