Kids love it.
Adults love it.
You will too.
Confidence and focus for kids, fitness and headspace for adults, all in a welcoming dojo family that’s been part of Maroochydore for over 25 years.
- Taught by world champions and master instructors
- Classes for ages 4 to adult
- No experience or fitness needed
- Train alongside your kids, or on your own
Enrol now for Term 4
Your first lesson is free
Book a trial class
Takes less than a minute. No experience needed.
World champion instructors
25+ years in Maroochydore
ICKF affiliated
Traditional Chito-Ryu Karate & Kobujutsu
Blue Card and first aid qualified instructors
Why families choose us
It’s more than just kicking and punching
Karate is what we teach, but it’s the friendships, the laughter and the feeling of belonging that keep families with us for years.
Confidence
Stand tall, speak up and handle challenges calmly, at any age.
Focus
Kata and kihon train attention and self-control that carries into school, work and home.
Respect
Bowing in, listening and helping others is part of every class.
Leadership
Senior students step up to help teach and lead on the floor.
Only on the Sunshine Coast
Sunrise sessions on the beach.
How it works
From first class to dojo family
1
Book online
Pick a time that suits you. It takes under a minute.
2
Try a class
Wear comfy clothes. We’ll look after everything else.
3
Join the dojo family
Love it? We’ll help you choose the right program.
Classes
Pick your path
Little Champions
Skills for life, disguised as a whole lot of fun.
Parents welcome to train alongside
13–19 years
Teens
Sharpen your mind and body, find your people, and discover you’re stronger than you thought.
Adults & over 50s
It’s never too late to start. Get fitter, ease the stress, and learn real self-defence.
Tournament squad
Specialised training for students who want to compete, from local tournaments to the world stage.
Organising a group, school or support service? Ask about community programs →
Competition team
Coached by world champions.
Sandra and Martin are both world champions and master instructors. Since 2000 they’ve coached students to world titles and podium finishes, year after year. Whether you or your child dream of competing or simply want great coaching, you’ll learn from people who’ve been to the top.
Club
State
National
International
Competing is always optional. Every student gets the same high-standard coaching, whether they compete or not.
2023 Soke Cup Team
2
World champion instructors
32
Medals at the 2026 Soke Cup
7
Gold medals at the 2026 Soke Cup
25+
Years of results, since 2000
Soke Cup (Chito-Ryu World Championships) results since 2001
- 2001One medal: our first Soke Cup (Kumamoto, Japan)
- 200413 medals, including 4 world champions (Newcastle, Australia)
- 2007One medal (Bergen, Norway)
- 20106 medals (Kumamoto, Japan)
- 201315 medals, including 4 gold (Hong Kong)
- 201712 medals, including 6 gold (Kumamoto, Japan)
- 201926 medals, including 5 gold: every team member medalled (Penticton, Canada)
- 202323 medals, including 9 gold (Kumamoto, Japan)
- 202632 medals, including 7 gold (Gold Coast, Australia)
In the news
Sunshine Coast Daily · Sep 2013
Couple Goes from Struggle Street to Training World Champions
What families say
Real stories from our dojo family
A welcoming community, fulfilment and life purpose
My son started at Sunshine Coast Karate when he was 5. He’s nearly 14 and I’m so grateful to Sensei Sandra and Martin for the coaching and community they have provided Hayden. He’s stronger physically, mentally and emotionally, because of karate and it’s his favourite place to be.
Hayden started at Sunshine Coast Karate when he was 5. He was hyperactive and low tone, needing over-the-foot orthotics. Sensei Martin & Sandra had no worries with this as they provided continued stimulation and creativity, which targeted skills like focus, strength and fun. One day, we realised he didn’t even NEED his orthotics any more as his foot strength was so good. Another pivotal moment was when Hayden went from a more uncoordinated child to really ‘getting’ karate.
Without karate, Hayden would have low tone and posture issues. He would have far less focus when life gets challenging. You can see the karate training in his eyes. He knows himself. He knows where he wants to go in life. He knows how to get there. Everything he practices in the dojo is aplicable for real life.
Beyond the karate skills, one of the biggest bonuses of having come to Sunshine Coast Karate is the community. Senseis Sandra & Martin create a positive space for children to come together to learn and have fun. It doesn’t matter if they are having a hard time at home or in school, they can come and find a positive space to be at the dojo. They are the ‘extra parents’ you’d love to have as mentors for your children.
