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Meet Gary Oliver, a highly esteemed martial arts sensei hailing from Central Victoria. With over 50 years of experience, Gary has become a prominent figure and positive influence in the lives of hundreds of loyal students. Holding an impressive 6th Dan in Karate (Shorin Ryu) and 5th Dan in Kendo, Iaido, and Kobudo, his expertise spans multiple disciplines.

Gary's martial arts journey began in 1964 at the Ballarat Judo Club in Victoria, Australia. Displaying rapid progress, he achieved 1st Kyu twice during his junior ranks when grading to Shodan was not permitted. At the age of 13, he took on the role of Judo instructor and even secured victory in the Ballarat Junior Judo Championship in 1968.

In 1969, Gary embarked on formal training in Karate under the guidance of Sensei Wayne Williamson, obtaining Shodan in Sei Ku Kai, a Shotokan derivative. His dedication led him to attain Nidan in 1975 in Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito, studying under the tutelage of Soken O Sensei and Fusei Kise. Gary's unwavering loyalty to the federation he belongs to, the Kenshin Kan, resulted in his promotion to Rokudan in 2005.

Over the years, Gary has ventured to Okinawa and Japan on multiple occasions, immersing himself in the teachings and warm hospitality of both Hanshi Sei and Kaicho. In addition to Karate, he has also honed his skills in Iaido and Kendo, achieving the esteemed rank of Godan in both disciplines. Notably, he served as the President of Victoria Kendo Renmei, Australia's largest State Kendo Association, for a decade. Even today, Gary continues to compete nationally and internationally, showcasing his prowess. In 2005, he secured third place in his division at the Australian Kendo Championships and achieved second place in the National Open kata division in 2008.

Currently, Gary imparts his knowledge and expertise in Karate as a dedicated instructor in Maryborough, close to his home. His exceptional contributions to the field were acknowledged in 2019 when he was appointed as the Director - Australia Branch by Hanshi Sei Fusei Kise and Kaicho Isao Kise, further solidifying his standing in the martial arts community.

Brett Fenton is a Sifu in Kung Fu Sifu Brett Fenton’s interest in martial arts started as a child in the 70's when he was enthralled by the skills of Bruce Lee and the interesting story of Monkey. From that point on his dreams were to join the Army and to train in Martial Arts. Due to living in a small country town, he was unable to train in Kung Fu and had to choose the other disciplines of Taekwondo, Boxing and Kickboxing. 

Eventually in the late 80's after joining the Australian Infantry, he started training in the styles of Wing Chun, Jow Ga, Lion Dance, Dragon Dance and Wy Style Tai Chi under Grandmaster Tom Lo (Blitz Magazine Instructors Hall of Fame Winner). In 1994 he opened his first branch for Grandmaster Lo. In 1997 his current school was opened.


 In 1998 and 1999 the school won the Quest Business Achievers Award for Fitness & Sport. In 2000 he was bestowed the honour of becoming a Sifu by Grandmaster Lo. In 2006 he was awarded once again for his business achievements by winning the Quest Business Achiever Award. In the past 15 years he has trained with BJJ expert John B Will, Jow Ga expert Sifu Randy Sullivan Bennett, American Top Team Head Coach Master Ricardo Liborio, Australian Martial Arts Acting Legend Richard Norton, World Kickboxing Legend Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Edged weapons expert Ray Floro, Extreme Martial Arts World Champion Mike Chat, Hyper Martial Arts creator Roland Osbourne and world renowned Lion Dance Sifu H.P. Show. 


Along side continuing to train under Grandmaster Lo. Sifu travels internationally regularly to train and improve the standard of Martial Arts taught at Red Dragon. He was awarded the 2010 Australian Martial Arts Professional of the Year for his efforts and contributions to the Martial Arts in Australia. Later in 2010, Red Dragon was awarded Australian Top Martial Arts School by EFC in Washington DC.

Lindsay Hart is the founder of the Combat Academy, a renowned martial arts school based in Mornington, Victoria. With years of experience as a multifaceted coach, Lindsay has played a pivotal role in promoting one of the state's most respected academies. His vision for the Combat Academy was born out of a collective dissatisfaction with conventional martial arts systems. Along with a group of instructors from diverse martial backgrounds, Lindsay helped develop a new mindset and curriculum designed to instill not only technical skill but also virtue, substance, and fortitude in students.

Since its founding, the Combat Academy has grown into a dynamic dojo, continuously evolving as instructors from various disciplines have joined, each contributing their expertise and perspective. The Academy focuses on teaching authentic, street-effective martial arts, drawing from real-world experience in security, crowd control, the armed forces, and prison guarding. Lindsay and his team emphasize that their techniques are not theoretical but have been tested and proven in real-life situations over the decades.

The Academy’s curriculum is rooted in classical martial arts but incorporates a blend of disciplines, including Karate, Judo, Ju Jutsu, Western boxing, Thai kickboxing, and Kobudo (Japanese and Okinawan weapon arts). Lindsay places a strong emphasis on structure, discipline, and rigorous physical training. Classes offer a contact level that students determine with their training partners, and the training is challenging yet rewarding, promoting a sense of achievement. The Academy maintains high standards, with the journey to black belt often taking more than a decade of consistent training.

While the Combat Academy does not focus on competition fighting, it offers support to students who wish to pursue that path. The real emphasis, however, is on personal growth, learning the lessons from each class, and appreciating the journey rather than fixating on specific goals. In addition to regular classes, the Academy frequently hosts world-class guest instructors across multiple martial arts disciplines, attracting students from all over the world, including celebrities.

