Grant Banister is Founder and Chief Instructor of Bukido Karate. Shidoshi Grant Bannister (shidoshi meaning, stable and independant leader) started his training in Martial Arts in 1974 under the San Chi Kai Karate group led by Shihan Mal Lomax. Shidoshi Grant has spent most of his adult life teaching karate for the benefit of his students of which many have gone on to earn their own successes in Australia and Internationally. Shidoshi Grant Bannister is responsible for changing the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of students through his heartful and articulate approach to martial arts. Grant believes in the profound effect that a well balance martial arts program has on the community when taught correctly. Shidoshi Grant Bannister has spent most of his career fefining what he considers to be his most important students, children! Grant knows that when when a child learns the value of respect for others, and committing to healthy practices early in life, their lives will be on track early and the best possible life changes are in motion. As a master of the traditional aspects of Karate and Kobudo (weapons) Shidoshi Grant bannister is able to deliver the best martial arts training around and possibly the best childrens program in the industry. Bukido Karate is located in Lilydale, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Richie Ivory is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and accomplished MMA coach Richie Ivory began his martial arts training at an early age, his father supported his efforts and encouraged the young athlete as he competed in Irish and European Championships in Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. In 2005 Richie deided to expand his knowledge and left for Australia where he continued his Brazilian jiu jitsu training under the Ben Hall / Carlson Gracie BJJ Academy. It wasnt long before Richie was noticed as he began to make a strong impact in the local BJJ and MMA competitions. Richie was offered a job to manage the Bendigo Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Bendigo Central Victoria where he drew a large number of students, many of whom went on to chalk up some significant wins in the tournament circuits. Richie himself entered some of Australia's most significant MMA circuits and became a local celebrity amongst enthusiasts. Richie Ivory is not just a champion fighter he is also a family man who needed to move his Irish family back home and continue down his chosen path of teaching martial arts. Richie Ivory opened his school in Gorey County Wexford, and it has grown ever since. His wealth of knowledge and compassion for his students have made him a well sought after coach on two continents. Richie Ivory believes in ethical and professional practices in martial arts, and is an advocate for child safety and positive physical and mental development through martial arts. Richie has a variety of titles in Brazilian jiu Jitsu and muay thai and competes at a professional level in MMA. Richie has already trained a very strong stable of fighters in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, many going on to compete well in regional and state titles. Richie operates the Richi Ivory Jiu Jitsu Academy in Ireland where he has already gained a great following that includes junior and senior students.
Dan Flint is a 9th Dan in taekwondo. Dan runs his own full time martial arts centre and has been teaching the art of Taekwondo for over 40 years. As chief instructor to many thousands of students in his network, Dan is held in very high regard amongst all his peers and students alike. Dan Flint runs a martial arts family with both daughters and son training and working in his centre. As a caring and innovative coach, Dan Flint continues to churn out champions as he has done year in year out for many years.
Sharelle Iversen is a 1st Dan Black belt in Karate. Sempai Sharelle began training in 1995 and proved to be a committed and strong individual. After several years of absence due to having children whe returned to fulfill her original goal of achieving her Black belt. This she did with focus and courage and now she leads as an example to others who look for a trustworthy leader. As a martial arts practitioner, Sharelle is a formidable foe, as a teacher she is a compassionate and empathetic teacher who guides her students from the heart, and as a person Sharelle, is committed, loyal and focussed. Sempai Sharelle has gained great respect from her peers and is a very popular and accomplished member of the Teshinkai karate team. Sempai Sharelle now operates regular classes and has become a favoured instructor to many students that call her their teacher.
Dr Richard Bradford, 9th Dan Karate, Hanshi Richard Bradford is a well respected karate pioneer who was the first in Australia to establish a full time professional organisation. Hanshi Richard started his martial arts training in 1959 in Judo, Jujitsu and boxing. In 1963, he formally started his Karate training and in 1966 started teaching the art. Shihan Bradford was the Austrailan Karate Federation National Coach from 1977-1993 and produced many champions, the most prestigious being World Heavyweight Champion Brian Peakal (1992), Australia's 1st ever senior male world title. Goshin Ryu Karate is the most successful Karate club in the government recognised Australian Karate Federation. Karate is a great person development system teaching life skills that develop self confidence, self esteem and discipline, as well as being a great deal of fun! Goshin Ryu Karate was first registered world-wide in Sydney, Australia in the late 1960's by Shihan Dr. Richard Bradford and other leading instructors from China, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other Asian countries with Chan Keng Wan from the Shaolin Temple Double Dragon school in China as the Head Instructor and Master. Developed from the 'Shotokan' style, an original martial arts style from Okinawa, Japan, Goshin Ryu today is made up of two essential martial arts styles, Shotokan Karate and Double Dragon Shaolin Kung Fu. Hanshi Richard Bradford is heavily engaged in the development of Karate in China through one of the country's largest organizations. As a senior coach and adjudicator Hanshi Richard Bradfords influence is world wide and he is responsibe for grading and curriculum for many tens of thousands of student in China and Australia. Hanshi Richard Bradford is committed to ongoing professional development of all martial arts coaches. He has been heavily involved in the education and development for his organisation and other organisations with his involvement in Nationally Recognised Training via the International College of Kenshusei and the Australian College of Sports Development.
For over 40 years Sifu Rick has trained in and developed the Wing Chun he learned from William Cheung (Bruce Lee’s senior training partner and Ip Man’s live-in disciple), integrating a sophisticated kicking game and Will/Machado Brazilian Jiu Jutsu into what you could now consider to be a complete Wing Chun Martial Arts System. The classes are structured to cater for all levels of experience. Beginners to advanced students are welcome in all classes. We have a strong concept of pressure testing all that we do so we can have real confidence that what we are practicing will be effective in a high stress situation. Sifu Rick is a former World Champion Full Contact fighter and our school has nurtured many individuals into talented martial artists that have competed and won on many platforms. We don’t have a fight program at our Sydney school, our interstate schools are currently flying that flag for the organisation. We do however have a strong sparring curriculum and that proves to be challenging enough for the majority of our students. For those who want to compete we do of course support them. Our instructors are experienced martial artists. Some have a background purely in Red Boat Wing Chun and Will/Machado BJJ, others have Boxing, Muay Thai, Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Karate backgrounds on top of their many years of training in Red Boat Wing Chun. The school’s values are that of Family, Honour and Loyalty. We welcome all students as if they are family and expect everyone to treat each other with the care and respect that you would expect from such a relationship. Our duty is to provide a place that nurtures your path toward excellence in martial arts, and for those who have embraced this culture their lives have changed for the better as well.