Barry Johnston first began training in Kyokushinkaikan Karate at the age of 13 in 1971 and earned his black belt at age 21 in 1979. Johnston went on to compete in the Kyokushinkaikan International Kurjurnas Brawijaya Cup held in Indonesia in 1981. Upon his return from overseas Johnston established his own school and began a full time martial arts teaching career. Shihan Johnston as he is known now has taught many thousands of students in the Bendigo and Central Victoria region. Over 120 individuals have gained their black belt through his system and is prominent in his area and a significant figure in the Australian martial Arts Industry. Shihan Johnston assisted the Department of Sprt and Recreation Training Australia in 1999 to develop the industry's first Government Recognised Qualifications for the martial Arts Industry. Through his Registered Training Organisation (Australian College of Sports Development) his team qualified over 14,000 coaches across Australia between 2001 and 2014.

Hanshi "Tino" Ceberano is well-known in Australia as the father of traditional karate-do. As a direct student of the late Gogen Yamaguchi (Goju Kai Karate), it was Hanshi Ceberano who was appointed by Gogen Sensei to introduce the style into Australia in a time when little was known in the country of the art of Karate. As Australia's chief representative and leader of the system, Hanshi Ceberano took the style from nothing to a main powerhouse in the industry. It would be fair to say that the DNA of any karate exponent in Australia can be traced back to Hanshi Ceberano. In addition to being the most qualified source of knowledge in the Goju Kai system in Australia, Hanshi Ceberano is also a master Coach (Guro) in the highly effective Filipino martial art of Kalis/Arnis. Hanshi Ceberano's knowledge is vast and his ability as a coach, teacher and mentor is second to none. In 2019 Hanshi Ceberano was investured with the order of Australia medal, for his work in the martial arts industry. Hanshi Ceberano is a 9th degree black belt and holds a Diploma of Sports Coaching for Martial Arts.

Richard Norton is considered to be Australia's most successful Martial Artists, with over 55 years training in the Martial Arts and a movie career spanning some 40 years. Norton has trained in many aspects of the Martial Arts including Judo, Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, Muay-Thai Kick Boxing and various Japanese weapons systems. He holds a 5th degree Shihan ranking in International Goju Ryu Karate, personally presented to him by Hanshi Tino Ceberano, an 9th degree in Zen Do Kai Karate, 5th degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under world renowned coach, Carlos Machado and a level 6 ranking in Kickboxing under Sensei Benny, ‘The Jet’ Urquidez. Most recently he received a 5th Degree Master ranking in Chun Kuk Do, personally awarded and presented to him by the legendary Chuck Norris. Norton's movie career started in 1979 as the head enforcer 'Kyo', in Chuck Norris,' The Octagon'. He went on to work with Jackie Chan in Hong Kong in the early 80's in a movie called 'Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Stars. He later co starred in City Hunter and had a co lead in Chan's, 'Mr. Nice Guy'. In fact Norton is the only western Martial Artist ever to be invited back to work on more than one project with Jackie in one of his Hong Kong movies, which in itself is a remarkable testimonial of the respect Mr. Chan has for Richard's acting and action abilities. Norton now has over 60 movie roles to his credit. Aside from acting, Richard is also highly sought after as a 2nd Unit Director and Stunt/ Fight Coordinator. Norton also toured for over 25 years as a personal Body Guard and trainer for such leading Rock Musicians as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Cocker and ABBA.

A student of Karate for 20 years, as an instructor I feel rewarded when I see the satisfaction students (Kohai) achieve when they attain new skills or improve on existing ones. I firmly believe that every student should and will feel better about themselves when they walk out of my classes than when they walked in - both physically and mentally.

Siena has continuously trained in Kyokushin since she was 8 years old. Her training included a Leadership Program with extra curriculum, and responsibility for leading sub-groups in class. She was welcomed at a young age to train with the senior class due to her mature and respectful approach. She has regularly attended visiting trainer sessions (Richard Norton, Benny the Jet, Sifu Robert McInnes) and joint training sessions with sister clubs. A regular participant in Kyokushin karate tournaments at state level, she frequently achieves placings in kata. Even with a busy school life and other extra curricular activities she is still committed to her own training and in assisting others to improve their skills.

I have always been involved in sport to some degree. I played in, and coached, country cricket teams for over 30 years and am still active as a private coach for promising underage players. I have also been active in the Martial Arts for nearly 30 years and hold belts in two styles. I am currently actively teaching Te Shin Kai Karate lunch time classes twice weekly. My other love is endurance sport. I have completed numerous road marathons, trail ultra-marathons and both 70.3 and 140.6 distance triathlons. My coaching philosophy is simply to help clients/students to be the best they can be no matter what their goals are.