Sydney NSW – Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia

Kyokushin Senior Grading – June 20, 2026

Following the presentation of senior Dan grades, the Kyokushin Senior Grading commenced for green and brown belt karateka attempting their next belt level. Four students partook in the grading, with others training alongside or turning up for the kumite at the end. All students did very well.

Students were assessed by Shihan Idir Bahamid, Shihan James Sidwell and Shihan Mark Shelmerdine while Sensei Ben Ng conducted the grading.

Special recognition goes to Peter Zhu, who was promoted to Shodan-Ho. Shodan-Ho is regarded as a provisional or apprentice black belt rank, a black belt level without a Dan grade.

In previous years, three exceptional students attempted their Shodan (1st Dan) grading while under the age of 16, which included the 40 fights. (Notably, Sensei Josh Darley redid his 40 fights as an adult in his 3rd Dan grading.) However, most underage karateka cannot reasonably be expected to handle the full rigours of a 1st Dan Kyokushin grading without compromising the legitimacy of the rank. In recognition of this, the KIMAA Board decided to reintroduce the grade of Shodan-Ho for younger karateka to be able to attempt if they have held 1st Kyu for a sufficiently long time, but are not quite old enough to attempt 1st Dan.

Peter now holds the grade of Shodan-Ho. Peter is the first student of KIMAA to successfully complete the Shodan-Ho grading. He completed 20 fights at a high level and otherwise met all the technique and kata requirements for regular Shodan. He will be eligible to attempt his 1st Dan Shodan Black Belt grading in 18 months. Our congratulations go to Peter as he has laid out the path forward for future karateka who start training at a very young age.

KIMAA Leadership Announcement – June 20, 2026

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.

Kobudo Beach Training – June 7, 2026

On the King’s Birthday long weekend, regular Kobudo training was replaced by a special beach training session for those not away on holiday.

Four Kobudo karateka and Masumi Lipman met at Freshwater Beach for training. Shihan James Sidwell, Shihan Alex Lloyd, Sensei Ben Ng and Allan Engelin practised the Bo, Eku and Sai in the sand, and enjoyed brunch at Harbord Diggers after.

KIKO Kata, Weapons & Point Sparring Tournament – May 31, 2026

KIMAA karateka from Turramurra and Taree dojos competed in the KIKO tournament on Sunday. Numerous students placed in both the Kata and Points Sparring categories. Congratulations to all competitors for their robust budo spirit.

KIMAA was represented on the Officials table by Shihan Idir Bahamid, Shihan Mark Shelmerdine, Shihan James Sidwell and Masumi Lipman. The competitors were coached by Sensei Ben Ng, Sensei Alex Lloyd and Sensei Mark Long, with additional moral and photography support from Sophie Shi. Special thanks to all the parents who came out to support as well.

Kata Placements

Melissa Wang, 8-10 Years Intermediate Kata, 4th Place
Jonathan Hong, 8-10 Years Beginners Kata, 2nd Place
Talitha Ferguson, 11-12 Years Intermediate Kata, 3rd Place
Chloe Le Bescont, 11-12 Years Advanced Kata, 2nd Place
Jameson Smith, 13-15 Years Intermediate Kata, 1st Place
Malihah Azeem, 13-15 Years Advanced Kata, 1st Place
Sensei Mark Long, 16 Years & Over Advanced Kata, 2nd Place
Sam Kelly, 16 Years & Over Beginner/Intermediate Kata, 2nd Place

Point Sparring Placements

Jonathan Hong, Division 2, 1st Place
Talitha Ferguson, Division 6, 3rd Place
Malihah Azeem, Division 7, 1st Place
CJ Shelmerdine, Division 7, 2nd Place
Chris Paunescu, Division 9, 1st Place
Peter Madigan, Division 9, 2nd Place
Sensei Mark Long, Division 10, 1st Place

KIMAA Okinawa Group Tour – April 4-15, 2026

Instructors and students from Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia (KIMAA) undertook an Okinawa Group Tour in April, following the last trip in March 2025. The training group comprised:

Shihan Mark Shelmerdine (5th Dan Kyokushin, Renshi 6th Dan Kobudo)
Shihan James Sidwell (5th Dan Kyokushin, 5th Dan Kobudo, KIMAA Chairman)
Sensei Ben Ng (4th Dan Kyokushin, 3rd Dan Kobudo)
Sempai Allan Mortensen (1st Dan Kyokushin, white belt Kobudo)
Sempai Maia Brown (1st Dan Kyokushin, 8th Kyu Kobudo)
Sempai Narmie Thambipillay (1st Dan Kyokushin, 8th Kyu Kobudo)
CJ Shelmerdine (6th Kyu Level 1 Kyokushin, white belt Kobudo)

Also accompanying the group on the tour were Masumi Lipman (wife of the late Hanshi Howard Lipman), Shihan Mark’s partner, Sempai Allan’s sister, and Sempai Maia’s mother. This was Sempai Allan, Sempai Maia and CJ’s first training trip to Okinawa.

