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.

Just wanted to say a very big thank you to all the staff at Sunshine Coast Karate, we have loved every minute and felt so welcomed.

My son found it difficult to find an activity he wanted to stick with or enjoyed as quite shy and nervous starting something new, however he just loves going to Karate and always has a smile on his face.

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.

Training at the SC Karate dojo has helped me a lot with my sciatica, provides me with creative and fun ways to keep up with my stretches and exercises prescribed by my physio. At the same time it gives me an opportunity to train alongside my children which we all absolutely love and have fun with.

Our grandson has been attending Sunshine Coast Karate for the past 2 years and has learned respect discipline he has also gained confidence strength and how to participate as a group these are qualities that will help him with all aspects of his life he also has a great time the team are so encouraging and patient we would highly recommend.

--- Written 12 month prior ---

My Grandson has been attending classes for 12 months and is loving it he has gained confidence strength and respect which are so important and looks forward too classes every week....cant wait too see how much he learns this year and how much more focus and flexibility he gains.

I love karate because every day I come I learn something new, and although the work is hard, if you push through there are great rewards! It is also pretty fun to know that you have a backup defense if anything goes wrong! I love knowing that the next belt up could be just around the corner! And most importantly it might help you later on in life.

To teach others how to be mentally and physically strong, as well as respectful and know self defense techniques for protection. Our two young daughters are both thriving.

We have now returned home and have fond memories of our visit to the Sunshine Coast Dojo. I would like to thank Sandra Sensei and Martin Sensei for having us and giving us a warm welcome. It was such a pleasure to train with you, your family, and your students. It was great making new connections and I really found inspiration from the very obvious enthusiasm that everyone in your dojo seems to have. We feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity and are looking forward to seeing you again in the hopefully not-too-distant future.

After exploring 3 different martial arts studios, my son ultimately decided on Sunshine Coast Karate. The distinct approach they have towards children stood out to us—there's no unnecessary pressure, and he consistently leaves each class excited anticipating the next one.

I love practicing at Sunshine Coast Karate Teachers there are great people! They teach us not only skills but nice manners. I am with them almost 6 years and still loving it

I like how training at Sunshine Coast Karate is teaching my kids that they are in charge of their own success. Only through commitment, determination and effort will they achieve their goals. Whatever they choose to put in, they reap the benefits of ten folds in confidence, inner strength and self-esteem. It has been so good to watch them grow through karate for the past 5 years. Thank you for all you do SCK!

Training with SCK has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself and my family. The community is so supportive and our teachers are very inspiring. Learning karate has changed how I see myself and the world, I can not recommend SCK dojo enough!

The dojo has been one of the best parts of Sunshine Coast for our family since moving here 5yrs ago. All 3 kids absolutely love it, each child is different and it’s been amazing seeing each of them grow in their own way and learn to embrace their differences. We’ve all made beautiful friends through the dojo as well. Personally my only regret is not joining the dojo earlier!! Thanks to my youngest one, I also became a karate student here about 3yrs ago and there’s just no turning back 

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.

We have been part of the Sunshine Coast Karate family for 8 years. It’s a great place to get fit, learn & make friends.

Let's face it, being a parent is a tough job. I was so lucky to find Sunshine Coast Karate, who have been the most amazing and supportive coaches for my children and I for 18 years now.

As 5th Dan instructors and world champions of the Chito-Ryu style of karate, Senseis Martin and Sandra, teach karate with great skill, positive encouragement and in an energetic, motivating and fun environment. They are also subtle and influential partners in developing those positive values and real life skills which are fundamental to successfully navigating that transition from teenager to young adult.

Their learning for life philosophy grounded in personal challenge, team participation, physical and spiritual wellbeing, developed innate values of leadership, courage, respect, loyalty and resilience throughout my children’s primary and high school years.

Most notably these qualities were exhibited during those difficult teenage years. My children shared their knowledge and experience respectfully and patiently with older and younger karate students, even with their very nervous white belt mum when I began my karate. They stood up for what they thought was right and to school bullies, both for themselves and others. They proudly represented their state and country in competition, by having the spirit to participate and experience, not win at all costs. And most importantly built the fortitude and resilience to make their way through life's challenges with a healthy serve of self-esteem and independence.

I continue my karate4life journey, knowing my children respect, value and practice the philosophy and skills developed, as part of their membership of the Sunshine Coast Karate family.

If you are looking for something to help manage the stress, uncertainty and frustrations of the modern world for your children, I can certainly testify and recommend Sunshine Coast Karate will make a positive difference to their, and your, health, wellbeing and future.