Chito-Ryu Karate-do
Our instructors
Sunshine Coast Karate was established in 2000 by husband and wife team Martin and Sandra Phillips, who are assisted by a growing team of teachers and leaders.
Martin Phillips
5th Dan, Renshi
Co-founder & head instructor
Martin has trained in Chito-Ryu Karate-Do since 1984 and co-founded Sunshine Coast Karate with Sandra in 2000. A 5th Dan Renshi and 4th Dan in Kobujutsu, he represented Australia at the WKF World Championships in 1994 and 1996, and won gold at the Soke Cup (the International Chito-Ryu Championships) in 1989 and 2017.
Sandra Phillips
5th Dan, Renshi
Co-founder
Sandra has trained in Chito-Ryu Karate-Do since 1990 and co-founded Sunshine Coast Karate with Martin in 2000. A 5th Dan Renshi and 4th Dan in Kobujutsu, she has placed at every International Chito-Ryu Championships (the Soke Cup) she has entered since 1995, winning gold in 2004 and 2017.
Sami Phillips
3rd Dan, Jun-Shidoin
Instructor
Sami grew up in the dojo and officially began studying Chito-Ryu Karate-Do in 2011. 3rd Dan, Jun-Shidoin, and 3rd Dan in Kobujutsu. Soke Cup medallist in 2017, 2019, 2023 and 2026, and a coach at the Soke Cup.
Sam Hunt
2nd Dan, Jun-Shidoin
Instructor
Sam has studied Chito-Ryu Karate-Do since 2013. 2nd Dan, Jun-Shidoin, and 2nd Dan in Kobujutsu. Soke Cup medallist in 2019 and 2023, and a referee at the 2026 Soke Cup.
Matthew Stevenson
Shodan, Jun-Shidoin
Instructor, Caloundra Karate (Currimundi dojo)
Matthew was our very first adult student when we started teaching on the Sunshine Coast in 2000, and has studied Chito-Ryu Karate-Do ever since. Shodan, Jun-Shidoin. Soke Cup participant in 2004, and a medallist and referee in 2026.
Hayden Hosking
1st Kyu, Trainee Instructor
Assistant Instructor
Hayden has studied Chito-Ryu Karate-Do since 2014. 1st Kyu, Trainee Instructor, and 1st Kyu in Kobujutsu. Junior Tournament Champion at the 2026 Soke Cup.
Our team
A team you can trust
- Martin & Sandra lead every class program, and still teach every week.
- Every instructor started karate as a student here or in Chito-Ryu dojos, and our up-and-coming instructors are guided through our leadership program.
- First aid and blue cards: every instructor who runs a class holds a current first aid certificate, and every instructor who teaches children holds a blue card.
- Internationally qualified: instructor qualifications through the International Chito-Ryu Karate-do organisation.
Your free trial
Your first lesson is free.
Join on the day of your trial and we’ll waive the joining fee and give you a free uniform.
- No experience needed
- Parents welcome to train alongside their kids
- We’ll call within 2 business days to confirm
Enrol now for Term 4
Book a trial class
Takes less than a minute. No experience needed.
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 |
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Getting here: the entrance and car park are off Progress Road, across the road from Energex.