Ballarat Karate Club in Ballarat, Victoria | Martial arts school

Ballarat Karate Club

Locality: Ballarat, Victoria

Phone: +61 400 984 778

Address: 9 Moyle St 3350 Ballarat, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.ballaratkarateclub.com.au

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• Sport & recreation
• Non-profit organisation
• Sports & fitness instruction
• Martial arts school

25.01.2022 A recollection by Kyoshi Wayne Reddrop, 7th Dan. Director and Chief Instructor Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito Australia. In the mid eighties I had the great opportunity to attend a training seminar led by the founder of the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-do Federation (IOGKF) Sensei (Hanshi) Morio Higaonna 10th degree black belt during one of his Australian seminars. This came about via an invitation from one of the masters students Peter Conroy (Standing second row, far... right) who was training at the Ballarat Karate Club during his studies at Ballarat University. Higaonna sensei is 6th from the left (close examination shows the extent of his makiwara conditioning) Other notables in the photo are immediately to Higaonna sensei's left, Sensei Dennis May (New Zealand representative) and to the masters right Sensei David Lambert (Australian representative) 4th from left is Sensei James Sumarac and 3rd from left myself. Also standing 3rd from right, second row is Shihan David Zarb who heads Art of Defence, Australia. Shihan Zarb conducted a training session for the BKC members around this time with myself returning the gesture to the Melton clubs. A photo from long ago bringing back many memories. One in particular stands out with the master giving a demonstration / lesson in forearm conditioning with sensei Lambert. To this day I well remember the power, expertise and humility shown by master Higaonna. #karatedo #kumite #blackbelt #shorinryumatsumuraseito #karateballarat #gojuryu #gojuryukarate #shorinryu

24.01.2022 The Bo (Staff) is one of the most commonly practiced kobudo weapons throughout Okinawa. These ten exercises originate from the Matsumura Seito Kobudo lineage and once individually taught are then practiced in a continuous manner as demonstrated here by Kyoshi Reddrop. The commencement of these exercises can be done in a formal setting with Bo held vertically alongside your body or in the less formal manner with Bo carried over your shoulder. The Bo over shoulder typifies ' o...ld school ' as can be seen by Hohan Soken's commencement of Chikin Bo. The Ballarat Karate Club (Shorin Ryu Australia) syllabus contains an extensive range of weapon (Kobudo) exercises, ippons and kata. #karatelife #karateka #karate #kobudo #bo #bostaff #bostaffskills #hohansoken #shorinryu #ballarat #ballaratkarate #fuseikise #BKC #shorinryumatsumuraseito #karateballarat

24.01.2022 A MESSAGE TO OUR BKC COMMUNITY You will no doubt have heard that stage 3 restrictions have commenced for regional Victoria. Unfortunately this will mean the closure of the dojo until at least September 13. ... I want to thank everyone for sticking to the rosters and for notifying me of any last minute changes. It has been great to see the passion displayed during these unprecedented times and I congratulate you all on your enthusiasm and your maintaining of our dojo hygiene practices. Regards to all Kyoshi Wayne Reddrop

23.01.2022 Thank you WIN News Ballarat for sharing this archival footage of the Ballarat Karate Club. In this news segment from 1986, John Crebbin discusses the proposed legislation that would impact martial arts organisations. #ballaratkarateclub #ballaratkarate #shorinryumatsumuraseito #okinawakarate #fuseikise #hohansoken #BKC #martialartstraining #martialarts

22.01.2022 Happy father's day to all the Dads and special blokes at the Ballarat Karate Club. Over the years there's been many dads walk on the dojo floor, and we hope you're all having a great day.

20.01.2022 Thanks Wil, really glad to hear that you enjoyed the training session!

20.01.2022 Last night we road tested the two makiwara that now take pride and place in the dojo. Traditional Okinawan karate styles and dojos use a makiwara, (striking post), as part of the hojo undo (supplementary exercise) programs. We would like to thank Will Talbot who donated a complete makiwara board and two brackets and also Paul Schaper who made the extra supports, the second post and installation. These are a great addition to our dojo.... Pictured with the completed makiwara with leather striking pads are Will (white gi) and Paul (black gi). Thank you gentlemen. #karate #okinawakarate #makiwara #fuseikise #hohansoken #ballaratkarate

