News & Galleries With Members From – Page 11 – Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia

Black Belt Promotions – September 9, 2017

On 9 September, during the Shihan Ken Seminar, three senior KIMAA karateka received Dan grade promotions from Hanshi Howard Lipman:

Idir Bahamid, 5th Dan (‘Shihan’)
Mark McFadden, 4th Dan (‘Sensei’)
Rob James, 3rd Dan (‘Sensei’)

Congratulations to Shihan Idir, Sensei Mark and Sensei Rob on their new grades, and their decades of devotion to martial arts and KIMAA.

Shihan Idir Bahamid

Shihan Idir Bahamid is 5th Dan in Kyokushin Karate, 5th Dan in Shotokan Karate and 1st Dan in Kobudo. He commenced his karate training in 1966. He trained in the style of Shotokan in Europe and North Africa with Sensei Taiji Kase, Sensei Hiroshi Shirai and Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda. He obtained his 1st Dan in Shotokan in 1971 and was graded to the rank of 5th Dan by Sensei Kasein 1988 at an international training camp in Paris.

Between 1977 and 1982, Shihan Idir was instrumental in the promotion and development of Karate in Romania. He established Dojos in different cities and conducted regular training camps. After moving to Australia in 1988, he continued his karate training in Shotokan in a number of Dojos across Sydney before beginning his training in Kyokushin Karate with Hanshi Howard Lipman in 2004 at the Turramurra Dojo. He was graded to 4th Dan in Kyokushin by Hanshi Howard in 2010 and to 5th Dan in Kyokushin in 2017.

Click here to see a photo gallery of Sensei Idir training in his youth, demonstrating the power of Karate.

Sensei Mark McFadden

Sensei Mark McFadden is 4th Dan in Kyokushin Karate and 3rd Dan in Kobudo. He commenced his Karate training in 1980. He participated in local, state and national tournaments from 1982 to 1990, gaining places at the local and state levels. He began teaching Karate in the mid 1980s.

After competing in the Australian Championships in 1990, Sensei Mark took time out to further his education, career and family. He returned to training in 1996, opening a dojo at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow NSW, and graded to 1st Dan in March 2000.

After relocating to the North Coast Sensei Mark opened Lismore Dojo in 2006, and in 2008 opened Ballina Dojo. Sensei Mark regularly travels to Sydney for black belt training with other KIMAA senior grades. He has gone to Japan four times for training in 2008, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Sensei Mark was promoted to 3rd Dan by Hanshi Howard Lipman in 2013 and to 4th Dan in 2017.

Sensei rob james

Sensei Rob James is 3rd Dan in Kyokushin Karate. Sensei Rob began his Martial Arts training in the late 80s in AFTA Freestyle Tae Kwon Do. Karate, being new to his home town of Inverell, soon took Sensei Rob’s interest and in time progressed to the rank of 1st Dan.

After opening a Dojo in 1992, Sensei Rob contacted Hanshi Howard Lipman in Sydney and after lengthy discussions as to what would be expected of him, joined the International Karate Organisation Kyokushinkaikan.

Sensei Rob, who holds Dan grades in both Shotokan and Kyokushin Karate, began teaching self defence to schools, nurses, police and community groups. Over the years Sensei Rob also studied Boxing as well as Seiyushin Karate under Sensei Nagayama, a former Kyokushin Uchi Deshi under Sosai Mas Oyama. He opened Aspley Dojo in 2012 and joined KIMAA, once again working with Hanshi Howard Lipman to spread the teachings of Kyokushin.

Sensei Rob was graded to 2nd Dan in 2014 by Hanshi Howard Lipman. In 2016, Aspley Dojo became North Brisbane Dojo. In the same year, Sensei Rob opened KIMAA’s sixth dojo, Nundah Dojo. He was graded to 3rd Dan (Sensei) in 2017 by Hanshi Howard Lipman.

Hanshi Howard Lipman, Shihan Idir Bahamid, Sensei Mark McFadden, Sensei Rob James and Shihan Rick Cunningham.

