Welcome to Karate Academy Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Karate Academy stands as a distinguished martial arts institution deeply rooted in tradition and excellence. As a proud member Seiwakai International and the Japan Karate Federation, both being a vast network of karate schools spanning over 20 countries globally, we are committed to upholding the rich heritage of karate.
Our journey is intricately connected to the traditional roots of this Japanese martial art, reflecting a dedication to authenticity.
We believe in making practical self defence training accessible to all ages, fostering a community that values personal safety and empowerment. Our classes go beyond physical fitness, emphasizing discipline, a cornerstone for character development, self defence techniques applicable in real-world situations, and building resilience that will continue with you in all aspects of your life.
As a beacon of martial arts excellence, Karate Academy combines the wisdom of traditional Japanese karate with a contemporary global perspective. Join us in the pursuit of discipline, self defence, resilience, and fitness – where the art of karate becomes a transformative journey for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Discover the harmony of old and new, and join us to explore the perfect synergy between tradition and progress in martial arts.
Classes
Little Ninjas
Ages 5 - 7
Our Little Ninjas program is specially designed to nurture the budding martial artists within the youngest members of our community, at an integral time of the early development.
This class primarily focuses on developing fundamental motor skills, encouraging socialization, instilling discipline and respect, and providing an engaging introduction to the world of karate.
It's the perfect starting point for children looking to embark on their martial arts journey and set them up for success by teaching through play.
Juniors
Ages 8 - 12
Our Juniors class offers an exciting blend of skill development and personal growth. Here, we emphasize the refinement of junior-level techniques and skills while building confidence, courage, and discipline.
Students will gradually be introduced to light contact training through pad and bag work to build confidence and resilience, partner drills and kata (forms).
This class serves as an essential foundation for students of all ages, setting the stage for advanced training in senior grades.
Teens & Adults
Ages 13+
Our Teens & Adults class is tailored to cater to individuals aged 13 and above. It's the next step in your martial arts journey, focusing on senior-level techniques and skill development.
This class is designed to expand your confidence, courage, and discipline while advancing your proficiency in contact training. Expect to engage in advanced pad and bag work, more intricate partner drills, kata, the introduction of bunkai (application of techniques from kata), self defence scenarios, and experienced sparring.
It's the perfect class to continue your growth and progress towards senior grades.
Seniors
Invite Only unless Brown or Black Belt
Our Seniors class is the pinnacle of martial arts training. Geared towards students seeking an advanced level of mastery, this class introduces throws, takedowns, clinching, and basic grappling techniques.
Strength and conditioning training are incorporated to enhance your physical capabilities. Expect advanced contact training involving pads, partner drills, advanced kata, bunkai (application of techniques from kata), and intense pressure testing sparring.
If you're looking to take your martial arts journey to the highest level, the Seniors class is your ultimate destination.
About the instructors
Glenn Stephenson - Shihan (Chief Instructor - Australia)
With more than 45 years of experience, Glenn has multiple titles under his belt. Over the years he has honed his skills to be able to teach what he has learned from his master to his students.
Starting Karate in 1979 with Karate Academy of Japan Goju, Ashfield under Keith Hill Shihan 5th Dan Gojuryu Karate do Seiwakai. Now, training directly under Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi 8th Dan (Shuji Tasaki 9th Dan Hanshi RIP) of Gojuryu Karate do Seiwakai.
Glenn won a WKKF World Kata Bunkai Champion title in 1994 Tokyo, Japan. Now, Head Instructor for Gojuryu Karate do Seiwakai Australia teaches most nights, through the All Japan Karate Federation Gojukai has trained under the best of Japans' JKF Goju Kai masters include Shiomi Shihan, Maiyama Shihan, Maigawa Shihan, Tada Shihan, Fujiwara Shihan, Tasaki Hanshi and Lipinski Shihan since 1989 has had regular trips to Japan has developed and honed the skills that have been taught to him.
