Co-founder & head instructor · Co-founder, Karate4Life
Martin Phillips Sensei
Studying Chito-Ryu Karate-do since 1984 · 5th Dan · Renshi (Master Instructor) · Kobujutsu 4th Dan
About Martin
Martin began karate in 1984, aged 8. In 2000 he and Sandra founded Sunshine Coast Karate, and he has taught on the Sunshine Coast ever since, from community halls to the full-time dojo in Maroochydore.
Competition highlights
- Numerous AKF regional, state and national championship podium finishes, 1987–1999.
- Represented Australia at the WKF World Championships in 1994 and 1996.
- Podium finishes (kata and/or kumite) at the International Chito-Ryu Championships (the Soke Cup) in 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2017, winning gold in 1989 and 2017.
Coaching highlights
Students representing Sunshine Coast Karate and Australia at the International Chito-Ryu Championships, with numerous outstanding performances, podium finishes and international champions in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2023 and 2026.
In their words
What people say about Martin Sensei
“Martin Phillips Sensei, the co-founder of Sunshine Coast Karate will be joining us for the week. Martin is the current Open Black Belt World Champion, we could very easily have him teaching as a guest Instructor for the week himself. Unfortunately his visit is overshadowed somewhat by having Soke Sensei with us. However I hope our students will seek Martin Sensei out and learn from his vast experience as a competitor and senior Chito Ryu Instructor.”
Michael Noonan Sensei (7th Dan, Kyoshi), Head Instructor, Tasseikan Dojo, Sydney: before a visit to his dojo, December 2017
“Snow Sensei and Phillips Sensei are returning from their training in Japan. Although it was only a short stay for me it was a real pleasure to train and socialise together. They are both excellent Karate-ka, dedicated to their personal training and the growth of their students. I’m sure they will return reinvigorated, full of enthusiasm from Soke’s training.”
Michael Noonan Sensei, after training in Japan, July 2018
Last updated: September 2026
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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.