Gary Viccars

Gary Viccars, known as Shihancho, holds the esteemed rank of 7th Dan in Kyokushin Karate. He is a highly regarded martial artist with an international reputation, serving as a Branch Chief for the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association.

Shihancho Gary embarked on his martial arts journey in 1968 under the guidance of the legendary Bill Paauw in Geelong. Remarkably, he established his own dojo in Ocean Grove in 1970 when he was still a green belt. Over the years, he diligently progressed through the ranks, achieving significant milestones. He attained his Shodan (black belt) in 1973, Nidan in 1975, Sandan in 1979, and Yondan in 1983. Notably, in 1989, he became one of the pioneering Australians to undergo a physical examination for Godan (5th Dan).

Shihan Viccars achieved an extraordinary feat on November 7, 2006, when he successfully passed his Nanadan (7th Dan) examination. This historic event marked the first-ever 7th Dan test held on Australian soil and was conducted under the assessment of Kancho Yoshikazu Matsushima (9th Dan) and Hanshi John Taylor (9th Dan). His remarkable accomplishment earned him the esteemed title of Shihancho, designating him as a leader among Shihans.

Throughout his martial arts journey, Shihan Gary has consistently demonstrated exceptional proficiency in breaking techniques (tameshiwari). Together with Rowan Stephens and John Klose, he once shattered a total of 300 cement tiles in just 28 seconds. Furthermore, he became the second individual in Australia to execute a baseball bat break using a shin kick. In 1986, he completed the formidable 50-man kumite, becoming the first person to achieve this remarkable feat in the Kyokushinkai community.

Shihancho Gary Viccars is renowned for his unwavering dedication to Kyokushin Karate. His years of rigorous training, competitive excellence, and coaching have solidified his reputation as a courageous fighter and an influential leader within the Kyokushin community. He remains committed to the development of the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association through his Branch, the "Victorian Kyokushin Karate Association" (VKKA), and its members.