Affiliates
Our Dojo
Welcome to Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia
Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia (SSKA) is dedicated to the teaching and preservation of Shotokan Karate, a martial art founded by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Shotokan is known for its deep, powerful stances, strong linear techniques, and disciplined approach to training. More than just self-defence, it is a path of lifelong self-improvement, mental resilience, and personal growth.
Our training focuses on the three core elements of Shotokan Karate:
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Kihon (fundamentals): Developing strong, precise techniques through repetition and discipline.
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Kata: The practice of pre-arranged movements that embody the principles of combat and strategy.
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Kumite (sparring): Applying techniques in controlled and dynamic exchanges to develop timing, distance, and effectiveness.
Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia is a proud member of the Australian Karate Federation (AKF), the national governing body for both traditional and sport karate, recognised and endorsed by the federal government, the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Olympic Committee. SSKA is also a proud member of Karate Victoria.
The Australian Karate Federation is a member of the World Karate Federation (WKF), the international governing body of sport karate with 198 member countries. The WKF has more than a hundred million members world-wide, and is the only karate organization recognised by the International Olympic Committee.
SSKA is affiliated with the World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation (WSKF). This affiliation connects us to the global Shotokan community in order to uphold the highest standards of training.
Through disciplined practice, our dojo continues the legacy of Shotokan Karate, emphasizing respect, perseverance, and excellence in every aspect of training. Whether for self-defence, competition, or personal growth, we welcome dedicated students who seek to challenge themselves and uphold the spirit of traditional karate.
Meet Our Sensei
Chief Instructor - Sensei Luke Zapasnik
Sensei Luke Zapasnik is the Chief Instructor of Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia, with over 33 years of experience in Shotokan Karate. Holding 3rd Dan black belts with both the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) and the World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation (WSKF), he has dedicated his life to the study and practice of Karate and Budo, training extensively in Japan, Europe, and Australia.
His journey in karate has been shaped by direct instruction from the late Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, a pivotal figure in modern Shotokan Karate, as well as senior instructors from SKIF Honbu Dojo, including Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa (8th Dan), Shuseki Shihan Manabu Murakami (8th Dan), and Shihan Ryusho Suzuki (7th Dan). Through these experiences, he has developed a deep understanding of both the technical and philosophical aspects of traditional karate.
Sensei Luke is a WSKF-Certified Class C Examiner and Class C Judge, qualifications that enable him to assess and guide students in their technical progress while upholding the high standards of competition officiating. His experience as a competitor spans state, national, and international levels, giving him insight into both the traditional and sporting aspects of karate.
As an Australian Karate Federation (AKF) certified instructor and an Australian Sports Commission approved Coach, Sensei Luke ensures that students receive structured and progressive training in alignment with best coaching practices. At Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia, he fosters a training environment that is disciplined, respectful, and supportive, following the principles of Shuhari—the journey from learning fundamentals to achieving mastery. His goal is to help each student develop not only technical skills but also the character and mindset that karate cultivates.
Assistant Instructor – Senpai Laura Zapasnik
Senpai Laura Zapasnik is an Assistant Instructor at Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia, bringing a strong background in both traditional and competitive karate. Laura holds a 1st Dan black belt with both the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) and the World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation (WSKF), having graded at the prestigious SKIF International Seminar in Tokyo, Japan.
A dedicated martial artist, Senpai Laura is a fully qualified and AKF-accredited Karate Instructor, holding First Aid/CPR certifications (HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011) and a Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Laura is passionate about Sports Kumite and has an extensive competition history, including representing SKIA Australia at the 2023 SKIF World Championships in Győr, Hungary. Additionally, she has competed at an Australian-level, in the AKF National Championship as a Victorian State Team member.
Senpai Laura is committed to guiding students through their karate journey, emphasizing strong fundamentals, technical precision, and the values of discipline and perseverance. Her first-hand experience in international training and competition allows her to provide valuable insights, helping students develop both their traditional karate skills and competitive mindset.
At Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia, Senpai Laura plays an integral role in fostering a positive, disciplined, and supportive training environment, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction while embodying the principles of Shuhari—the continuous journey of learning, mastery, and self-improvement.
Assistant Instructor – Senpai Peter Smith
Senpai Peter Smith is an Assistant Instructor at Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia. Peter's karate journey is an example for people who may be thinking of starting karate later-in-life, as he first started training karate in his 50s, showing you're never too old to start your Karate-journey!
Peter holds a 1st Dan black belt with both the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) and the World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation (WSKF), having graded in Tokyo, Japan, at the SKIF International Seminar.
Peter is a dedicated martial artist, and is a fully qualified and AKF-accredited Karate Instructor, holding First Aid/CPR certifications (HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011) and a Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Peter first started competing in Sports Karate in 2019, and has competed in state and national events.
At Shuhari Shotokan Karate Australia, Senpai Peter plays a role in integrating new students into the dojo, with a focus on syllabus-based content and Kata.
CONTACT US
Mob: 0432 217 836 | shuhari.shotokan@gmail.com
Galvin Hall, 69 Woodland St, Wodonga, VIC