19.01.2022 For several weeks now we have been delving into the BKC history books. We have shared photos, stories, and recalled many memorable events from the last 55 years. This week we hear from Sempai John McMahon as he recalls the lead up to, and week of his Shodan - Blackbelt grading. *** It was a week in May '98 when the Grand Master was due to visit. Gordon Mangles Mayne and I were both to grade that week he was presenting for his 4th dan. So as not to over-burden Hanshi-sei, ...Continue reading

18.01.2022 A message from Kyoshi Wayne Reddrop regarding adult classes; Hi everyone, Just confirming that the indoor training will start Monday night as per roster.... Also I wanted to personally thank Paul Schaper for going down and cutting the grass (with catcher) in readiness for what would have been our commencement of outdoor training had the rules not recently changed. (We also had an offer from Dave Hyatt as well) Also thanks to John McMahon who again sprayed the weeds on our dojo grounds. Great job guys ! Given that the rosters go for 5 weeks there will no doubt be times when something unexpected comes up and you may not be able to attend your nominated training session. That's fine as it can be easily changed. With that in mind I will send a weekly roster out on the weekend prior to the start of each week that reflects any last minute changes. Please remember to check these updated rosters. Regards Wayne #ballarat #gym #dojo #covidsafe #hohansoken #fuseikise #shorinryu

17.01.2022 Here's a little flash back to last year. We certainly miss our junior classes and we look forward to welcoming all the kids back on the dojo floor soon as possible. We send our best wishes to families as children embark on term 3. ... While we do not have a confirmed re-start date, in the meantime we encourage all our kids to stay fit and active! We will see you soon! #ballaratlife #ballaratkarate #fitkid #shorinryu #bkc #fuseikise #hohansoken #selfdefence #selfdefenceforkids

17.01.2022 Here's a great action shot taken at Paul Shaper's Black Belt grading in 2016. Paul (white uniform) is seen executing a spinning back kick, while Sempai David Mounier (black uniform), moves to the left and deflects the path of the kick, ready to counter attack, and narrowly avoiding the impact of Paul's spinning back kick into his ribs. Excellent technique, speed and skill from both gentlemen. ... #blackbelt #karatedo #karate #ballaratkarate #fuseikise #hohansoken #shorinryumatsumuraseito #kumite

16.01.2022 We are pleased to announce that the dojo has re-opened and adult classes will recommence this coming Monday. Please note, children's classes are still on hold until further notice. With current restrictions on all gyms, current members and anyone interested in joining our adult classes are asked to call 0400984778 to ensure there is available space on the floor. We are taking strict measures to ensure we are in line with covid-safe practices, and it's great to be back! #gym #shorinryu #dojolife #dojo #fuseikise #hohansoken #okinawakarate #ballaratlife #ballarat #covidsafe #regionalvictoria

15.01.2022 With training numbers capped due to covid-19 restrictions and a waiting list to consider, the BKC has added an additional training night! Thursday night training will commence next week, coordinated by John McMahon. Contact John directly on on 0419 137 584 or email at [email protected] to reserve a place on the floor. Remember, numbers are capped to align with covid restrictions, therefore bookings are strongly encouraged. ... *For all other training nights continue to contact Wayne Reddrop on 0400984778 or email at [email protected] #ballaratkarate #karate #shorinryu #ballarat #martialarts

15.01.2022 While we are still unable to engage in contact training, there's still a comprehensive karate syllabus to learn and constantly refine. Find out more about training times and opportunities at the BKC by messaging this page. All ages and all levels of experience are welcome. Authentic karate for everyone! Stay fit and stay active!... #ballaratkarate #karateka #karate #ballarat #ballaratlife #nonforprofit #shorinryu #fuseikise #hohansoken

14.01.2022 Here's a few additional photos from last night's grading. Congratulations again to Maddi, Dave, Courtney, Peter and Will.