Hanshi Howard Lipman: 9th Dan – August 12, 2017

Shihan Rick Cunningham with Hanshi Howard Lipman

At the conclusion of the Kyokushin Black Belt Grading held at Turramurra Dojo on August 12, Shihan Rick Cunningham announced a special surprise for the Chairman of KIMAA:

“Whereas he having operated as Branch Chief of Sosai Mas Oyama and been Chairman of Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia, and successfully grown the organisation. The KIMAA formal grading committee hereby presents Howard Lipman the rank of 9th Dan and title of Hanshi in recognition of his lifelong devotion to Kyokushin and KIMAA. Hereafter, he promises to continue teaching his students the martial art of Kyokushin as it was taught to him by Sosai Oyama.”

KIMAA Grading Committee

Awarded 12 August 2017, at Turramurra Dojo, Sydney, Australia.

Shihan Rick surprises Shihan Howard

Hanshi Howard Lipman – 9th Dan Kyokushin

Shihan Rick Cunningham & Hanshi Howard Lipman

Shihan Rick, Hanshi Howard and his wife Masumi

Hanshi Howard with KIMAA black belts

Congratulations Hanshi Howard Lipman, 9th Dan.

The KIMAA grading committee with Hanshi Howard Lipman. From left: Sensei Mark McFadden, Shihan Rick Cunningham, Hanshi Howard Lipman, Sensei Idir Bahamid & Shihan Peter Olive.

Senior Kyokushin Grading – August 12, 2017

Members of Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia came together for a Senior Kyokushin Grading on Saturday August 12, at Sydney’s Turramurra Dojo.

Shihan Howard Lipman assessed students, with Shihan Rick Cunningham and Shihan Peter Olive leading the students through the syllabus requirements of basics, kata, terminology, fitness and kumite.

Will Brook finishes his 40th fight with his instructor Sensei Jon Ellis

Students from Turramurra, Annangrove, Ballina and Lismore dojos all participated. Thanks go to the Far North Coast NSW students and instructors, including Sensei Mark McFadden and Sensei Jon Ellis, who travelled to make the event. Sempai Rob James also came from Queensland to train with and support his fellow KIMAA karateka.

The students did very well. Most notably, Will Brook was graded to Shodan (1st Dan) in Kyokushin. Congratulations, Sempai Will!

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Shihan Rick hosted a dinner at his house for the visitors from upstate, Queensland and the KIMAA seniors. After dinner, Sensei Paul Finnerty presented Shihan Howard and Shihan Rick an overdue memento – a photo book of highlights from the KIMAA Japan Group Tour in January 2017, a token of thanks from all other members of the group for the two Shihans’ organisation and leadership.

Kobudo practice took place the next day at Annangrove Dojo. The class focused on Bo, Sai and Kama.

Sempai Rob James, Wesley Snider, Mick Calnan, Sempai Will Brook, Jess Brook, Sensei Jon Ellis, Sempai Patricia Tan, Sensei Mark McFadden, Shihan Rick Cunningham, Sensei Mark Shelmerdine, Sensei Paul Finnerty, Sensei Ian Holdaway, Larissa Watson & Sempai Alex Lloyd.

AKKA NSW Kyokushin State Championships – June 25, 2017

Members of Turramurra and Annangrove dojos competed in the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association’s New South Wales State Championships on Sunday June 25th, hosted by Hanshi John Taylor (9th Dan).

Tom Crossman, Sensei Ben Ng, Jasper Choi, Sempai Alex Lloyd, Sempai Josh Darley, Bernard Wilson, Eric Wright, James Parasyn & Elia Parsanejad

Sensei Ben Ng and Sempai Alex Lloyd competed in the Men’s Open Middle Weight division. Sensei Ben moved around his opponent well and got some good kicks in, but the judges favoured the other fighter’s aggression and control. Sempai Alex fended off a barrage of fast head kicks from his opponent, but ultimately lost the bout to well-placed roundhouse kicks on his ribs and thigh.

Sempai Josh Darley fought in the Male 10-12 Lightweight Padded division. Sempai Josh used his calm, controlled techniques to keep his first two opponents moving all over the matts. He made the semi-finals of his division and placed Equal Third. It was a valiant effort by the young Shodan.

