Happy 50th, Martin Sensei

sandra

18 October 2026

42 Years of Karate and Still Learning

If you’ve walked past our dojo in Maroochydore, there’s a good chance Martin Sensei was inside teaching. Some of our own students may only know him in passing, though. He’s a quiet instructor and not one to blow his own trumpet, so I’ll do my best to do it for him.

Martin Sensei turned 50 in August. This celebration is a little belated, but it’s no less heartfelt. We don’t often put him in the spotlight, and I can’t think of a better reason to.

So here is a proper introduction to the man who has been the steady heart of Sunshine Coast Karate for 26 years.

Martin Sensei at a glance

Training in karate since 1984, when he was 8 years old
5th Dan in Chito-Ryu Karate-Do
4th Dan in Kobujyutsu, the traditional art of karate weapons
Renshi, a title that recognises him as a master instructor
Represented Australia at the World Karate Championships in 1994 and 1996
Two-time Soke Cup champion (International Chito-Ryu Championships), 1989 and 2017
One of Australia’s Chito-Ryu Shihan-kai
Co-founder and Head Instructor of Sunshine Coast Karate since 2000

Where it all began

Martin Sensei walked into his first karate class in 1984, aged 8. He has been training ever since. That’s 42 years of turning up, learning and getting back up again.

It’s a good reminder for all of us. Every black belt you see in the dojo was once a beginner who decided to keep going.

On the world stage

Martin Sensei represented Australia at the World Karate Championships in 1994 and again in 1996.

He has also won gold twice at the International Chito-Ryu Championships, known as the Soke Cup. The first time was in 1989. The second came 28 years later, in 2017.

Over the years he has trained, competed and demonstrated in Japan alongside some of the most senior teachers in our style. Today he is one of Australia’s Chito-Ryu Shihan-kai, and he has made huge contributions to our karate community right across the country.

Building Sunshine Coast Karate

We opened the doors of Sunshine Coast Karate in 2000, the same year Martin and I were married. This November we’ll celebrate 26 years of both.

Since then, Martin Sensei has coached many local students to state, national and international success. Just as importantly, he has helped many more simply grow: in confidence, in discipline and in friendship.

His proudest moments

For all the titles and medals, his proudest moments aren’t on a podium. They’re nervous beginners growing in confidence and achieving what they once thought impossible (his own kids included).

That’s the part of Martin Sensei most people never see: the quiet encouragement, the extra minute after class, and the belief in a student before they believe in themselves.

Beyond the dojo

At home, he’s a devoted dad: always there, always encouraging, and always ready to lend a hand. He’s also a big kid at heart, as anyone who has seen him at a dojo Halloween party will know.

And somehow, between family and the dojo, he still finds time to build things:

Traditional karate weapons, which he crafts by hand.
Student management software for our SCK families. It has been built with a lot of care, it’s just entering testing, and he can’t wait to launch it for all our members and families.
Games. If you’re a bit of a gamer, he has a few out for testing right now. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you, and to see if you can beat them.

A note for dads

Maybe you’re a dad watching your kids train from the side of the dojo. Maybe you trained years ago and wonder if it’s too late to start again. Or maybe you’d simply like to do something with your kids that’s good for all of you.

If that’s you, I’m sure Martin Sensei would be happy to share a few tips and some encouragement to help you get started. Everyone starts somewhere. He started at 8, and he’s still learning at 50.