14.01.2022 It's great to be back on the floor with our BKC community! The dojo is open for adult classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while children's classes are still on hold until further notice. With current restrictions on all gyms, anyone interested in joining our adult classes are asked to call 0400984778 to ensure there is available space on the floor. ... We are taking strict measures to ensure we are in line with covid-safe practices, and it's great to be back! #gym #shorinryu #dojolife #dojo #fuseikise #hohansoken #okinawakarate #ballaratlife #ballarat

13.01.2022 Here's one more action shot for today. This image features Sempai Brad Fisher (left) and Sempai Dan West (right). Whilst engaged in kumite (freestyle fighting), Sempai Brad executes a left front kick. Sempai Dan steps off the path of the kick, with a left punch to Brad's ribs. Sempai Brad maintains his balance as he controls Dan's right arm, and pulls Dan toward him to close the distance.... Balance, timing and technique. #karateballarat #karatedo #karate #kumite #shorinryu #shorinryumatsumuraseito #hohansoken #fuseikise #BKC

12.01.2022 Congratulations to Rod Hilton who successfully passed his Godan (5th degree black belt) review in both karate and kobudo on Friday night. Rod who commenced training with the club in 1971 has been a loyal and dedicated member throughout. In 1975 he won first place in the inaugural SRMS (Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito) Australian black belt tournament presided over by Ted Lange (5th degree black belt - now deceased).... In 1976 fought in the main event of the Australian kickboxing tournament organised by the Bob Jones corporation. He was Chief instructor of the club from 1979 until 1983 when he then relocated to Western Australia where he ran numerous karate dojo's. In 1985 he accompanied Barry Packham to Okinawa with fellow club man John Crebbin where both he and John successfully graded to 4th dan under Grandmaster Kise and while in Okinawa competed in the Island full contact tournament. In 2005 was awarded Life membership to the Ballarat Karate Club. (Shorin Ryu - Australia) Since Rod's return to Ballarat in 2018 he has been training and teaching 3 times a week and constantly sharing his vast amount of knowledge and experience with other BKC members. During Rod's review he demonstrated the original version of Ananku (A kata Rod brought back to Ballarat from the Okinawan hombu dojo in 1985) Tokumine No Kon then the test kata's of Goju Shiho, Soken No Nunchaku and Maezato No Tekko. In a typically strong showing of technique and power the panel headed by founding member Hanshi Packham, Chief Instructor Kyoshi Reddrop and assisted by club founder Renshi Govan and foundation members Renshi's Howard and Robinson were all unanimous in their endorsement of Rod's elevation to 5th dan. *Kyoshi Wayne Reddrop, 7th Dan #shorinryu #shorinryumatsumuraseito #bkc #ballaratkarate #ballaratkarateclub #okinawakarate #fuseikise #hohansoken #bobjones #bjma

11.01.2022 Here's another great action shot, this time featuring Shihan Jack Lyons (left) and Shihan Lachlan Howard (right). Whilst engaged in kumite (freestyle fighting), Shihan Jack controls Shihan's Lachlan's right arm while executing a right punch to the head. Shihan Lachlan defends with a left front kick, while simultaneously redirecting the punch to his head.... Excellent speed, power and control demonstrated by these two 4th Degree Black Belt master ranks. #karatedo #karate #karateballarat #fuseikise #hohansoken #shorinryumatsumuraseito #BKC #kumite #blackbelt

11.01.2022 On Wednesday night the Ballarat Karate Club (Shorin ryu - Australia) conducted a coloured belt kyu grading for 5 of its members with a 6th member due to test next week. The successful candidates were Maddi Vawdrey grading to 2nd kyu brown belt, Dave Hyatt and Peter Griffin both grading to 3rd kyu brown belt, Courtney McMahon grading to 4th kyu green belt and Will Talbot who graded to 5th kyu green belt. All candidates were tested as a group then individually examined in both... kata and kobudo, followed by green and brown belt ippon kumite then extensive rounds of kumite (Free sparring) in continuous line up bouts. Special thanks to Bernie Lyons as our resident first aider and the strong panel of judges headed by Chief Instructor Kyoshi Wayne Reddrop 7th dan. Those assisting Kyoshi Reddrop were Renshi Vaughan King, 5th dan. Renshi Rod Hilton 4th dan. Shihan's Jack Lyons, Lachlan Howard and Troy Wakefield all 4th dans. Sempai's John McMahon 2nd dan, Chris O'Keefe 2nd dan, Paul Schaper 2nd dan, Bernie Lyons 1st dan and Heather Wingate 1st dan. Well done and congratulations to all. #ballarat #ballaratkarate #martialarts #shorinryu #hohansoken #fuseikise #traditionalkarate #shorinruymatsumuraseito #kumite

