Sensei Frank Brandon

I began my karate in 1976 at the age of 4 and have been fortunate to learn from a number of wise teachers who have influenced my life.

My first teacher was my father - Hanshi Peter Brandon. He is a visionary man whose mission is to spread Goju Kai karate in its traditional form adhering to the original Japanese precepts, inspiring pride, honour and respect in the students he teaches. His primary focus has always been the under-privileged communities and he began teaching in the townships at a time when he was required to have a pass to enter these areas.

My father's teachings laid the foundations for my dream; to build a Goju Kai Academy where children with potential, from under-privileged communities, can live and receive a first class education - using karate as the vehicle.

My friend and business partner, Craig Kansley, started training with my father and I when he was 5 years old. We have shared the honour of training with and obtaining our junior black belts from Grand Master Gogen Yamaguchi. This deeply spiritual man ignited an intense passion and commitment deep in me to continue to spread Goju Kai in its purest form.

We had the privilege of living in Japan and training for two years with Masatoshi Yamaguchi. He is not only my karate instructor, but has been a father-figure, a mentor and a friend, playing an integral part in my career. He has entrusted Craig and I with the sacred waterfall training, which we completed for the first time in 2000.

In closing, Craig and I share a dream of spreading the true way of traditional, authentic karate through our teaching. If we are to achieve this, our focus must be more than teaching and grading our students, or training them to obtain another title or medal. Karate is about the holistic development and growth of an individual. As Westerners, we have been taught to easily learn technique but find it far more challenging to adopt a philosophy and culture and find our own spirit.

Karate unites people; children and adults from all walks of life learn about loyalty and commitment, and also gain respect for themselves and for one another. The art is to find our own path towards our personal way of "being".