Australian Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy

Tonight I was invited to the Karate Victoria 2026 Presentation Night, unaware that I would be receiving an award. I was deeply honoured to be presented with the 2026 Con Kassis Encouragement Award by the Victorian Referee Commission.

I am truly humbled by this recognition and sincerely grateful for the encouragement it represents. While I am honoured to accept this award, I do so on behalf of my students and the entire Australian Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy family, whose dedication, support, and commitment continue to inspire me every day.

Thank you to the Victorian Referee Commission and Karate Victoria for this unexpected and greatly appreciated honour.

Congratulations to everyone who passed their grading tonight. It was truly rewarding to see all the hard work, perseverance, and dedication pay off. Every student should be proud of the effort they put in both on and off the dojo floor. We look forward to watching each of you continue to grow and seeing what the future holds on your karate journey. Well done everyone.

Congratulations to our Yarra Valley members who proudly represented the region at the 3rd VKL Championship in Keysborough.
Carrying the strong community spirit of the Yarra Valley—built on hard work, humility, and perseverance—our students stepped onto the mat with purpose and pride. That local spirit was reflected in their performances and achievements on the day.
Gemma led the way with an outstanding gold in Female Kata (12–13 years, 6th–4th kyu), along with silver in kumite in the same division.
Tristan Heath demonstrated great determination, earning silver in Male Kata (10–11 years, 10th–7th kyu) and bronze in kumite.
Malakai Mooney showed strong focus and composure, taking home silver in Male Kata (12–13 years, 6th–4th kyu).
A proud result for our Yarra Valley team—proof that a strong local foundation can drive success on a bigger stage

KIDS KARATE PROGRAM
Build Confidence • Focus • Discipline
📅 Monday & Wednesday
⏰ 6:00pm – 7:00pm
🎉 2 FREE LESSONS
Try us with zero pressure — no obligation to continue
BONUS: FREE uniform (valued at $70) when you join
WHY PARENTS CHOOSE US
✔ Builds confidence & self-esteem
✔ Improves focus & discipline
✔ Teaches respect & resilience
✔ Safe, structured & fun environment
✔ Supportive, experienced instructors
BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY
📞 0419 397 712
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.wadoryuacademy.com.au
📍 Knox Gardens Community Hall
48–78 Argyle Way, Wantirna South

KIDS KARATE PROGRAM
Build Confidence • Focus • Discipline
📅 Tuesday & Friday
⏰ 5:30pm – 6:30pm
🎉 2 FREE LESSONS
Try us with zero pressure — no obligation to continue
BONUS: FREE uniform (valued at $70) when you join
WHY PARENTS CHOOSE US
✔ Builds confidence & self-esteem
✔ Improves focus & discipline
✔ Teaches respect & resilience
✔ Safe, structured & fun environment
✔ Supportive, experienced instructors
BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY
📞 0419 397 712
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.wadoryuacademy.com.au
📍 Millwarra Community Hall
Cavanagh Rd, Millgrove

KIDS KARATE PROGRAM
Build Confidence • Focus • Discipline
📅 Tuesday & Friday
⏰ 5:30pm – 6:30pm
🎉 2 FREE LESSONS
Try us with zero pressure — no obligation to continue
BONUS: FREE uniform (valued at $70) when you join
WHY PARENTS CHOOSE US
✔ Builds confidence & self-esteem
✔ Improves focus & discipline
✔ Teaches respect & resilience
✔ Safe, structured & fun environment
✔ Supportive, experienced instructors
BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY
📞 0419 397 712
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.wadoryuacademy.com.au
📍 Milwarra Community Hall
Cavanagh Rd, Millgrove

Australian Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy Wado-Ryu Karate is distinguished from other Japanese karate styles by its unique yielding nature, a form of soft energy blended with sheer, hard force in its techniques. Besides primary punching and kicking techniques, Wado-Ryu students learn how to use body shifting to neutralize or deflect an attack, thereby causing the attacker to lose balance and to become more vulnerable to a counter attack.

Wado-Ryu is suitable for all ages from 5 years upwards. We have many families training together. Age is no restriction, old or young, you can still benefit from the techniques and exercise, which you will gain from regular training.

KIDS KARATE PROGRAM

Build Confidence • Focus • Discipline

📅 Monday & Wednesday
⏰ 6:00pm – 7:00pm

🎉 2 FREE LESSONS

Try us with zero pressure — no obligation to continue

BONUS: FREE uniform (valued at $70) when you join

WHY PARENTS CHOOSE US

✔ Builds confidence & self-esteem
✔ Improves focus & discipline
✔ Teaches respect & resilience
✔ Safe, structured & fun environment
✔ Supportive, experienced instructors

BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL TODAY

📞 0419 397 712
✉️ [email protected]

🌐 www.wadoryuacademy.com.au

📍 Knox Gardens Community Hall
48–78 Argyle Way, Wantirna South

Australian Wado-Ryu Karate-Do Academy Wado-Ryu Karate is distinguished from other Japanese karate styles by its unique yielding nature, a form of soft energy blended with sheer, hard force in its techniques. Besides primary punching and kicking techniques, Wado-Ryu students learn how to use body shifting to neutralize or deflect an attack, thereby causing the attacker to lose balance and to become more vulnerable to a counter attack.

Wado-Ryu is suitable for all ages from 5 years upwards. We have many families training together. Age is no restriction, old or young, you can still benefit from the techniques and exercise, which you will gain from regular training.

More photos from last Sunday Shotokan Cup

On Sunday we competed at the Shotokan Cup at Box Hill Aqualink, with 7 of our students representing the club.

Every single one of them showed just how much they’ve improved over the past few months. Their confidence, focus, and willingness to step onto the mat and give their best effort is something we are incredibly proud of. While not everyone came away with the result they were hoping for, each experience like this is a valuable step forward. Those who missed out on medals will take these lessons on board and come back stronger, sharper, and even more determined next time.

A special mention to our medal winners:

• Tristan Heath achieved his best result so far this season, taking Gold in Male Kata (10–11 years, 10th–7th Kyu) and Silver in Kumite in the same division. A fantastic effort and a clear reflection of his hard work paying off.
• Gemma Dearden earned Bronze in both Kata and Kumite (12–13 years, 10th–4th Kyu), showing great consistency across both disciplines.
• Wren Mooney placed 3rd in Female Kata (8–9 years, 6th–4th Kyu) with a confident and composed performance.
• Abby Platt took Silver in Kumite (10th–4th Kyu) in a very competitive merged division, demonstrating resilience and strong fighting spirit.

Overall, it was a mixed day compared to our last championship, but what stands out the most is how much these students have grown. Across the first two tournaments of the year, their improvement in confidence, skill, and mindset has been outstanding.

We are extremely proud of all of them—not just for the medals, but for their effort, courage, and continuous progress. This is only the beginning, and we’re excited to see how much further they will go.

13 Entry for the Shotokan Cup on 22 March 26