Miyagi Kan Karate

🥋 50 YEARS OF MIYAGI-KAN – CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE

Meet Renshi Frank Katholos (5th Dan)

Renshi Frank Katholos first stepped into a karate dojo around 1986, inspired by the original Karate Kid movie. What began with a movie would become a passion that has remained part of his life for almost 40 years.

Sensei Frank's karate journey hasn't always been continuous. Like many of us, family and life commitments sometimes came first, leading to periods away from regular training. But no matter how much time passed, his connection to karate and Miyagi-Kan always remained.

Anyone who has trained alongside Frank knows the energy he brings to the dojo. His passion and commitment to karate are matched by his warmth, humour, and enthusiasm, making him a much-loved member of the Miyagi-Kan family.

For the past four years, Frank has been living and training in Greece. Sometimes being away helps us appreciate just how much something means to us, and for Frank, the time away has only strengthened his connection to Miyagi-Kan.

His story is a wonderful reminder that karate isn't simply about how many years we train without interruption. Life can take us in different directions, but the friendships, memories, and sense of belonging created through karate can stay with us wherever we go.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi-Kan Karate, we're proud to recognise the people whose journeys, dedication, and connection to our dojo continue to shape our family and our legacy.

Thank you, Renshi Frank, for being such a valued part of the Miyagi-Kan family. 💙

50 Years of Miyagi-Kan - Honouring Our Past, Celebrating Our People, Inspiring Our Future.

🥋 50 YEARS OF MIYAGI-KAN – CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE

Meet Renshi Lynette Nikitaras (5th Dan)

For 28 years, Renshi Lynette Nikitaras has dedicated herself to her karate journey with Miyagi-Kan.

Lynette began training at Miranda Dojo, where she was guided and encouraged by Shihan Chris Bishop. What started as a fun hobby shared with her husband soon became a lifelong passion.

What began as a fun hobby shared with her husband soon became a much bigger part of Lynette’s life. Her commitment extended beyond the dojo too. She even remembers using television ad breaks to practise her shiko dachi and neko ashi dachi, making the most of every opportunity to train.

Lynette has always been drawn to the traditional side of karate, the discipline, focus, and constant challenge to become better. For her, training is also a way to switch off from everyday life while building strength, balance, and confidence.

Achieving her 1st Dan black belt remains one of her proudest moments, knowing she had worked incredibly hard and given it her absolute best. Her journey later took her from Miranda to the Miyagi-Kan Head Dojo, where she continued training and learning under Hanshi George Barounis and the senior instructors.

Reaching 5th Dan and receiving the title of Renshi was another incredibly special achievement, something Lynette never imagined when she first started karate at 30.

Today, she enjoys watching new students begin their own karate journeys and hopes to pass on the knowledge, encouragement, and support she has received throughout her years of training.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi-Kan Karate, we proudly recognise the people, friendships, and stories that have helped shape our dojo.

Thank you, Renshi Lynette, for 28 years of dedication, passion, and commitment to the Miyagi-Kan family. 💙

🥋 50 YEARS OF MIYAGI-KAN – CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE & OUR LEGACY

Meet Amelia Allan and her parents, Jessica & William Allan. 💙

Jess All William Allan

Amelia represents something truly special within the Miyagi-Kan family. She is the third generation of her family to proudly step onto the dojo floor.

Her connection to Miyagi-Kan began long before she was born.

Her mum, Jessica, started karate at just four years old, following in the footsteps of her father, Kyoshi Steve Holmes (7th Dan). Amelia's dad, William, began his own Miyagi-Kan journey at the age of 10 at the Rydalmere dojo.

Through years of training, gradings, tournaments, and travelling around Australia with the Miyagi-Kan family, Jessica and William grew up sharing a love of karate. That shared passion eventually brought them together, leading to marriage and a family of their own.

And now, their daughter Amelia is proudly continuing that family tradition.

As Kyoshi Steve Holmes' granddaughter, Amelia is following in the footsteps of her grandfather and both her parents, becoming the third generation of the family to call Miyagi-Kan home.

Watching Amelia train, compete, grow in confidence, and embrace the values of discipline, respect, and perseverance is something truly special for the whole family.

There's something incredibly meaningful about seeing a new generation create their own memories within the same Miyagi-Kan family that has played such an important role in the generations before them.

