Academy's Coaches

When were you first involved in the martial arts?

I started judo when I was 12 in Aberdeen, Scotland. After immigrating to Australia and settling in Perth planned to go to Japan and practice karate as soon as I had sufficient finances. In I966, Yasunobu Nagai, a 5th Dan was sent by Hanshi Gogen Yamaguchi to open a Goju‑kai dojo in Perth. When the original owner’s financial problems threatened its closure, Nagai sensei convinced me to purchase the dojo using the money I had saved for Japan.

Nagai Sensei was a strong traditionalist, and I remember those early years not only for their physical demands but also for the high technical standard demanded by Nagai Sensei. After Nagai Sensei returned to Japan, I became the principal instructor of the 'The Karate Academy of Japan'. Forty four years later the Academy is still at the same address in downtown Perth where students from the twelve affiliated suburban centres gather for squad training, seminars and gradings.

7th Dan Shihan, Champion competitor, Successful coach, Director IGKA Australia/Oceania

I have never chased higher grades. I train in karate to be the best I can be. I know that I have still so much to learn and understand. To be awarded the rank of 7th Dan from such a respected master as Goshi Yamaguchi fills me with pride and humility and I appreciate the confidence he has in me.

Winner of two Australian Open Championships I was the first Australian to win a major international tournament when I won the heavy weight gold medal at the Asian‑Pacific Championships. On my retirement from competition I was elected National Team Coach a position I held for over eight years. Now I am fully occupied with my position as director and chief instructor of the IKGA Australia and Oceania.

How do you see the sporting side of karate as compared to the other aspects of training?

I found the sporting side of karate helped motivate me to train harder. Despite the limitations of competition sparring as opposed to jiyu kumite, the shiai drills designed to improve fitness, speed, distance and timing, etc. are all worthwhile including in your regular training schedule. My student Craig Soley is proof of this having won four IKGA World Championship gold medals in ippon and jiyu kumite.

Can you tell me a little more about your competition history?

Nagai Sensei had always taught us that if we learnt to fight a real fight, then tournament fighting would be easy. In I973 I went across to my first Australian Nationals in Brisbane and ended up winning the tournament.

I was selected and captained the teams that went to the 1975 World Championships in Long Beach and in 1977 in Tokyo. Although I never lost a match in the team kumite the best I could do in the individual was make the top 16 in the world. In 1981 I won the Asian-Pacific Heavy weight Championships.

At what level do you bring in competition‑type training to your students?

In our West Australian branches we run development tournaments for students of all ages from 10^th kyu and up. Offering students a progressive way to gain experience and confidence through these development competitions has resulted in my students winning numerous gold medals in the AKF National Championships and in the IKGA Asian-Pacific and World Championships.

Have you always liked the fighting side of karate training?

Yes. Like many martial arts exponents I took up karate in the first place so that I could look after myself. However I look on kumite as the ultimate test of all your training: the physical skills of kihon, kata, etc.; the mental strength and spirit you have developed and the tactics and strategies you need to overcome your opponents’ strengths and exploit his weaknesses.

Has there been anyone who has inspired you in karate?

Since my first trip to Japan in 1971 I have been fortunate to train with many instructors that have influenced my training, none more so than Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi. I have seldom missed an opportunity to travel interstate and overseas just to be able to train with Saiko Shihan whom I regard as one of the greatest masters of our age.The guest instructors I have invited to run seminars at the Academy such as World Champions Wayne Otto, Junior Leferve, Gerry Flemming, Jim Collins are all inspirational people who have left a lasting impression.

Do you think there are secrets in karate?

No, not really. I've never found any. I have seen many people over the years that have impressed me.I firmly believe in the words of the late grandmaster Gogen Yamaguchi who said ”I will be happy if you understand that the essence of the martial arts is not the strength, not the art, but that which is hidden deep within yourself”.

Fujimoto Shihan former Japanese National Coach demonstrates his remarkable speed splitting an apple with nukite, spear hand strike.