Lindsay Hart and the Combat Academy uphold the values of budo, aiming to instill not just physical prowess but also the virtues of honor, respect, and integrity in their students. The Academy’s unique blend of hard physical training, practical self-defense, and deep-rooted ethical principles sets it apart as a leader in martial arts education.

Hamid Mostofizadeh is a 7thDan Black belt in Karate 

Shihan Hamid is the founder and President (Kancho) of the International Karate Daigaku Association Australia (IKD-Australia) Organization and recognised as Chairman and Chief Instructor of the IKD system in Australia. Shihan Hamid has been involved in Karate for most of his life, beginning his training in Karate at the age of 11 in Shiraz, Iran. Here he started his training in Shotokan and has since trained nationally and internationally with some of the most renowned martial arts teachers. He was graded to Shodan (1st Dan) by Master Keigo Abe (JKA) during his time in Iran. Later sensei Hamid was graded to Nidan (2nd Dan), Sandan (3rd Dan) and Yondan (4th Dan) by sensei Kagawa (JKS), to Godan (5th Dan) by sensei Alfonso Jiminez and to Rokudan (6th Dan) and Shichi Dan (7th Dan) by Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai (IKD). IKD Gympie Honbu Dojo is the first independent IKD Club in Australia that from 1st of April 2017 on has direct affiliation with the International Karate Daigaku (IKD) in Canada. International Karate Daigaku Association Australia (IKD-Australia) provides traditional karate training (non for profit) for the community and its families. 

Shihan Hamid understands that karate is healthy for everyone and every age group. It improves people self-confidence, spirit, focus, concentration and physical health and is ideal for learning self-defence. Sensei has a mission to involve more people and children in sports/ self-defence. IKD-Australia is also a member of the Karate Australia Federation (KAF), Karate Queensland Association (KQA), World Karate Federation (WKF) and Oceania Karate Federation (O.K.F) which enables us to compete on state, national and international level in conjunction with our traditional art. Renshi Hamid is true to the original practice of the karate taught by Gichin Funakoshi, the Father of Modern Karate. Classes at the IKD-Australia headquarters are designed specifically for all age groups, from beginners to advanced, junior to senior. The minimum age at his dojo is 5 years and there is no maximum age. 

People who train regularly in karate develop improved motor skills, balance, self-awareness, confidence, self-defence and above all a great level of fitness. Karate training is widely known as the best form of all-round fitness. All dojo instructors are fully trained in the latest training methods, and use using correct bio-mechanical principles to ensure a safe training regime. Sensei Hamid is committed to his hometown community of Gympie and takes pride in the fact that he has, and will continue to change the lives of many thousands of students for the better. The physical and mental aspects of karate are extremely valuable in any community and Sensei Hamid, promises to deliver the best program around.

Nalaka Weerasinghe is a highly accomplished individual, holding a 1st Dan in Karate and serving as the proud owner of Visions Fitness, centrally located in Colombo Sri Lanka. With a remarkable 17-year journey dedicated to the study of Karate, Nalaka commands immense respect from both teammates and the general public. As a devoted martial artist, Nalaka has gained extensive experience through rigorous training and participation in full-contact tournaments. Additionally, Nalaka is a well-regarded bodybuilder in Sri Lanka, possessing profound knowledge of the human body and the science behind achieving peak athletic performance.

As a true champion in the martial arts realm, Sensei Nalaka has consistently demonstrated his formidable skills and abilities. His reputation as a force to be reckoned with remains unquestioned.

In addition to his martial arts achievements, Sensei Nalaka is the proprietor of Vision Gym, a thriving establishment in Colombo. Within his facility, he receives numerous individuals seeking his guidance on matters related to physical health and bodybuilding. Sensei Nalaka has wisely chosen to establish his Karate Dojo within the gym, allowing him to impart his knowledge of martial arts and wellness to both children and adults alike.

Lance is a revered martial artist, holding the prestigious rank of 7th Dan Black belt in Kyokushin Karate. As a Shihan, he stands as a beacon of wisdom and experience in the world of martial arts. Lance boasts an impressive legacy of over half a century dedicated to the art of Karate, making him one of Australia's most distinguished Kyokushinkai karate practitioners, particularly under the esteemed Hasegawa Kyokushin group.

Within the vast landscape of Karate, Shihan Lance has carved a niche for himself as an expert in weaponry, with a particular emphasis on his mastery of Bo and Kata skills. His prowess in these disciplines is legendary, setting him apart as a true virtuoso in the martial arts world.

Throughout his remarkable journey, Shihan Lance has unfailingly attended to the needs of Kyokushin practitioners, becoming an invaluable pillar of support within the community. His passion for Karate and his dedication to serving the local community serve as exemplars for all. His mentorship has left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of students who have had the privilege of training under him, with many of them having gone on to establish their own dojos, a testament to his exceptional guidance.

Shihan Lance is more than a martial artist; he is a leader of unwavering strength and an embodiment of the core tenets of martial arts: spirit, commitment, and loyalty. His commitment to preserving the essence of Kyokushin style is unwavering. He is meticulous in ensuring that the techniques and philosophies espoused by Sosai Mas Oyama, the revered founder of the style, are not just remembered but are actively and authentically imparted to present and future generations.

In summary, Shihan Lance's legacy in the world of Kyokushin Karate is one of unparalleled dedication and mastery. His decades of training, teaching, and mentoring have not only elevated him to the highest ranks but have also enriched the lives of countless individuals. He stands as a true guardian of the Kyokushin tradition, ensuring that its rich heritage endures and thrives, perpetuating the legacy of Sosai Mas Oyama for generations to come.