For the Holmes and Allan family, Miyagi-Kan has always been about so much more than karate. It has created lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a family connection that spans generations.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi-Kan Karate, Amelia's story is a beautiful reminder that the values, friendships, and traditions built in the dojo can be passed from one generation to the next.

🥋50 years of friendship, family, and karate, with a new generation proudly carrying the Miyagi-Kan legacy forward.

🥋 50 YEARS OF MIYAGI-KAN KARATE – CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE

Honouring Kyoshi Steve Holmes (7th Dan)

For more than 41 years, Kyoshi Steve Holmes has been a valued member of the Miyagi-Kan family. His journey has never been just about earning belts or mastering techniques. It has been about commitment, loyalty, and giving back to the dojo that has played such an important role in his life.

Having trained under Hanshi George Barounis for over four decades, Steve has witnessed the growth of Miyagi-Kan from its early beginnings to the thriving organisation it is today. Along the way, he has shared countless tournaments, seminars, and unforgettable experiences, including training in Okinawa with fellow Miyagi-Kan members. Each experience has strengthened not only his karate but also the lifelong friendships and values that define our dojo.

One story perfectly captures Steve's dedication. On the morning of his wedding, before celebrating one of life's biggest milestones, Steve and his best man, Mark, were on the dojo floor training with Hanshi. For Steve, karate has never simply been a hobby. It has always been a way of life.

Today, that same passion continues to inspire everyone around him. Steve generously gives his time to support students, assist instructors, and help pass on the traditions and spirit of Miyagi-Kan to future generations. His humility, dedication, and unwavering loyalty have earned the respect and admiration of all who have had the privilege of training alongside him.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi-Kan Karate, we proudly recognise the people whose dedication, friendship, and passion have helped shape our dojo and its legacy.

Thank you, Kyoshi Steve, for your incredible 41 years of dedication, friendship, and service. Your commitment has helped shape the culture of Miyagi-Kan and has left a lasting impact on generations of students. Your legacy is one we are proud to celebrate. 💙🥋

Celebrating 50 Years of Miyagi-Kan Karate 🥋

Kyoshi Craig Nordstrand (7th Dan) – 41 Years of Dedication

For 41 years, Kyoshi Craig Nordstrand (7th Dan) has been a valued member of the Miyagi-Kan family, playing a significant role in growing and strengthening our legacy across Australia and New Zealand.

His karate journey began when his son, Gerard, started training. After watching just one class, Craig knew he had found something special. He joined the very next lesson, and more than four decades later, his passion for karate remains as strong as ever.

Inspired by his experiences representing New South Wales at the Australian National Championships, Kyoshi Craig returned to New Zealand to establish Miyagi-Kan New Zealand. Under his leadership, the dojo quickly flourished, producing champions at the National, Oceania, Australian, Commonwealth, and Goju World Championships.

While these achievements are remarkable, Kyoshi Craig considers his greatest accomplishment simply being part of the Miyagi-Kan family.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi-Kan Karate, we proudly recognise the people whose dedication, leadership, and passion have helped shape our dojo and its legacy.

Thank you, Kyoshi Craig, for your unwavering commitment, outstanding leadership, and incredible contribution over the past 41 years. Your impact has inspired generations of students and strengthened the Miyagi-Kan family across Australia and New Zealand.

Here's to celebrating our past, our present, and the generations still to come. 💙🥋

Celebrating 50 Years of Miyagi-Kan Karate 🥋

Meet Kyoshi Peter Parasyn

For over 35 years, Kyoshi Peter Parasyn has been a valued member of the Miyagi-Kan family, dedicating himself to the study, teaching, and preservation of traditional Goju-Ryu Karate.

Through his commitment, humility, and willingness to support others, Sensei Peter has inspired and guided countless students while continuing to grow in his own karate journey. His dedication has made a lasting impact on our students, our dojo, and the wider Miyagi-Kan community.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi-Kan Karate, we proudly recognise the people whose passion, friendship, and commitment have helped shape our dojo and its legacy.

Thank you, Sensei Peter, for your incredible contribution over the past 35 years. Your dedication continues to inspire generations of students, and we are proud to have you as part of the Miyagi-Kan family.

