WELCOME TO SAMURAI KARATE
CROYDON DOJO
Samurai Karate Croydon has been empowering the people of Croydon and beyond with amazing martial arts training since 1987. Sensei Craig took over the management of Samurai Karate Croydon in 2004. In 2014, we moved to our amazing new site at 1 Maroondah Highway, Croydon where we have continued to grow and cultivate an atmosphere of martial arts excellence. Train with the people who’ve been doing it the longest!
Our Philosophy
At Samurai Karate Croydon, we offer premier karate classes and lessons tailored to students of all ages and skill levels. Our dojo is dedicated to providing top-notch instruction, fostering personal growth, and promoting the traditional values of respect, discipline, and perseverance.
OUR CLASSES
When it comes to choosing a martial arts school for yourself or your children, Samurai Karate Croydon stands out for several reasons:
In Samurai Karate Croydon dojo, you or your child will experience a dynamic program, designed to channel the student’s energy and focus in applying their developing karate skills, in a supportive friendly environment.
With time and consistent practice they will enjoy the fruits of their training, obtaining various levels throughout their development.
As in the dojo (karate training area) also in life, the students development will transfer into success skills in everyday life.
LITTLE SAMURAI | 4-7
Fully structured KARATE lessons for 4 – 7 year old children. Proper technical development with emphasis on fun, focus and discipline.
JUNIORS | 8-12
A wide range of Karate training for 8 – 12 year old kids. Fully structured sessions ranging from fundamental skill development to elite sport training for kata and kumite (sparring).
TEENS | 13-15
Discover the power of martial arts training tailored specifically for teens at Samurai Karate Croydon.
ADULTS | 16+
Unleash your potential with our specialized adult karate classes tailored for individuals aged 17 to 65.
SELF DEFENCE
Our Karate classes in Croydon provide a holistic approach to martial arts, fitness, and well-being, with a special emphasis on training that is perfect for women’s self-defence.
OUR COACH INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Craig Taylor
Shihan 5th Dan
Hello, I’m Craig, though many call me Sensei. I’m the Head Trainer and Manager at Samurai Karate Croydon. I teach many classes throughout the club from Little Samurai kids to our oldest and toughest black belts 
I currently hold the rank of Shidoin Godan (5th dan) Kenshi.
My Karate journey started 40 years ago, in 1984 when I turned 8. To say I was a reluctant student would be an understatement. It was many years before my training became a passion for focus, discipline, and excellence.
When I was younger, I was a keen kata competitor and had some local success. I’ve travelled internationally to compete and train having been to Japan some 15 times.
Over the years I have complimented my Karate with further training in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I love the challenge of martial arts training.
Outside the dojo, I love keeping fit, reading and am quite the avid gamer playing ARPGs and RPGs. As a bit of a performer, you’ll occasionally find me streaming online.
Sensei Craig
Coach, Founder
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Hello, I’m Craig, though many call me Sensei. I’m the Head Trainer and Manager at Samurai Karate Croydon. I teach many classes throughout the club from Little Samurai kids to our oldest and toughest black belts I currently hold the rank of Shidoin Godan (5th dan) Kenshi.
My Karate journey started 40 years ago, in 1984 when I turned 8. To say I was a reluctant student would be an understatement. It was many years before my training became a passion for focus, discipline, and excellence.
When I was younger, I was a keen kata competitor and had some local success. I’ve travelled internationally to compete and train having been to Japan some 15 times.
Over the years I have complimented my Karate with further training in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I love the challenge of martial arts training.
Outside the dojo, I love keeping fit, reading and am quite the avid gamer playing ARPGs and RPGs. As a bit of a performer, you’ll occasionally find me streaming online.
Sensei Steven
Coach
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Hi, my name is Steven and I started my Karate journey at Samurai Karate Croydon in 1998 as an 8 year old. Though it was my parent’s decision to have my brother and I learn Karate, as an adult who has now been training and teaching for many years I am very thankful for that opportunity.
I have been teaching at Samurai Karate Croydon for over 5 years and currently teach the teenage (cadet) and adult fundamentals group. We have a great time and a lot of fun. I currently hold the rank of Yondan (4th dan).
Karate has become part of who I am and has provided countless amazing experiences, from travelling to Japan, New Zealand and Thailand to the creation of lifelong friendships. As a trainer, I enjoy bringing others along this journey and seeing them develop confidence and practical self defence skills whilst also having fun and making friends.
Aside from Karate, I enjoy doing hands-on projects around the home, getting outdoors – whether it be camping, hiking, snowboarding in winter or paddle boarding in summer and spending time with family and friends.
