Shihan James Sidwell and Shihan Mark Shelmerdine have been graded to 6th Dan in Kyokushin Karate.
At the June 2026 Senior Grading in Turramurra Dojo, Shihan Idir Bahamid (KIMAA Executive Board Member, 6th Dan Kyokushin, 5th Dan Shotokan, 1st Dan Kobudo) presented the grades. He spoke about Shihan James and Shihan Mark’s long involvement with Kyokushin, and their dedication to and leadership of Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia (KIMAA).
Shihan James Sidwell (6th Dan Kyokushin, 5th Dan Kobudo, Honorary 5th Dan Goju-Ryu) began studying martial arts in 1981, Kyokushin in 1993 and then commenced training under Hanshi Howard Lipman (9th Dan) in 1994. He was previously graded by Hanshi to 1st Dan in 2004, 2nd Dan in 2006, 3rd Dan in 2009, 4th Dan in 2013 and 5th Dan in 2020. His non-Kyokushin grades were awarded by Sensei Hokama (10th Dan) in Okinawa in 2023. Shihan James became a KIMAA Vice-Chairman in 2023, then the KIMAA Chairman in July 2024, after the passing of Founding Chairman Hanshi Howard.
Shihan Mark Shelmerdine (6th Dan Kyokushin, 6th Dan Kobudo, Honorary 6th Dan Goju-Ryu) began training under Hanshi Howard Lipman (9th Dan Kyokushin) in 1986. He was previously graded by Hanshi to 1st Dan in 2002, 2nd Dan in 2004, 3rd Dan in 2008, 4th Dan in 2013 and 5th Dan in 2020. His non-Kyokushin grades were awarded by Sensei Hokama (10th Dan) in Okinawa in 2023. Shihan Mark became the KIMAA Kobudo Head Instructor and a KIMAA Vice-Chairman in 2023, and then in July 2024 continuing the former role and the latter acceding to Executive Board Member.
The other instructors and all students of KIMAA thank Shihan James and Shihan Mark for their many years of teaching and mentorship, and especially their leadership following the passing of Hanshi Howard Lipman. His legacy continues. Osu.
Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia 