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Terry Gleeson is an accomplished martial artist holding a 3rd Dan in Karate. His martial arts journey began in 2001, encompassing both Karate and Ju Jitsu disciplines. On November 11, 2004, Terry achieved his Shodan Black Belt under the esteemed Renshinkan Budo System. With his newfound expertise, Terry embarked on a teaching role, sharing his knowledge and guiding other students in their martial arts journey.

In December 2021, Terry's dedication and skill were acknowledged by his instructors and peers as he earned his Shodan Black Belt under the International Sabaki Karate-do Teshinkai. Throughout his training with Teshinkai, Terry consciously chose to wear a white belt for three years. This decision symbolized his unwavering commitment to personal growth, indomitable spirit, and integrity in the martial arts. As Sempai Terry, he wholeheartedly embraces the role of mentor and dedicates himself to the progress and well-being of his students.

Beyond his martial arts endeavors, Terry, alongside his wife Judy, is the proud owner and operator of Kip McGrath Education, a chain of Education Centers focused on fostering the academic development of secondary school children. Terry's passion for teaching extends beyond the dojo, and he consistently strives to bring out the best in his students. He serves as a respected member of the instructor body at Teshinkai Karate, Bendigo Mixed Martial Arts, leaving a positive impact on the lives of those he guides.

In Memoriam: Hanshi John Taylor - A Martial Arts Legend

On September 27, 2023, the martial arts community lost a beloved leader, mentor, and visionary whose legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Hanshi John Taylor was farewelled at a picturesque location near his home in Bronte, the Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley NSW, the farewell was attended by friends and family as well as martial arts leaders from Australia and overseas.   

Hanshi John Taylor's name is synonymous with excellence in Kyokushin Karate, where he held the prestigious rank of 9th Dan, a testament to his unparalleled expertise. His contributions to the martial arts world were unparalleled, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of practitioners.

As the head of the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association, Hanshi Taylor dedicated himself to the growth and welfare of countless martial artists, both within Australia and on the global stage. He was a prominent figure who guided the organization through many challenges, earning the respect and admiration of all who worked with him.

Hanshi Taylor's journey in the world of martial arts began in 1963, and from that moment, he displayed unwavering commitment to his craft. He traveled long distances, even making weekly journeys from Sydney to Melbourne and back, to train under the esteemed Sensei Kato, Australia's first Kyokushin Karate Instructor. His dedication paid off, and in 1966, he achieved the rank of Shodan.

One of Hanshi Taylor's most remarkable accomplishments was becoming one of the world's first "foreign" Uchi Deshi students under the tutelage of Kyokushinkai founder Sosai Mas Oyama. He continued to train diligently under Oyama's guidance until the esteemed master's passing, imbibing the spirit and philosophy of Kyokushin.

Beyond his personal achievements, Hanshi Taylor was known for his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the Kyokushin Karate organization. His tireless work and selfless dedication nurtured a network of martial arts schools admired by many. His contributions extended far beyond Kyokushin, earning him accolades such as the prestigious 2000 Australian Sports Medal and a nomination for Australian of the Year in 2004. His influence was not confined to the dojo; it extended into the broader community.

Hanshi Taylor's deep personal and professional bond with Sosai Oyama was a reflection of his loyalty and dedication to the Kyokushin system. He tirelessly upheld its philosophies and beliefs, sharing its wisdom with others and serving as a remarkable custodian of the Kyokushin legacy.

With Hanshi John Taylor's passing, the martial arts world has lost a true luminary. His indomitable spirit, unwavering commitment, and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the world of Kyokushin Karate. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired and guided. A life well lived, indeed.

Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the martial arts community, who mourn the loss of a true legend. Rest in peace, Hanshi John Taylor.

Mike Flanagan, a 7th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, is a distinguished figure in the martial arts community. With a deep passion for Taekwondo and a commitment to excellence, Mike has built a remarkable reputation both as an instructor and a mentor. Together with his business partner, Matthew Chugg, he co-founded Flanagan Chugg Taekwondo, a renowned Taekwondo school that has made a significant impact on the martial arts landscape in Tasmania.

Mike's journey in Taekwondo began many years ago, fueled by a desire to master the art and share its benefits with others. Over the years, he has honed his skills and risen through the ranks to achieve the prestigious 7th Degree Black Belt. His expertise and dedication to the martial art have earned him widespread respect and admiration within the community.

