Matsushima Kyokushin Australia

ABOUT

Australian Kyokushin Karate Association (AKKA)

The AKKA's purpose is the teaching and developing students of Kyokushin Karate.

No prejudices are made for race, religion, affiliation or whatever reason.

History of Kyokushin Karate in Australia
In the early 1960's students of Oyama Karate began training in Australia and New Zealand. In 1967 Shigeru Kato was sent from Japan and trained students in Sydney and Melbourne then returned in the same year. In the following year, 1968, the South Pacific Kyokushinkai Organisation was established under the chairmanship of Ivan Zavechanos until 1970 whereupon John Jarvis (New Zealand) was appointed as chairman. In 1969 the New Zealand Kyokushin Association was formed but it wasn't until 1974 that the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association was born. The first meeting was attended by John Taylor, Gary Viccars, Brian Ellison, Grant Radonich, Peter Wolfe and Trevor Field.

In 1977, AKKA held the first Australian Open Knockdown Championships before a packed audience at the Sydney Town Hall. Sosai Oyama (or Kancho as he was known then) attended, visiting Australia for the first time. The Open champion at the inaugural event was Nikola Cujic. In 1979, John Taylor was appointed chairman of the South Pacific Kyokushinkai Organisation. In 1988, the AKKA held the Commonwealth Championships in Sydney with nine countries competing. Sosai Oyama attended this event and described it as the best tournament ever held outside of Japan.

On 26-Apr-1994 Sosai Oyama passed away, a very sad event for Kyokushin Karate worldwide. After the mourning period, the Kyokushin Karate organization in Japan and around the world then endured several years of disharmony from which Australia was not immune. In 1995, several factions arose and AKKA became affiliated with what has eventually become the IKO-Matsushima Organisation.

International Karate Organisation Kyokushin Kaikan (IKO)

The INTERNATIONAL KARATE ORGANIZATION KYOKUSHINKAIKAN under the leadership of Kancho Yoshikazu Matsushima, is an organization devoted to the heritage of the late Sosai Masutatsu Oyama founder of the Kyokushin style and works with open mind. It has a fully democratic constitution, which consists of a General Assembly for constitutional matters and an International Committee for the daily management of the organization. Every member is free to participate on events organized by any other organization. Every member can ask anybody to participate at events organized by himself. No prejudices are made for race, religion, affiliation or whatever reason. There are over 60 countries in the organisation. The late Hanshi John Taylor was the Vice-President and International Liaison of IKO-Matsushima

Matsushima Kyokushin Australia (MKA)

Following the passing of Hanshi John Taylor on 27th September 2023 and in consultation with Kancho Matsushima, MKA was formed as a national body with Shihan Jim Sklavos elected as Chairman. IKO Matsushima Australian dojos are divided into seven branches, lead by a Branch Chief.

The National Committee comprises of:

Hanshi Gary Viccars - 8th Dan - Chairman South Pacific IKO Matsushima, IKO Matsushima Advisor

Shihan Tony Bowden - 6th Dan

Shihan Jim Sklavos -5th Dan - Chairman - Matsushima Kyokushin Australia

Shihan Mark Tyson - 5th Dan

Sensei Frank Cirillo - 4th Dan - Secretary - Matsushima Kyokushin Australia

Sensei Bradley Wagner - 4th Dan

Sensei Mohammed Aziz - 3rd Dan