Bruce Hyland

Sensei Bruce Hyland embarked on his journey in the world of karate back in 1972. With a deep-rooted understanding of Sport & Traditional Karate and Coach Development, Bruce has always sought out the most effective methods to foster personal growth, both for himself and his students. Karate, in its essence, encompasses elements of sport, tradition, and reality-based self-defense. It serves as a life coach, guiding individuals with its principles and philosophies, accompanying them every step of the way as they evolve into well-rounded karate practitioners and individuals.

Early on, Bruce realized his true calling was to make a profound impact on the lives of others. Whether it was learning from the esteemed Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE, a 10th Dan karate expert, or immersing himself in the world of sports and education, Bruce dedicated over 46 years of his life to compete, coach, train, and explore the world, all in pursuit of this goal. Throughout his illustrious journey, he participated in numerous open tournaments starting from 1975, eventually retiring in 2015 after a remarkable forty-year career. Along the way, he secured an impressive collection of accolades, including 29 Gold, 21 Silver, and 14 Bronze medals. Notable achievements include a third-place finish at the 1985 Asian Pacific Championships, representing Australia in the 1984 World Championships, and claiming national and state titles. His crowning moment arrived in 2011 when he emerged victorious at the USA Open Championships.

As a coach, Bruce held the esteemed position of National Kumite Coach from 1992 to 2005, leading 15 teams to international events, including three World Championships. At the state level, he excelled as the Senior State Coach from 1987 to 2000, and later as the Head Kumite Coach from 2009 to 2015. The success of his students speaks volumes about his teaching methodology and philosophy, as many of them have triumphed in International, National, and State Championships since 1975. Numerous students under his guidance have gone on to become state-level coaches themselves, a testament to Bruce's belief that "we do not build champions—we build champion people."

Often, martial arts are perceived as destructive and dangerous endeavors, and while it is true that they possess such potential, the Ishinryu programs, designed for children aged 4-5, as well as teenagers and adults, counterbalance this notion. Training and practicing karate in the Ishinryu style bestow discipline, fitness, self-control, confidence, and self-defense skills upon individuals. The structured Coloured belt system enables students to progress at their own pace, without fear or hesitation, as each and every one of them carries the potential to achieve the coveted Black Belt. As Bruce aptly states, "As a student matures with grade, so also will his/her manners and etiquette, outwardly and even more importantly inwardly."