In addition to his accomplishments in Taekwondo, Mike is also a beloved secondary school teacher. His dual roles as an educator and martial arts instructor have allowed him to positively influence the lives of countless students. However, it is through Taekwondo that Mike has made the most profound impact. His dedication to changing lives through martial arts is truly commendable. He believes in the power of Taekwondo to instill discipline, confidence, and resilience in his students, and he works tirelessly to create an environment where these qualities can flourish.

The success of Flanagan Chugg Taekwondo is a testament to Mike's vision and hard work. Under his leadership, the school has expanded across Tasmania, establishing multiple branches that cater to a growing number of students. The popularity of their programs is a reflection of the high standards they uphold and the genuine care they have for their students' development. Mike's heartfelt mission to run a world-class Taekwondo program is evident in every aspect of the school, from the quality of instruction to the supportive community they have built.

What sets Mike apart from other coaches is not just his technical proficiency in Taekwondo, but also his unwavering commitment to his students' personal growth. He goes beyond teaching the physical aspects of martial arts, focusing equally on the mental and emotional well-being of his students. This holistic approach has resulted in a nurturing and empowering environment where students of all ages and abilities can thrive.

Mike Flanagan's legacy in the martial arts world is one of dedication, excellence, and genuine care for his students. Through Flanagan Chugg Taekwondo, he continues to inspire and transform lives, making a lasting impact on the martial arts community in Tasmania and beyond.

**Shihan Doug Turnbull** is a highly respected martial artist with over 50 years of experience, holding a 7th Dan Black Belt in Kyokushinkai Karate (KIKO) and a 5th Dan Black Belt in Okinawa Koburyu Kobudo (traditional weapons). As the President of the Kyokushin International Karate Organisation (KIKO), Shihan Doug has become one of Australia’s most prominent instructors, renowned for his expertise, leadership, and long-standing contributions to the martial arts community.

Shihan Doug began his martial arts journey with a deep passion for Kyokushin Karate, a discipline known for its rigorous full-contact style. His dedication to the art led to the establishment of his dojo in Marrickville in 1982, which has since become a cornerstone of Kyokushin Karate in Australia. Over the decades, thousands of students have trained under his guidance, and many of them have gone on to become accomplished martial artists in their own right. His dojo remains a vital part of the community, offering not only martial arts instruction but also a positive environment for personal growth and development.

As an instructor, Shihan Doug is known for his unwavering commitment to teaching traditional martial arts values, including discipline, respect, and perseverance. His approach to Kyokushin Karate extends beyond the physical techniques, emphasizing the importance of mental and spiritual growth in the martial arts journey. This holistic approach has shaped the lives of countless students, who credit Shihan Doug with instilling in them the principles of Bushido—the martial way of life that blends physical prowess with moral integrity.

In addition to his role as a teacher, Shihan Doug has been a pivotal figure in the competitive Kyokushin Karate scene. He has participated in almost every major Australian Kyokushin tournament as either a judge or referee from 1981 to 1995, contributing significantly to the growth of the sport in the country. His judging and refereeing expertise was also recognized on the international stage, where he officiated at major global events, including the 1st IFK World Championships in Moscow in 1997, the 3rd IFK World Championships in London in 2005, and the Junior World Tournament in Greece in 2015.

Shihan Doug’s skills as a martial artist extend to both kumite (sparring) and kata (forms), where he has competed and won first place in numerous State and National tournaments. His success as a competitor further solidified his standing in the Kyokushin community, where he is respected not only as an instructor but also as a formidable athlete.

In addition to his Kyokushin achievements, Shihan Doug is a highly skilled practitioner of Okinawa Koburyu Kobudo, holding a 5th Dan Black Belt in this traditional weapons-based martial art. His proficiency in both Karate and Kobudo gives his students a well-rounded martial arts education that combines hand-to-hand combat with traditional weapon techniques.

Shihan Doug's commitment to martial arts extends beyond the dojo and tournament arena. His recognition within the broader martial arts community is evidenced by his accolades, including being voted Best and Fairest Official for NAS (National All Styles) NSW in 1999 and 2000, as well as his accreditation as a Level 4 referee with NAS in 2005. These accomplishments highlight his integrity, fairness, and dedication to upholding the highest standards in martial arts competition.

Looking forward, Shihan Doug Turnbull remains dedicated to the continued growth of Kyokushin Karate and KIKO. His mission is to foster a spirit of unity within the martial arts world, combining the competitive aspects of Karate with the deeper spiritual and philosophical elements of the martial way. Through his teachings and leadership, Shihan Doug aims to demonstrate to the broader community the transformative power of martial arts—how it can cultivate physical strength, mental resilience, and moral character in individuals, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Shihan Doug Turnbull’s legacy as a martial artist, teacher, and leader continues to inspire future generations, ensuring that the spirit of Kyokushin and the values of the martial arts will thrive for many years to come.

