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Melinda Baksi is a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate. Sensei Melinda Baksi began her Kyokushin karate journey in 1987 in Hungary with Shihan Josef Borza www.borzakarate.hu and joined the Hungarian Army in 1997, fulfilling her childhood dream, and pursued her education at the Zrinyi Miklos National Defence University at Budapest. Melinda studied Kyokushin fighting with military self-defence & weapons under Major General (shihan) Furko www.haukis.com. Sensei Melinda was awarded the title of “Sport Officer”, due to her sporting achievements. When Hungary joined NATO in 1997, Melinda was the only woman to represent her country in a special joint exercise weapon demonstration to the NATO commanders and to the public. Sensei Melinda was required to demonstrate her self-defence and Karate skills against multiple armed attackers. Sensei Melinda trained new recruits in basic martial arts techniques as part of their training in the Army, she also underwent special military training as part of the ENSZ Peacekeeping Mission to Cyprus. Sensei Melinda Baksi holds a Personal Close Protection Officer licence, where her military and martial art experience benefits her greatly. She also enjoys shooting at her local pistol club. As a Marine Rescue volunteer Sensei Melinda has had the privilege of completing many different life saving courses including Advanced First Aid, Sea Survival, Fire Safety certified through Marine Rescue and is working with children checked. Sensei also attended special Uchi-Deshi live in training camps in Hungary, employing intensive physical training prior to competitions. Sensei Melinda was a member of the Hungarian National Championship team from 2003, winning several tournaments and also competed in Australia on a national level, with great results. In 2005, Sensei took part in a winter camp in Hungary, and she completed a 100 kumite (fight test), fighting with only men. Sensei Melinda’s extensive experience has given her the skills to train children to great success in competition in Hungary, where her team competed and won in both national and junior Olympic level competitions. Sensei Melinda attended an Uchi Deshi (live-in dojo) training program with Shihan Artur Hovhanissyan in Japan in 2018 and visited shihan again in 2019 full time, dedicating her time fully to the study and training of Kyokushin. Sensei Melinda began teaching in 1998 and her focus as an instructor is on technical proficiency, fitness and fighting techniques. She ran kids programs, teen and adult novice and intermediate programs overseas and Australia. Sensei Melinda has gained invaluable experience teaching kids with various physical and mental challenges such as ADHD, vision impairment, and mild autism (to name a few). Sensei Melinda is also approved to teach disabled children through the NDIS scheme. Sensei Melinda regularly attends international seminars and black belt conferences held in Japan and Australia, and has been trained by the highest levels of instructors from all corners of the Kyokushin World. She enjoy’s all aspects of Kyokushin karate and has particular interest in self-defence and the richness and discipline of the Japanese culture. Sensei Melinda’s Dojo and Organisation provides kids with competition opportunities in Australia as well as overseas. They also offer Kyokushinkai Karate camps during school holidays, as well as seminar weekends in Australia with local and international instructors, and for those children competing in Japan, also the privilege of attending the Kyokushin founder’s memorial ceremony at Mount Mitsumine Training Camp. www.portkarate.com

Step into the world of martial arts, and you'll encounter a towering figure known as Alex Kastamonitis—a 6th Dan in Karate and a beacon of functional self-defense expertise. Shihan Alex's journey began over 40 years ago in Melbourne, a testament to his enduring passion and relentless pursuit of martial excellence. With an impact spanning generations, his legacy is etched not only in the dojo but in the lives of countless students who have walked the path of traditional Karate under his guidance.

As a young man, Shihan Alex embarked on a journey that would shape not only his life but the lives of those he would go on to teach. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has imparted his knowledge and wisdom to hundreds of students, leaving an indelible mark on their personal growth and development. Through the study of traditional Karate, Shihan Alex has empowered his students to transcend physical boundaries and discover the strength within.

Beyond the dojo, Shihan Alex's expertise extends to the realm of security—a testament to his holistic approach to martial arts. His role as the owner of a security company has provided him with unique insights into the practical applications of the styles he teaches. This real-world understanding ensures that the techniques he imparts are not just effective on the mat, but also in the unpredictability of everyday life. It's this seamless fusion of theory and reality that has earned him the respect and admiration of peers and students alike.

At the helm of Yoshin, Shihan Alex serves as the head coach, steering the ship of martial education with a seasoned hand. His journey as both a fighter and instructor infuses his teachings with a depth of understanding that goes beyond physical movements. Drawing from his vast well of knowledge, he delivers a no-nonsense approach to martial arts—one that encompasses both the physical and philosophical dimensions.

Shihan Alex's journey transcends geographical borders, reflecting his international experiences as both a fighter and a coach. These encounters have broadened his horizons and fortified his abilities, enabling him to develop the Yoshin Style of Karate—a testament to his commitment to innovation and growth. This unique style is a testament to his ability to integrate traditional principles with contemporary insights, enriching the martial arts landscape with his contribution.

However, Shihan Alex's influence extends beyond technique and style. His role as a functional self-defense coach signifies his dedication to empowering individuals with skills that transcend the mat. His teachings equip his students not just with physical prowess, but with the confidence and awareness needed to navigate the challenges of life.

In the grand tapestry of martial arts, Alex Kastamonitis stands as a foundational thread—one that binds tradition, innovation, and practicality. His legacy is woven into the lives of his students, who he has guided toward strength, resilience, and self-discovery. As he continues to evolve his craft, Shihan Alex invites martial artists to join him on a journey that transcends time and space, enriching both their skills and their spirits.

Carlo Giampietro stands as a distinguished martial artist with a 4th Dan black belt in ITF Taekwondo. He is not only a practitioner of this martial art but also a dedicated entrepreneur, owning and operating Elite Taekwon-Do, an ITF Taekwon-Do club in the Beverly Hills area of Sydney, Australia.

Carlo's journey in martial arts has been marked by unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence. His influence extends beyond his personal achievements, as he manages a team of proficient and dedicated black belt teachers within his club. This collaborative effort ensures that students under his guidance receive top-notch training and instruction.

Carlo Giampietro has earned a prominent place within the Australian Taekwondo community, where his name is well-known and respected. Elite Taekwon-Do, under his leadership, has proudly served the local community for over 18 years, offering valuable martial arts training and making a positive impact on the lives of its members.

Beyond Taekwondo, Carlo also possesses expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and operates his academy under the banner of Team Norton BJJ Academy. His dedication to martial arts extends to BJJ, where he imparts his knowledge and skills to eager students.

Carlo's mission extends beyond the physical aspects of martial arts. He is a firm believer in the power of martial arts to positively influence both the physical and mental well-being of his students. His commitment to their holistic development is a driving force behind his teaching philosophy.

In his local community of Beverly Hills in Sydney, and even beyond, Carlo Giampietro strives to provide the best possible training to students under his banner. His vision is to empower individuals through martial arts, instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong sense of self in each of his students.

Carlo Giampietro's legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and a profound belief in the transformative power of martial arts. Through his decades of commitment to Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he continues to positively impact the lives of those he instructs, fostering a spirit of excellence and personal growth within his community and beyond.

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.

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