KIMAA has been travelling to Okinawa to train with Sensei Tetsuhiro Hokama (Hanshi, 10th Dan) since 2008 and the organisation is proud and grateful to continue training with a true Okinawan Goju Ryu master. Renshi Mark and Shihan James were part of the original training trip 18 years ago and continue to return and train with Sensei Hokama frequently.

The group spent six days training with Sensei Hokama – five of daytime training sessions, and the general Saturday night class on the sixth day. Most of the training centred around Kobudo (weapons), in Bo, Sai, Eku and Nunchucku, but also in Karate for kata, bunkai (self-defence applications) and other techniques.

The tour group also trained one Kyokushin Karate night class with Shihan Yasuhiro Shichinohe (8th Dan), the local Kyokushin Branch Chief with which KIMAA has a long association with courtesy of the late Hanshi Howard.

Throughout their time in Okinawa, the group enjoyed sightseeing and soaking up more of the local culture and history, as well as the local cuisine. Some of these included the Naval HQ Okinawan War Memorial; in Onoyama Park the Ryūkyū Hassha Okinogū Shrine, Funakoshi Shrine and white Torii gate; and the Fukushū‑en Garden.

Towards the end of their time training with Sensei Hokama, Sensei awarded four new Kyu grades in Kobudo. After spending the week assessing the students, the following new Kobudo grades were bestowed:

Maia – 4th Kyu
Narmie – 6th Kyu
Allan – 8th Kyu
CJ – 8th Kyu

KIMAA extends a special thank you to Sensei Hokama for the calligraphy written on timber boards, welcome to entry boards that are now displayed at Turramurra Dojo.

On Friday night, the group enjoyed dinner with Sensei Hokama and his senior students. The group was honoured to be invited to a traditional Okinawan banquet, full of creative local delicacies.

Also present throughout the training sessions with Sensei Hokama was Shihan Ken Ogura, Sensei Hokama’s Nagoya Branch Chief. KIMAA values its close relationship with Shihan Ken, who is technically proficient and an extremely precise karate and martial arts practitioner. KIMAA looks forward to future endeavours with Shihan Ken.

After the week of training, the group enjoyed further sightseeing in Okinawa, including to Tokashiki Beach and Kerama Islands, before returning to Sydney.

KIMAA is already planning its next training trip to Okinawa.

Kempo Ryu Championships – March 15, 2026

On Sunday March 15th 2026, Shihan James Sidwell, supported by Masumi Lipman, led a contingent of 7 competitors at the Kempo Ryu 30th anniversary karate championships from Turramurra Dojo. The event had a high quality turnout of competitors.

The KIMAA team participated in numerous events and competed at a high level. Competition events entered and the results are listed below after the photos.

Sempai Maia entered:

Kobudo Traditional Weapons – 14yrs & Above – All Grades – Male & Female (THIRD PLACE)
Traditional Forms – 16-17yrs – Advanced to Black (THIRD PLACE)
Traditional Forms – adults – Advanced to Black

Sempai Narmie entered:

Female full contact adults all grades (THIRD PLACE and most spirited fighter award)
Kobudo Traditional Weapons – 14yrs & Above – All Grades – Male & Female
Traditional Forms – veterans – Advanced to Black
Traditional Forms – adults – Advanced to Black

Nicholas entered:

Sparring Points – 7yrs & Under – All Grades – Male & Female
Sparring Freestyle – 7yrs & Under – All Grades – Male & Female (FIRST PLACE)
Traditional Forms – 7yrs & Under – All Grades – Male & Female

Michael entered:

Demonstrations – 13yrs & Under – All Grades – Male & Female
Traditional Forms – 8-10yrs – Advanced to Black Grade – Male & Female
Sparring Points – 8-10yrs – All Grades – Male & Female
Sparring Freestyle – 8-10yrs – All Grades – Male & Female
Full Contact – 9-10yrs – All Grades Male (THIRD PLACE)

Chris entered:

Demonstrations – 13yrs & Under – All Grades – Male & Female
Traditional Forms – 11-12yrs – Advanced to Black Grade – Male & Female
Sparring Points – 11-12yrs – Advanced to Black Grade – Male & Female
Sparring Freestyle – 11-12yrs – Advanced to Black Grade – Male & Female
Full Contact – 11-12yrs – All Grades Male

Chloe entered:

Traditional forms, 11-12yrs, Advanced to Black Grade, Male & Female.

Jonathon entered:

Kata 8-10yrs (White to Orange Belt, 10th to 6th Kyu)

Congratulations to the KIMAA team for being highly competitive against many other styles with high quality participants.

All the work you put in to compete at this event has ensured you have all improved and are able to match it and succeed in many instances against your peers.

A special congratulations to Sempai Narmie who was awarded the most spirited fighter trophy.