About Us
ABOUT SHIBUKAI MARTIAL ARTS KARATE & KOBUDO
At Shibukai Martial Arts, our aim is to foster good, healthy and moral athletes through traditional Shotokan Karate and Okinawan Ryukyu Kobudo classes on the Gold Coast. Our classes respect the traditions and philosophy of budo, and focus on teaching self defence, confidence, fitness, and focus.
We offer karate classes and kobudo classes for students aged 5 to adult, with our main dojo in Maudsland, and students attending from Maudsland, Oxenford, Pacific Pines, Upper Coomera, Coomera, Pimpama, Ormeau, Helensvale, Arundel, and Southport, and surrounding areas.
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 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
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
FAQs
Do I need to be strong, flexible and in shape to join any martial arts?
Definitely not! You will become stronger, fitter, and more flexible when you join one of our programs.
How often should I attend a class in a week?
Ideally you should train as often as you can, however a minimum of twice a week is required to develop quality Karate.
How large are the classes?
We have many different class sizes ranging from 5 – 20, however we try and keep the teacher to student ratio at 1 instructor to 10 students.
What happens if I miss a class?
Due to the vast number of classes available, we encourage you to have a make up class whenever possible.
What do I wear to practice or train and where can I get them?
We have a shop through the dojo where all of your Karate uniforms and equipment can be purchased to make sure you get the right fit and size.

The Leadership Program
Karate News
How good is this? Celebrating two of our own leaders by their peers at the Schoo…
How good is this? Celebrating two of our own leaders by their peers at the School Leadership Awards held at the HOTA, Congratulations Keely Kable and Tate Huxtable from Karate Gold Coast - Shibukai Martial Arts. 👏😃👍 Source
What an excellent first grading of the year! Congratulations to all that passed,…
What an excellent first grading of the year! Congratulations to all that passed, you all performed fantastically. Thank you to all that made it possible, and a special shout out to all our helpers for offering their time, especially, Sonia, Kyle, Barry,...
A gentle reminder that there will be no classes today due to gradings. Covid rul…
A gentle reminder that there will be no classes today due to gradings. Covid rules apply. Attendance by booking only. Thank you Source