Carl Sullivan

Shihan Carl Sullivan is a highly accomplished martial artist with over three decades of experience in the world of Karate-do. Holding a 2nd Dan black belt in Shotokan Karate and a 5th Dan black belt in Kyokushin Karate, Carl has established himself as both a skilled international competitor and a dedicated instructor, sharing his deep knowledge and passion with students around the world. 

Carl's martial arts journey began at the tender age of ten, when he first started training in Shotokan Karate. By age 12, his talent was undeniable, and he was entrusted with teaching his first Karate class—a group of students, some of whom were more than 30 years his senior. Despite his young age, Carl's ability to convey technique and foster respect in his students set him apart as a natural leader, igniting a lifelong passion for teaching and helping others develop through martial arts.

After eight years of dedication to Shotokan, Carl's hunger for challenge led him to the rigorous world of Kyokushin Karate, a style known for its emphasis on full-contact fighting. His transition to Kyokushin would mark the beginning of a distinguished competitive career. In addition to his teaching, Carl began competing in both national and international competitions, amassing a wealth of experience and notable victories along the way.

One of Carl’s proudest moments came in 2012 when he traveled to Japan and claimed the prestigious title of champion at the Japan All Martial Arts Full Contact Championships. Just two years later, in 2014, Carl competed in the All-Australian Karate Championships, where he faced off against the reigning Australian Heavyweight Champion. Though he finished in second place, the hard-fought match remains one of his most significant accomplishments and a testament to his resilience and skill.

Carl’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2015, he faced the possibility of early retirement after undergoing two major hip operations. The surgeries were extensive, and the outlook from his surgeons was grim. However, Carl’s indomitable spirit and belief in his own recovery pushed him forward. Through dedicated physiotherapy and gradually increasing his activity levels, Carl returned to the dojo. What started as light rehabilitation soon turned into months of intense training, culminating in his triumphant return to competition. In 2016, just one year after his surgeries, Carl stepped back onto the international stage and competed in the World Full Contact Karate Championships in Shibuya, Tokyo—a remarkable feat considering the physical setbacks he had overcome.

Carl’s final professional event took place in 2021, where he fought in a 4-man Full Contact Ring Karate tournament. Despite intense competition, Carl placed as the runner-up, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the full-contact Karate community.

Beyond his competitive career, Carl is also the proud owner and operator of Greenstone Health Dojo, which serves the Gold Coast community with two locations in Pacific Pines and Nerang. Through his dojo, Carl continues to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of martial artists, promoting his students in national and international competition circuits. His commitment to developing young talent extends beyond the dojo, as Carl also teaches Karate as a sport in several high schools across the Gold Coast.

In addition to his martial arts endeavors, Carl has dedicated himself to helping children in a broader capacity. He works as a teacher running behavioral intervention programs in primary schools, where he uses his experience and understanding of discipline to positively influence and guide younger children. His dual roles as a martial artist and educator reflect his deep commitment to shaping the lives of others, whether through the principles of Karate or his work in schools.

Carl Sullivan’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a lifelong dedication to the martial arts. From his early days as a young instructor to his recovery from career-threatening injuries and his ongoing contributions to the martial arts community, Carl embodies the spirit of Karate-do in all that he does.