Not only has Hayden learned karate skills, he began to THRIVE when he reached the age to be in the Leadership Program. It was also a bonus when he was at the age to practice weapons and he realised ‘this is the BEST part of karate – I LOVE this part’. We never contemplated these sides of karate when we pondered on karate for him when he was 4yrs old.
One thing that frustrates me is when parents say ‘I don’t like the physical contact in karate’ when they also mention, ‘my child is doing karate moves themselves’. The thing is, if your child is doing those moves, it’s within them. They will continue to do these moves and possibly play out the physical contact. It’s empowering for them to learn what to do with their drive to practice these moves. AND the get so many benefits that come with karate that my Hayden has received – a welcoming community, fulfilment and life purpose.
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Starting at Sunshine Coast karate has been one of the best things I have done . It has brought a whole new mentality and positive outlook on life whilst learning one of the oldest forms of karate.
SCK has helped me deal with anxiety and stresses that life can bring. Training here helps build confidence and inner strength of which have been fundamental to me starting my own business 2 yrs ago.
Both Sensei Martin and Sensei Sandra are highly skilled and amazing people with heaps of knowledge to share! Watching them perform karate is mind blowing and also a testament to them of what can be achieved.
I could not recommend SCK enough, great place to meet people, have fun and train hard.
Ian R. Student -
I started karate in my early 60s thanks to Sensei Martin and Sandra for letting me have a go. I just passed the 5yr mark, wow time goes quick. It’s been like a second home for me as I can come to class have a laugh and get stuck in to some serious training. Training has helped me so much, posture, breathing, flexibility and much more. It’s been slow and steady for me but I’ve loved every lesson. Every lesson is different. Any body that wonts to start karate don’t let age stop you. You can’t go past Sunshine Coast karate. You won’t be disappointed.
Shane S. Student
Community programs
Karate for everyone.
We partner with local organisations to bring karate to people of all abilities. Since 2025 we’ve run programs with StriveAbility Disability Support Services, where participants build focus, confidence and determination on the mat.
A great fit for
- Disability support services
- Schools and youth groups
- Community organisations
Programs are tailored to your group.
“Karate has been so beneficial for the participants. Their focus and determination has really shown through.”
StriveAbility Disability Support Services
Sept 2025
Sept 2026
Life at the dojo
Training all over the Coast
In the river
On the beach
In the park
From the dojo
News, results and stories
Free parent guide
Not ready to book yet? Get our free guide.
“5 ways karate builds confident kids”, straight to your inbox, plus the occasional dojo update.
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Free
Timetable
Find a class that fits your week
Coming up next: the next six classes from today. Closed days are shown too.
Questions
Questions people ask
Still unsure? Call us or send a message and we’ll happily help.
Does my child need any experience?
Not at all. Most students start as complete beginners. Instructors adjust every class to each student’s level.
Am I too old to start?
No. We have students who started in their 60s. Go at your own pace, and we’ll help you along.
What should we wear to the trial?
Comfortable clothes you can move in, like a t-shirt and shorts or track pants. We train barefoot, so bring shoes for the car park, and a water bottle is a good idea.
How much does it cost?
We have flexible membership options to suit your family and how often you’d like to train, including fortnightly memberships you can cancel any time, and family discounts. Your first lesson is free, so come and try a class. We’ll talk you through the options afterwards, with no pressure.
Can parents watch?
Yes. Parents are welcome to watch from the viewing area, or to train alongside their child in Little Champions and Karate Kids classes.
How do gradings work?
Gradings run every 6 to 10 weeks. Instructors track progress in class, invites go out two weeks before, and we run a practice grading beforehand. Little Champions earn tips on their belt in class instead.
Your first class
Come and meet your dojo family
Spots in each class are limited so every student gets proper attention.
2/14 Depot Street (Access via Progress Road), Maroochydore QLD 4558
Find us
Our dojo in Maroochydore
Sunshine Coast Karate
2/14 Depot Street (Access via Progress Road)Maroochydore QLD 4558
| Monday | 3:15–8 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6–7 am, 9:30–10:30 am, 3:15–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:15–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6–7 am, 9:30–10:30 am, 3:15–8 pm |
| Friday | 4–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30–11:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Getting here: the entrance and car park are off Progress Road, across the road from Energex.
We’re a short drive from Buderim, Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Kuluin, Kunda Park, Bli Bli, Diddillibah, Rosemount, Mudjimba, Pacific Paradise, Twin Waters, Mountain Creek and Nambour.