Goju Ryu develops close in fighting skills that other sports style karate fighters are looking for it has both Karate and Jutsu involvement with the higher Dan level techniques. To find a good coach is the key Shuji Tasaki Shihan was the best and Fujiwara Shihan has developed his coaching through the guidence of a great master that devoted his life to his love for Karate, I enjoy my Karate and like to invite others to train and learn from my experience.
Learn More
Chief Instructor, Karate Academy of Japan Goju Ryu
Director for Oceania Goju Ryu Karate do Seiwakai Australia
President, JKF Gojukai Australia
7th Dan, Kyoshi Shihan, Gojuryu Karate do Seiwakai
7th Dan, Renshi Shihan, JKF Gojukai
2nd Dan ,Okinawa Kobudo Federation
About the instructors
Clifford Williams - Sensei (Head Instructor - North Brisbane)
Meet Clifford, founder of Fortified Champions and Head Instructor for both Karate Academy North Brisbane and UQ Karate Club, whose journey in combat sports and martial arts started in 2009. His expertise lies in Karate, where he has dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of this traditional Japanese martial art.
His commitment to excellence extends beyond Karate, by being a well-rounded practitioner, immersing himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Kobudo (traditional Japanese weapons). This diverse training background not only enriches his skills but also adds a unique perspective to his teaching approach.
Clifford's pursuit of mastery took him to the UK, where he spent four years training under master instructors, further refining his techniques and deepening his understanding of various martial arts disciplines. Not content with resting, he is part of an international network of martial artists, and annually embarks on a journey to Japan for intensive training sessions with head instructors, ensuring he stays at the forefront of martial arts developments.
In addition to his martial arts accomplishments, Clifford has accumulated over seven years of experience as a Personal Trainer, specializing as a Strength & Conditioning coach and Sports Recovery for athletes. His holistic approach to fitness and well-being demonstrates a commitment not only to martial arts excellence but also to the overall health and development of his students.
Join Clifford on the mat for a transformative martial arts experience led by a seasoned instructor with a passion for continual growth and mastery.
Learn More
Owner and Founder of Fortified Champions Martial Arts Centre
Head Instructor, Karate Academy North Brisbane & UQ Karate Club
3rd Dan Black Belt, Sensei, Goju Ryu Karate do Seiwakai
3rd Dan Black Belt, Sensei, JKF Goju Kai
7+ Years Strength & Conditioning Coach
Personal Trainer
Jason - Sempai
1st Dan Black Belt
Jason commenced Goju-Kai training in 1986, aged 15,in Grafton under Shihan Helmut Mouldner and his 2nd Dan instructor Rick Burton. in 1989 he was awarded Shodan-Ho from Shihan Paul Starling, a direct student of Saiko Shihan Gogen Yamaguchi.
in 1990 Jason was selected to play American Football for Australia and spent the n
1st Dan Black Belt
Jason commenced Goju-Kai training in 1986, aged 15,in Grafton under Shihan Helmut Mouldner and his 2nd Dan instructor Rick Burton. in 1989 he was awarded Shodan-Ho from Shihan Paul Starling, a direct student of Saiko Shihan Gogen Yamaguchi.
in 1990 Jason was selected to play American Football for Australia and spent the next 2.5 years travelling Europe and the USA.
Upon returning to Grafton at the end of 1992 he recommenced training with Shihan Rick Burton, and in 1994 was graded to full 1st Dan Black Belt. in 1996 Jason took over the Grafton Dojo and instructed there until 2001, when he ceased training due to a serious leg injury from a different sport.
from 2008 - 2018 Jason was an active coach for Cricket NSW and was the Assistant Coaching Director for Junior Development (12 - 18 years old) in the Northern Division which covered Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads.
Jason and his family moved to Brisbane at the end of 2020 and in 2021 he recommenced his training in our Bald Hills Dojo with his teenage son. Jason was re-graded back to 1st Dan in Goju Ryu Seiwakai in December 2022.