Here's to celebrating our past, our present, and the generations still to come. 💙

🥋 Celebrating 50 Years of Miyagi-Kan Karate

Meet Renshi Con Papadimitriou Con Papadimitriou

Renshi Con began his Miyagi-Kan journey in 1988, training until 2004. After a 17-year break, he returned to the dojo in 2021, proving that the spirit of karate and the friendships built through Miyagi-Kan never fade. Across both chapters of his journey, karate has been part of his life for 21 years.

For Sensei Con, Miyagi-Kan has always been more than a dojo; it’s family. After so many years away, he was welcomed back with open arms, surrounded by the same kindness, support, and sense of belonging that made him feel like he’d never left.

His journey reminds us that the true strength of Miyagi-Kan isn't just in the karate we practise, but in the lifelong friendships, community, and memories we build together.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi-Kan Karate, we're proud to recognise the people who have helped shape our dojo through their dedication, friendship, and passion.

Thank you, Sensei Con, for being such an important part of the Miyagi-Kan family. Here's to celebrating our past, our present, and the generations still to come. 💙

We are immensely honoured and proud to announce that Hanshi George Barounis received his 10 Dan certification from Master Gonnohyoue Yamamoto (10th Dan - So Shihan) at the IKO GoJu Karate Do Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.

For almost 6 decades Hanshi Barounis has been practising and teaching the traditional Japanese martial art of IKO GoJu Ryu Karate Do.

Not only is it a very special occasion, but it is a testament to Hanshi Barounis loyalty, resilience, and respect to Master Gonnohyoe Yamamoto who presented Hanshi Barounis with his Shodan Black belt in the mid-seventies.

This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of Miyagi Kan IKO Karate GoJu Ryu. The Gala event will be held on Saturday 19 September 2026 to celebrate the journey, stories and memories (past and present students and instructors) that have helped formed and create this amazing Miyagi Kan IKO Karate dojo.

Miyagikan.com.au

🥋 Kyoshi Cleanthis (Akis) Philippou – 7th Dan Cleanthis Philippou

Kyoshi Cleanthis (Akis) Philippou began his karate journey in 1977, shortly after arriving in Australia as a 17-year-old. Looking to meet new people and become part of a community, he joined karate with his cousins, a decision that would shape the rest of his life.

With an unwavering passion for training, Shihan Akis trained under Hanshi George Barounis almost every day. His dedication earned him his black belt in just two years, and he went on to compete in numerous tournaments and championships, including taking 1st place at the 1983 Miyagi Kan Tournament.

His passion for teaching began while he was still a brown belt. Since earning his black belt, he has taught and mentored students across several Miyagi Kan dojos, including Mt Druitt, Kingsgrove, North Parramatta, Northmead, Croydon, and now Blacktown, while continuing to support classes at our Bankstown Headquarters.

For nearly 50 years, Shihan Akis has been a dedicated instructor, mentor, and role model within the Miyagi Kan family. His commitment to his students, his passion for traditional karate, and his dedication to preserving our values have inspired generations of karate-ka.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi Kan Karate, we proudly honour Shihan Akis' remarkable journey and thank him for the lasting legacy he continues to build.

Celebrating 50 years of Miyagi Kan Karate, where tradition, dedication, and community continue to inspire every generation.

🥋 FROM STUDENTS TO SENSEI – THE LEGACY CONTINUES Richi BasckinYonatan FreundMiyagi Kan Karate East

Every karate journey is unique, but the values that unite us remain the same.

Sensei Richard Baskin began his karate journey in 2001, training in Shotokan before joining Miyagi Kan Karate in 2014. Embracing the challenge of learning Goju-Ryu, he earned his Goju-Ryu black belt under Hanshi and has become an integral part of the Miyagi Kan family.

Sensei Yonatan Freund began his karate journey in 2007 and joined Miyagi Kan Karate in 2013 as a brown belt. Through dedication, perseverance, and a passion for learning, he developed into both a respected karate-ka and instructor.

Today, Richard and Yonatan stand side by side as instructors at Miyagi Kan East, Bondi, passing on the knowledge, discipline, and values that have shaped their own journeys.

Standing beside them is the next generation of karate-ka, a reminder that every class is about more than technique. It's about building confidence, resilience, respect, and character.

As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi Kan Karate, we're proud to see our legacy continue through instructors like Sensei Richard and Sensei Yonatan. Their journey reflects the values that have guided our dojo for five decades: humility, lifelong learning, and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential.

Celebrating 50 years of Miyagi Kan Karate, where tradition lives on through every generation.