10.01.2022 CONGRATULATIONS PAUL AND TERRY The Ballarat Karate Club recently graded two members of its Older Warriors Group. The grading was adapted to fully comply with the Covid19 restrictions existing at the time. Dr. Terry Sands achieved the rank of 2nd Dan Karate and 2nd Dan Kobudo (weapons). Terry displayed a significant knowledge and practice of kata during the grading process. ... Paul Coleman achieved the rank of 1st Dan Karate and 1st Dan Kobudo. Paul had formerly been graded to Dan ranks in Shotokan but has since joined the Shorin Ryu Matsumura Seito style of the Ballarat Karate Club. A significant achievement to find recognition and success in both styles. After formally being invited to grade around 8 months ago the participants were tested and signed off on satisfactory completion of all kata, up to their intended rank. Before a panel of higher ranked martial artists, the participants were required to satisfactorily complete four test kata each. The panel consisted of Hanshi Dr Barry Packham - 9th Dan, Kyoshi Wayne Reddrop - 7th Dan, Renshi Barry Govan - 5th Dan, Renshi Gary Robinson - 5th Dan and Sempai Gary Whittaker - 3rd Dan, who conducted the proceedings. The participants also jointly demonstrated the advanced kata of Hamahiga Nichogama originating from Hamahiga Island, Okinawa. Congratulations to both successful applicants for their dedication, determination and courage over many years of training. #shorinryu #karateka #karate #ballarat #ballaratkarate #hohansoken #martialarts #fuseikise #kobudo #nonforprofit #ballaratkarate

10.01.2022 How good is it to have everyone back at training! It's great to see everyone on the dojo floor, getting fit, keeping fit, learning martial arts and giving back to the community. As a martial arts community we are in line with covid-safe practices and we welcome you to join us at The Ballarat Karate Club. ... For training times and further information call 0400 984 778 #karate #karateballarat #shorinryu #fuseikise #hohansoken #shorinryu #ballarat #martialarts

09.01.2022 GARY ROBINSON Gary Robinson's martial arts career commenced in boxing, from 1957 through to 1962. He fought 24 sanctioned amateur bouts, for a record of 20 wins for 4 losses, culminating in his winning the 1960 Victorian Lightweight Amateur Championship after which he turned professional. He fought 5 sanctioned professional bouts, winning 4 for a loss of 1. After withdrawing from professional boxing Gary became a foundation member of the Ballarat Karate Club when it started ...in 1965. He had an open invitation dojo at his home in Creswick over the period 1970-1988. Gary is one of the original seven Dragon Holders of the club. Gary achieved Shodan in 1974. In 2015 Gary along with club founder Barry Govan both graded to Godan in the presence of Grandmaster Kise Fusei as part of the clubs 50 year celebration. Gary continues to be an active participant through the clubs Shin Shi No Kai group and regularly gives instruction and advice on heavy bag training and his 'go to techniques' utilising a range of elbow strikes (as can be seen in the accompanying photo). At 80 years of age, Gary Robinson continues to inspire generations of martial artists at the Ballarat Karate Club. Kyoshi Wayne Reddrop #ballarat #Boxing #ballaratkarate #shorinryu #fuseikise #bkc #karateballarat

06.01.2022 The date is April 11, 1992, and Vaughan King, Tony West and Brent Holding are each awarded the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt. For their successful grading, Vaughan, Tony and Brent each present an extensive array of kata and kobudo and a written history and philosophy of Okinawan Karate. Furthermore, each candidate fought for 25 rounds against other black belts and high ranked martial artists in the BKC. In addition to his successful grading, Brent Holding is presented with h...is Dragon Award, for fighting ability and the displaying of heart and courage. (Vaughan and Tony received their Dragon awards in 1990 and 1991 respectively). Within the BKC, the Dragon is awarded rarely and carries with it much respect. In the years to follow, Vaughan King would go on to achieve 5th Dan (2019) and Tony West would achieve 2nd Dan (1995). *Photos and newspaper clipping from Tony West's collection.

06.01.2022 With the re-opening of gyms in NSW Sempai Dan West was fortunate to train with Shotokan Karate practitioners at the Kaigan-Kan Karate Club in Coffs Harbour. *** Thank you Sensei Ron and the team at Kaigan-Kan Karate Do Coffs Harbour for a fantastic training session. It was great to be on the dojo floor and share the similarities and differences in the Pinan and Heian katas, along with the Naihanchi and Tekki katas. Thank you also to Sensei Richard for the sai and bo kata wor...k out. A great training session. Thank you, Sempai Dan See more

