Gary Viccars

Shihancho, Gary Viccars is 7th Dan in Kyokushin Karate Shihancho (leader of Shihan's) Gary Viccars is a well respected martial artist internationally and a Branch Chief for the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association. Shihancho Gary began training in 1968 under the tutelage of the legendary Bill Paauw in Geelong and opened his own dojo in Ocean Grove in 1970 as a green belt. Gary gained his black belt (Shodan) in 1973, Nidan in 1975, Sandan in 1979, and Yondan in 1983 and in 1989 he became one of the first Australians to ever physically undergo a test for Godan (5th Dan). Shihan Viccars joined the ranks of the truly elite Kyokushin instructors on 7th November 2006 when he passed his examination for Nanadan (7th Dan). He was graded by Kancho Yoshikazu Matsushima 9th Dan and Hanshi John Taylor 9th Dan. This was the first time in history that a test for 7th Dan was held on Australian soil. He remains one of the few people in the World to actually undergo a physical test for 7th Dan, earning him the title of Shihancho (leader of Shihan’s) Shihan Gary has always been recognized as one of Kyokushinkai's best breaking (tameshiwari) technicians. He, together with Rowan Stephens and John Klose, once demolished a total of 300 cement tiles in 28 seconds and he was also the second person in Australia to perform the baseball bat break with a shin kick. In 1986 Shihan Gary completed the 50 man kumite (fights) with other notable to become the first to complete the feat! Many years of high performance training, competing and coaching has earned Shihancho Viccars a reputation of strength and courage both as a fighter and a leader in the Kyokushin community! Shihancho Gary Viccars is committed to the development of the AKKA via his Branch the "Victorian Kyokushin Karate Association" (VKKA) and its members.