Sensei Tom
Coach
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Howdy, my name is Tom. I started karate over two decades ago at age 6. My parents wanted me to do an activity that would involve my whole body, and bring me self-confidence and fun. When gymnastics and trampolining didn’t quite do the trick, my folks thought ‘Tom loves the Power Rangers – maybe martial arts will be more his speed’” How right they were!
I teach the Junior Fundamentals class on a Monday night, working with 8 – 12 year old kids who are white, red, yellow and orange belt. It’s an amazing experience and a real privilege to help shape these young minds and help them take their first steps on this life changing journey.
I love coaching the next generation of young karateka. Seeing them build friendships and skills that will last a lifetime is incredibly rewarding. Karate has taught me – and continues to teach me – so many valuable lessons. I love sharing these lessons with others.
When I’m not bouncing around the dojo, I’m normally performing on stage or screen (I love a song and dance!), cooking up a storm, or walking and playing with our beautiful rescue dog Happy.
Sensei Simon
Coach
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Hey there, I’m Simon, and my Karate journey started back in 2015. I always wanted to do Karate, and I finally found the right time, and the right dojo. The team at Samurai are awesome, making me feel at home since the moment I walked in the door.
My passions are practising and learning Kata. I also really enjoy teaching others. It feels good to pass on what I have learnt so far, but it also helps with my development as a Karateka. It is fair to say that my confidence has increased since I started training.
Outside of the dojo, I enjoy travelling, hanging out with my friends, and playing my guitar to unwind. Life is about finding balance, and with the help of Karate, I’m enjoying every bit of the journey.
Sempai Kayla
Coach
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Hi, I’m Kayla. I started karate at six years old because it’s a great way to gain and build self-confidence. Since starting my training, I have stepped out of my shell, being able to run whole classes, as well as being able to take and use those skills in my personal life. For example, I can now give speeches in High School classes with confidence.
I train and coach the Little Samurai class, as well as being a coach for our Junior Advanced group. I really enjoy doing this because it encourages kids from a young age to understand the importance of self-defence, but it is still done in a fun and engaging way. It is also really fun to see students engaging with one another as this is a great place to meet new people and make new friends, some of which can last many many years.
I also enjoy teaching as it gives me a way to focus on the development of others and forget anything that may be causing stress outside the dojo. This can be great for everyone, the dojo can help you to just step away from the outside world for a bit, and spend some time training and socialising with others in a positive environment. Outside of karate, I really enjoy listening to music, playing music and reading.
Sensei Sathish
Coach
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Karate can be practiced as an art, self-defense, or as a combat sport. Traditional karate places emphasis on self-development.
Feel free to come try a FREE CLASS
Sempai Tom
Coach
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Hi, I’m Thomas M
I’m 14 years old, in year nine and very proud to be a senpai for the Junior novice class. In training sessions, I help sensei with improving our students’ technique and demonstrate exactly how our repertoire is used in a practical sense. Coaching you will also help me improve my understanding of the techniques you will be producing, and it will also help the younger generation of karate practitioners progress faster and with more confidence.
I have competed at national level in Australia, and compete in the Victorian Karate League. I started karate when I was 9 years old. I had tried other sports but none of them really suited me, but the day I started karate I knew it was unique and was a great fit for myself. The more I have progressed, this feeling has only grown stronger and stronger, karate is my favourite sport by far. There is so much to learn, you can never run out of things to improve in your own skill set.
I am in high school and enjoy playing basketball with my friends. I train with the karate state team weekly, putting hours of effort into my sport to be the best I can. I am in the high achievers program at my school, and appreciate how important education is, receiving good marks and awards. I also play Violin, practicing a lot, and enjoy music very much.
Sempai Chloe
Coach
Read full bio
Karate can be practiced as an art, self-defense, or as a combat sport. Traditional karate places emphasis on self-development.
Feel free to come try a FREE CLASS
Sempai Jack
Coach
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Hey, I’m Jack and I’m a 13-year-old brown belt at Samurai Karate Croydon. I’ve been doing karate for more than 5 years now, and it’s become a huge part of my life.
I love competing! There’s this rush I get when I step onto the mat, ready to show what I’ve learned and test myself against others. Recently, I got a silver medal for Kumite, (that’s fighting) at the Victorian State Championships. It felt amazing to see my hard work pay off like that.
I really like helping out with the younger students because it’s cool to see them improve and get excited about karate just like I did when I started. My younger brother trains, he’s a yellow belt, and I really like helping him as well.
Outside of karate, I’m into basketball, video games, hanging out with friends, and trying out new stuff. But karate is special to me. It’s not just about fighting; it’s taught me about respect, discipline, and how to be a good sport.
I’m pumped to keep growing in karate, learning new things, and maybe even inspiring others to give it a try!
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