06.01.2022 -The AWARD OF THE DRAGON- The Dragon is a special recognition for outstanding personal within the B.K.C. The Dragon is symbolic of and awarded for fighting ability and the showing of Heart and Courage. The Dragon at all times remains the property of the B.K.C. The emblem is awarded rarely and carries with it much respect.... The following constitute the sum total, without exception, of Dragon Holders of the Ballarat Karate Club. Wayne Williamson 1967 Barry Govan 1967 Barry Packham (Dr.) 1967 Gary Robinson 1967 Graeme Howard 1967 Terry Sands (Dr.) 1967 Gary Whittaker 1967 Neville Crosbie 1970 Neville Green 1970 Gary Oliver 1971 Peter Beshara 1971 Rod Hilton 1973 Thinh Duc Phu 1973 John Crebbin 1975 Chris Livitsanos 1981 Graeme (Mick) Eaton 1981 Wayne Reddrop 1982 Geoffrey Anderson 1984 John Murphy 1985 Gordon Mayne 1986 Garry Anderson 1988 Brent Holding 1988 Trevor Kissane 1988 Vaughan King 1990 Tony West 1991 Danny Manning 1995 Simon Millar 1995 John McMahon 1999 Jack Lyons 1999 Lachlan Howard 2000 Troy Wakefield 2002 Scott Johnson 2005 Brad Fisher 2012 Bryan Mawby 2012 Daniel West 2012 Tim Russell 2012 Marcus Cassells 2012 David Mounier 2013 Bernadette Lyons (Luka) 2013 Chris O’Keefe 2015 Paul Schaper 2019 #shorinryumatsumuraseito #shorinryukarate #fuseikise #hohansoken #BKC #ballaratkarate #karate #ballaratkarate #kumite #sparring #courage

04.01.2022 {An update in relation to all children's classes} Dear families, We hope you and your family are well and your child’s return to school has been successful.... At this time we would like to provide an update on children’s classes at the Ballarat Karate Club in relation to covid-19. While we have seen some restrictions in Victoria ease, and the Ballarat Karate Club will re-commence with a modified program for adult classes limited to 10 participants, all children’s classes will continue to be on hold until further restrictions have been lifted. At this moment in time we envisage re-opening for children’s classes for the commencement of term 4. We will update families via email and Facebook as we move closer to re-commencement. Please note that all annual memberships will be rolled over for the full duration of your child’s time away from karate, ensuring that families are not out of pocket as a result of the cancelled lessons. We thank you for your patience and understanding during these uncertain times, Kind regards, The Ballarat Karate Club

02.01.2022 The year is 2017 and long serving BKC member Sempai Chris O'Keefe grades successfully to Nidan (2nd degree blackbelt). Throughout his grading, Chris demonstrated excellent kata and kobudo including Sai, Bo and Kama, totalling 20+ kata. Furthermore, Chris completed multiple line ups of kumite (sparring) with opponents ranging from 1st Dan through to 4th Dan. Chris' heart and determination throughout his grading was inspiring. He fought with precision, control and skill, and h...is knowledge of Shorin Ryu karate is excellent. Chris is a highly respected gentleman in the Ballarat Karate Club and the wider Ballarat community. #ballarat #karate #karateballarat #ballaratkarate #shorinryu #blackbelt #kata #kumite #sparring #selfdefecnce #bkc #fuseikise #hohansoken

02.01.2022 Thank you WIN News Ballarat for sharing this fantastic archival footage featuring Renshi John Crebbin with Hanshi-Sei Fusei Kise. This footage was filmed for WIN News in relation to Master Kise's first visit to Australia in 1990, which was hosted by the Ballarat Karate Club. The Grandmaster's visit celebrated the 25th anniversary of the BKC and the opening of the Eastwood Leisure Centre Dojo.... A wonderful time capsule from the year 1990. #ballaratkarate #karateka #karate #shorinryu #fuseikise #kobudo

01.01.2022 Beach Training. Always a BKC community highlight! The training sessions often conclude with some enthusiastic beach sparring. The objective is to enjoy the session and to not get too wet! This great photo of Shihan Lachlan Howard and Lachlan Cassells taken a few years back captures the great spirit of the weekend.... We look forward to returning to exciting events like this in the not to distant future. In the meantime, check in on each other and stay connected. Be kind. Stay fit, stay active and keep training from home. #ballaratkarate #bekindballarat #karate #shorinryukarate #shorinryumatsumuraseito #fuseikise #bkc #beachsparring #dojo