YOUR INVITATION
SUNSHINE DOJO
Learning Martial arts in Melbourne is fun and provides lifelong benefits. You may think it will be a little intimidating jumping right into a class.
So, we invite you to come in for some private lessons with no obligation to join.
We will even fit you out in your own uniform to get started.
You will learn some basic skills and we can answer all your questions.
WELCOME TO SAMURAI KARATE
SELF DEFENCE CLASSES SUNSHINE
SUNSHINE DOJO
Samurai Karate is a traditional Martial art well designed to meet the needs of our modern world. From a solid foundation, springs a well of physical, & mental abilities, that will serve you and your child throughout their life! Samurai Karate Sunshine has stood the test of time serving the community for over 40 years, contributing to the development of 1000’s of students over the years.
OUR CLASSES
In Samurai Karate Sunshine classes, 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.
OUR INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Darren Olsen
Shihan 7th Dan Kyoshi, Australian Chief Instructor
In 1979 I started training in a hired hall at Skinners park reserve in Braybrook Sunshine with Ian Eddy. The hall leaked, the floor was often dirty from parties, and the wind used to cut through there in the winter time. In 1985 I took over as Instructor for Ian went to Port Douglas. I met Sensei Paul Mitchell as part of ASKA in 1980, started training with Sensei Paul, in preparation for black belt in 1981 at the Bayswater Dojo.
While I was an orange belt I can remember sensei Tommy Morris coming out, it was at that time that Shukokai was put up on its end. We were doing Shukokai that was 20 years old. It wasn’t up with the times and Sensei Tommy started our change. It was ok to me as an orange belt, but I can remember that many of the seniors, both in Sensei Alan, Sensei Paul’s and in Sensei Ian Eddy’s dojo, left at that time because they could not handle the change. And they did not wait to see where the change took us, so they did not benefit from it.
Other Instructors
Nori Miki
5th Dan
Started training when I was 3 in my Fathers dojo in Kyoto japan. My father was an 8th dan in JKF.
When I was in grade 2 you won National Kata championship. 5th Dan in Rocky Ryu (Goju/Shito ryu style) and 2nd Dan Japan Karate Federation.
1st place Japan’s Nationals in the 16-18 year old Kata division and 2nd place in the 19-22 year old Kata division,
1st place Kata in the Asia/pacific Games in Singapore and also in the Shito Ryu World Championships in Italy.
In Japan’s National team for 3 Years.
State Kata Coach for 2 years
Training since 1974 and teaching since 1986.
Love helping people develop, especially in preparation for kata competition.
Luke Olsen
4th Dan
Sunshine dojo was located sunshine station at the time, and when I started my training there my dad had me train under his other instructors at first, Senseis Frank, Franka and Claudio.
- Who you have trained with
I have always trained at Sunshine Dojo under my father Sensei Darren Olsen, but he has always encouraged me to train under others to further my learning.
Wasn’t long before Sensei Darren had me training with his instructor Sensei Paul Mitchell, he even sent me to Sensei Pauls Dojo in Croydon every Friday to train for 2 years
I then trained with the AKF Victorian and National team where I was exposed to a lot of great instructors, people like the late Allen Murdoc. It was though the AKF National team I got my first taste at training with a world champion, Junior Levfer
Thomas Olsen
4th Dan
My latest grading to date (2018) was my third dan grading in 2015 under Hanshi Paul Mitchell and Jun Shidoin with Kawata Sensei in Japan in 2015
I have done lots of competitions within Australia and around the world taking me to many different countries including Czech republic, Malaysia, Germany, Jakata, Japan, USA Open at Ceasars Palace and Morocco. My greatest achievements are coming first at the Czech open in 2011, third at the German open in 2011 and top 8 at the world championships in Morrocco.
I love doing karate it has taken me all around the world and has helped me prosper in other areas of my life through the lessons I have learned inside the dojo, I love teaching now, to help the students at Samurai Karate gain the experiences, lessons and knowledge that has helped me throughout my life so far.
Meet the rest of the Team
Zach
2nd Dan
Involved in teaching since 2004 (assisting juniors). Teaching my own class since 2010.
Karate Achievements:
Previous club World Cup Kata champion
Competing in Montreal Canada Series A
Runner up JKA Nationals kumite (open weight category)
Love about Samurai Karate – I love that the club has an ongoing connection to traditional karate. We focus on all elements of training. The instructors are all approachable and continue to focus on how to improve not only technical understanding but background planning to ensure the club can be most effectively operated for its members. It is such a privilege to teach and train alongside such respected, honest and inspiring martial arts practitioners.
Love about teaching: Seeing people come together on a consistent basis to dedicate themselves on improving something is very special. To improve in martial arts you have to have patience and learn to work through setbacks to really develop something special. It is very much a privilege of passing on what I have learnt over the years to those that are dedicating such energy to themselves. I love seeing others achieve their goals, gradings, tournament success, more power in a technique, remembering a kata, the list goes on. We are all on a journey of learning and developing ourselves and our karate together; I will give what I can. Samurai – One who serves.
Andrea
Instructor
Andrea represented the state at the national level, winning multiple titles in both Kumite and Kata, also represented my country internationally, competing in South American, Pan American, and Central American tournaments, where I earned a bronze medal. Additionally, I assisted my sensei in running classes, especially for beginners.
I joined Samurai in 2018 as part of the reception team. Soon after, I began training there as well. Samurai Karate quickly became my second family. I love training and working here. Everyone supports each other and helps one another become the best versions of themselves. We push each other to get to the next level as a team, not just as individuals. Our club embodies love, friendship, discipline, hard work, and respect. This philosophy is what I want to transfer to the kids in every class. I love helping them achieve their goals, witness their growth, and develop new skills.
The Samurai team has been there for me through thick and thin. They celebrated my victories, including becoming the Victoria State Team Champion in Female Kata Senior (with a state title in 2022, Australian Open silver and bronze medals, and a national bronze in 2022). But their support goes beyond trophies. They’ve also been there for me during challenging times, including injuries, mental hurdles, and personal crises. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a club that values its members as whole people.
Cindy
Instructor
Benjamin
Instructor
Chantel
Instructor
Kha
Sub-Instructor
Tri
Sub-Instructor
Darcy
Reception
Emily
Reception
Do you want to join our growing team?
As our number of students and Dojos grow so will our need for bright committed team members.
If you are interested please do not hesitate about inquiring below.
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