Sempai Josh waits for his fight

Sensei James coaches Sempai Josh

Sempai Josh wins 3rd Place

Awarded by Hanshi John Taylor

Bernard Wilson competed in the Male 13-15 Heavyweight Padded division. Bernard dominated in the bout, fighting with great aggression and movement. James Parasyn, of the Male 10-12 Middleweight Padded division, showed great technique and commitment.

Jasper Choi, fighting in the Male 16 & 17 Lightweight division, went hard and never gave up, despite some hard knocks. Turramurra’s 9th Kyu fighter Thomas Crossman, competing in the Male 5th Kyu and Under Lightweight group, entered his first ever tournament with enthusiasm and guts, determined to keep going despite fighting a much more experienced 5th Kyu.

Bernard Wilson gets ready

Bernard Wilson

Sensei Ben Ng

Sempai Alex Lloyd

Tom Crossman and Sensei James Sidwell

Eric Wright of Annangrove Dojo fought fantastically in his first tournament. He fought up a division, in the Male 16 & 17 Lightweight division, and made it through to the final. He finished second in a close fight. Congratulations on your hard work, Eric!

Elia Parsanejad of Turramurra Dojo faced up to her first tournament in a while, competing in the Female 16 & 17 division. Elia remained calm and used a relentless attack and forward momentum to control her fights, with some good kicks thrown in. Elia did KIMAA proud and took First Place in the division. Congratulations, Elia!

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Hanshi John Taylor and Shihan Howard Lipman

A great effort was made by all who competed, both in the lead-up to the tournament and on the day. Congratulations go especially to Elia, Eric and Sempai Josh for their placements.

Thanks go to Shihan Howard Lipman, Shihan Rick Cunningham, Sensei Idir Bahamid and Sensei James Sidwell for the coaching, and all those who came to support the competitors on the day. Sempai Jonathan Lee filmed the fights and provided most of the photography.

Sydney IFKKA Tournament – May 21, 2017

KIMAA students of Turramurra Dojo participated in the IFKKA full-contact Kyokushin tournament on Sunday May 21st.

The competitors included Sempai Angus and Sempai Victor Sweeney, Sempai Josh Darley, Jasper and Cody Choi, Ethan Bailey and Andrew Palmer.

KIMAA competitors and instructors at the IFKKA Tournament.

Instructors, coaches and supporters included Shihan Howard Lipman and his wife Masumi, Shihan Peter Olive, Sensei Idir Bahamid, Sensei James Sidwell, Sensei Ben Ng, Sensei Don Cheong and Sempai Alex Lloyd.

All KIMAA fighters performed excellently, especially those for whom it was their first tournament.

Sempai Angus’s first round went to an extension in the adult heavy weight. It was an exhausting bout but he pushed through, using his strength and low kicks to win the extension. He came second after taking a roundhouse kick to the front of the head in the final. Sempai Josh and Cody fought off for first and second place in the boys 11-13 years under 40kg. Cody had taken an unfortunate hit to the throat but fought well despite the injury. Sempai Josh used his kicks to win the fight.

Sempai Angus Sweeney lines up for his first fight.

Sempai Victor, in the cadet heavy weight division, fought a competitor over 20kg heavier than him. He faced up and stood his ground valiantly despite the weight difference. Jasper’s first fight saw him take several illegal techniques to the throat, but he pushed on and displayed the spirit of Kyokushin throughout the bout.

It was Ethan and Andrew’s first tournament. Ethan fought Sempai Victor and displayed good control and confidence. Andrew stood bravely to his much heavier opponent, and gave it his all.

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Everyone walked away with a placement. Congratulations to everyone for their efforts:

Sempai Angus – Adult Heavy Weight (Open) – Second
Sempai Josh – Boys 11-13 Years under 40kg – First
Sempai Victor – Cadet Heavy Weight – Second
Jasper – Boys 13-16 Years over 58kg – Second
Cody – Boys 11-13 Years under 40kg – Second
Ethan – Cadet Heavy Weight – Third
Andrew – Adult Heavy Weight (Intermediate) – Third

Congratulations to all.

The competitors with their coaches after the tournament.