Shihan Bill Poly is a distinguished martial artist and a 7th Dan Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate, with over 40 years of dedicated experience in the art. As one of the original practitioners of Kyokushin in Australia, Shihan Bill first made his mark as a formidable competitor, renowned for his exceptional kicking technique that set him apart in the competitive arena.

His journey in martial arts has evolved from champion fighter to esteemed instructor and mentor, guiding hundreds of students through the transformative practice of Kyokushin. Shihan Bill leads the **Budo Kyokushin Karate Organisation**, overseeing multiple dojos in Melbourne, including Altona/Brooklyn, Blackburn (headquarters), Templestowe, and Warragul.

Understanding that Kyokushin Karate extends beyond its physicality, Shihan Bill emphasizes its deeper significance in personal development and character building. His early career allowed him the privilege of training internationally, learning from legends in the field, including the founder of Kyokushin, Mas Oyama, and Hawaii’s revered Shihan Bobby Lowe.

Throughout his illustrious career, Shihan Bill has forged meaningful connections with martial artists around the globe and is held in high esteem by peers and students alike. He remains a loyal advocate of the Kyokushin system and honors the influential instructors who shaped his path, such as Hanshi Eddie Emin and Hanshi Tino Ceberano.

Now, Shihan Bill is devoted to passing down his knowledge and skills to the next generation of martial artists. His commitment to mentorship and community engagement has made him a vital contributor to the lives of young practitioners and the communities he serves.

For more information or to connect with Shihan Bill Poly, you can visit his website at [Budo Kyokushin](https://www.budokyokushin.com/) or reach out through the Coach Check page.

Jim Phillips, a distinguished figure in the martial arts world, stands as a true embodiment of Kyokushin Karate excellence. With a remarkable journey spanning over four and a half decades, Kyoshi Jim Phillips has not only attained the prestigious 6th Dan Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate but has also left an indelible mark as a mentor, instructor, and producer of top fighters and Black Belts in Australia.

His martial arts odyssey began in earnest in the early 1970s, and he swiftly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional dedication and skill. Over the course of his illustrious career, Kyoshi Jim has imparted his profound knowledge and wisdom to countless students, shaping them into formidable fighters and dedicated martial artists. His legacy as a teacher is a testament to his commitment to the art and his desire to cultivate a new generation of martial artists.

In addition to his expertise in Kyokushin Karate, Kyoshi Jim has expanded his horizons to include kickboxing and jujitsu instruction for the past decade. By doing so, he has opened doors for fighters to explore a broader spectrum of combat events, enriching their martial arts journeys.

A pivotal moment in Kyoshi Jim's career occurred in 1979 when he was chosen to represent Australia at the 2nd World Championships held in the birthplace of Kyokushin, Tokyo, Japan. His journey didn't end with the competition; instead, he chose to remain in Japan to immerse himself further in the art. Under the guidance of the founder and legendary figure, Sosai Mas Oyama, Shihan Jim trained rigorously at the main headquarters in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district. This immersive experience saw him training seven days a week, participating in three classes a day on a full-time basis.

His dedication to Kyokushin Karate culminated in several notable achievements, including three National titles and a remarkable feat as one of the first individuals in Australia to complete the grueling 50-man fight test in 1986. These accomplishments solidified Kyoshi Jim's reputation as an outstanding martial artist and a relentless practitioner.

Today, Kyoshi Jim continues his mission to share the art of Kyokushin Karate and its transformative power. He presides over his full-time school (Dojo) in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Australia, where he imparts not only the physical aspects of martial arts but also its philosophy and values. His teachings emphasize commitment, respect, and loyalty, instilling in his students the understanding that Karate is not just a form of combat but a way of life.

Kyokushin Karate, as taught by Shihan Jim Phillips, offers benefits for individuals of all ages, strengths, and backgrounds. His dedication to empowering his students to lead better lives extends beyond the training mats and into their everyday existence.

Located in the vibrant Mascot Square of Sydney, Australia, Shihan Jim Phillips' dojo, Power Karate, serves as a beacon of martial arts excellence. It is not just a place of physical training but a sanctuary where the spirit of Kyokushin Karate thrives, and the legacy of a true martial arts pioneer lives on. Kyoshi Jim Phillips continues to shape the future of martial arts, one student at a time, inspiring a better future and lifestyle through the profound art of Kyokushin Karate