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About Us

The aim of our clubs are to foster good, healthy and moral athletes. Shibukai Martial Arts is based on a traditional Japanese style of karate called Shotokan, and our training classes respect the traditions and philosophy of Budo (武道) the traditional Japanese Martial Art. We are one of the only true traditional schools of Karate left here on the Gold Coast. It is a Sports form of Karate and a great way to teach your kids self defence. Karate will also keep your child active and focused. Traditional Karate is also a great way for adults to get fit and healthy. Shibukai Martial Arts is based on the Gold Coast, with students attending from Northern Gold Coast to Southern Gold Coast but majority of them come from these local suburbs:- Maudsland, Oxenford, Pacific Pines, Upper Coomera, Coomera, Pimpama, Ormeau, Helensvale,  Arundel, Southport area.

Our Instructors

Sensei Dhanesh Walatara

5th Dan, Japan

Karate Gold Coast (Hakuakai Karate) was brought to Australia by Dhanesh Walatara Sensei (5th Dan) to fill a gap that’s been void for so long. Most Karate schools are mainly profit driven and do not teach the old Japanese art of Budo Karate. Dhanesh Sensei has been practising Karate since the age of 13 and has a vast knowledge in traditional Karate. His aim is to pass down the old values and the old art to the next generation. Each year Dhanesh sensei and his senior students visit Japan to be trained by highly qualified Instructors and to up skill their knowledge of Karate. Also to compete with the best at the World Championships.

Sensei Simon Davis

2nd Dan, Japan

Simon has many years of karate experience and a passion for developing students both with Karate and essential life skills such as determination, perseverance, confidence and motivation. He loves seeing the positive effects that teaching karate and being a good role model has on all students.

Shodan – Shotokan Karate Association, Shodan – Wado Ryu Karate, 3rd Kyu Okinawan Koboryu Kobudo, Positive Notice Bluecard Holder, Senior First Aid (Incl CPR), Bronze Level QKA Coach

Sensei Sonia Franck

2nd Dan, Japan

Dojos-: JKA between the ages of 12 – 15 (left with a brown belt) Shito-Ryu from age 17 – 21 Hakuakai dojo 2017 – current Gradings: 1st Dan Shito-Ryu grading in 1993 2nd Dan Shito-Ryu grading in 1996 1st Dan Hakuakai grading 2018 Between the ages of 17 – 21 I competed in all Club competitions, State/provinsial competitions and Nationals every year, and was chosen to represent South Africa at the WKF World Karate Championships for Juniors and Cadets. I’m thankful for my two girls that encouraged me to get back into karate to join them after a very long break.

Senpai Kyle Walatara

1st Dan, Japan

Starting at the age of 5, Senpai Kyle Walatara has attributed much of his success to the unique nature of the Karate Dojo. Training under traditional Japanese instructors like his father allowed him to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the art form. In recent years, Kyle takes Kumite classes throughout the week and is now coordinating the 2019 Leadership Program. As of 2016, He is an Accredited NCAS Bronze Coach approved by the Australian Sports Commission. Since then he has coached and developed many competitors, representing the organisation as a coach at over 50 tournaments to date. He also had the privilege of Coaching the Hakuakai National team in the 2017 World Titles in Japan. 

Senpai Chelsea Walatara

1st Dan, Japan
Sporting Achievements:
Women In Sport Attendee – 2016, 2017, 2018
Women In Sport: Highly Commended for Karate – 2017
Women In Sport: FINALIST – QLD Schoolgirl of the Year – 2018
Hakuakai World Championships – BRONZE Medalist – 2018
Queensland State Team Member – 2016, 2017
Local Sporting Champion (From Mr Bert Van Manen)
Japan Karate-Do Hakuakai International Competitor – 2015, 2018
Australian Karate Association (AKF) – State Champion, Top 5 Aus (Nationals) – 2017
Australian Karate Association (AKF) – State Champion, Top 10 Aus (Nationals) – 2016
Track and Field; School Champion, Districts – 3rd Place – 2017
Athletics School Champion, (Discus, Shot-put) – 2017, 2018
National All Styles Competition – Regional, State Champion – 2016
Nationals – 2nd Place – 2016
Australian Martial Arts Championships – Regional, State Champion – 2015
Australian Martial Arts Championships – Regional, State, National Champion – 2014

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