Turramurra Grading – March 27, 2017

Kyokushin Karate gradings were conducted at Turramurra Dojo on Monday March 27th. A Kids grading occurred in the afternoon, followed by an Adults Junior Kyu grading during the normal General Class.

Shihan Howard Lipman assessed the students during the gradings of both the Kids and Adults. During the Adults, he was assisted by Sensei Idir Bahamid and Sensei Ben Ng. Sempai Alex Lloyd conducted the grading while Sempai Josh Darley was responsible for photography.

Alice, Andrew and Tony led the nine students attempting the grading. They went through basics, moving through stance, terminology, combinations, kata and some sparring.

Well done to everyone who participated.

Shihan Howard Lipman North Coast Seminar – March 18-19, 2017

On the weekend of 17-19 March, Shihan Howard Lipman visited the KIMAA Far North Coast NSW Dojos to conduct a Kyokushin Karate seminar.

Sempai Rob James, Sempai Alex Lloyd, Shihan Howard Lipman, Sensei Jon Ellis and Sensei Mark McFadden on day 1 of the seminar.

Sensei Mark McFadden and Sensei Jon Ellis hosted the seminar at their respective Lismore and Ballina dojos. Sempai Rob James attended the seminar with some of his students from the North Brisbane and Nundah dojos. Sempai Alex Lloyd came up from Sydney with Shihan Howard to assist with instructing.

On the Friday night the 17th, Shihan Howard and Sempai Alex arrived in Ballina where they had dinner with Sensei Mark and Sensei Jon.

Training began at 9.00 am sharp the next morning at Ballina Dojo. The first session was for the Little Lions. The morning class was spent focused on kihon (basics): strikes, blocks, kicks and combinations. The class ended with some fitness and competitions.

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The next session was an hour-long class for instructors only, revising the finer points of techniques, how to break things down and teach them, and for Shihan Howard to ensure all the basics were the same standard across all six KIMAA dojos. The class was attended by Sempai Wally Gray, Sempai Simon Morris, Sempai Patricia Tan, Will Brook, Jermaine Downs and other assistant instructors to the North Coast and Brisbane dojo operators.

The afternoon was focused on the adults. Things got off to a bang, starting with an energetic kumite warm up.

The sparring was followed with fight training and fighting techniques, including footwork and movement. After this, different grades took turns demonstrating kata to Shihan Howard appropriate to their level. This was followed by bunkai (self-defence applications), take-downs and throwing each other around the room. Sempai Alex quickly proved to be Sensei Jon’s favourite crash test dummy!

The instructors finished the afternoon class by running the group through some joint locks and pressure point techniques, and some conditioning.

The adults class on the Saturday, at Ballina Dojo.

A group dinner was enjoyed by the visitors and local senior grades at a restaurant in Ballina by the water.

Training began the next morning for adults at 8.30 am at Lismore Dojo. Sensei Mark and Sempai Rob warmed up the class and revised some basics and strength work, before Shihan Howard stepped in to show the group how push ups are really meant to be done!

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The class turned to more basics and stance revision, emphasising the importance of separating basic technique from bunkai. The former is the foundation to the latter, and keeping the true form of the technique correct is imperative to the development of one’s karate.

The Sunday adults class at Lismore Dojo.

After a final group photo, black and brown belts stayed on for senior kata training. Sempai Alex took the class exhaustively through Garyu. Shihan Howard then had students pair up for advanced kihon techniques and partner work in the Nidan syllabus. The class ended the session by studying Tensho kata.

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Shihan Howard Lipman with Sempai Rob James, Lismore Dojo.

Sempai Rob commented about the seminar shortly afterwards online, in particular about Shihan Howard: “I am still in awe of this man. The technical ability and his knowledge of every detail of every technique absolutely blows me away. There are very few people in the martial arts world like Shihan Howard Lipman.”

Shihan Howard was most pleased by the students’ standard of technique, as well as the teachers’ instruction of both the North Coast dojos and those who came down from Brisbane. The quality of the KIMAA students are an obvious reflection of their instructors. He passed on his thanks to Sempai Alex for his assistance. Shihan Howard congratulated Sensei Mark, Sensei Jon and Sempai Rob on the level of technique their students had attained, the fit-out of their dojos, and their obvious dedication to and rapport with their students.