John Taylor

John Taylor is a 9th Dan in Kyokushin Karate. Hanshi Johns Taylor is a name well known in martial arts circles around the world. As a leader in Kyokushin Karate John Taylor has been at the helm of the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association, servicing the many followers of the style, both in Australia and International. Respected by all who know him Johns Taylor is a leader who has ridden the storm of politics over the years to come out the other side a victor. Hanshi Taylor is a product of his own belief where perseverance, humility and fighting spirit become engrained, and only then can one achieve their greatest potential. Commencing his martial arts career in 1963, John Taylor, would do what was required to develop his martial arts skills, even travelling weekly from Sydney to Melbourne and return to train with Sensei Kato who was Australia's first Kyokushin Karate Instructors. Grading to Shodan in 1966 John Taylor went on to become one of the worlds first "foreign" Uchi Deshi students (full time - live in students) under Kyokushinkai founder Sosai Mas Oyama, and coniniuously trained with over the years up until Oyama's death. Hanshi Taylor's reputation as a leader that has been forged over 40 years. of hard training where his passion and dedication for the style grew. More important is the commitment to the growth of the organisation, which required many hours of selfless work to help others grow and create a network of martial arts schools that any other organisation would be highly envious. Acknowledgements for his efforts have come from areas well outside the field of his art reflecting the community respect he is able to pride himself. Acknowledgements include the 2000 Australian Sports Medal for achievement in sports and a nomination for Australian of the Year in 2004. Hanshi John Taylor developed a deep personal and professional friendship with Sosai Oyama and remains a loyal and dedicated ambassador to the system, its philosophies and beliefs.