Sensei Jonathan Gleeson

Principal Sydney Karate Club

Jonathan has been training in the martial arts since 1991. In this time he has reached the level of 4th degree black belt in Kaizen Ryu Freestyle Karate and has been appointed the position of Sensei (Teacher).

In addition to this he has also trained in -

• Muay Thai at the Phuket Muay Thai Camp in Thailand
• Kung Fu at the Bu Bi Zhen International Kung Fu School on the banks of the Li River in Yangshuo China
• Aikido at the Aikikai Hombu Tokyo Japan under the instructions of Doshu Ueshiba
• Goju-Ryu Karate at the Doushikan Hombu in Kyoto Japan under the instruction of Bokuhara Gen Sensei (8th Dan JKF) and Bokuhara Michiyo (5th Dan JKF)
• Kendo in Kyoto Japan, with Shibagaki Haruo Sensei 7th Dan K.S.K

Jonathan Also

• holds a 1st degree black belt in Kobudo from the Ryu Kyu Kobudo Kai
• Trains in Gracie Humaita Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Jonathan competes and referees at ISKA tournaments where he holds the position of a level 5 Head Referee and Arbitrator, and was Presented with the award for Referee of the year in 2006.

In 2009 Jonathan was inducted into the Martial Arts hall of fame as the Martial Arts Instructor of the Year.

Jonathan is an accredited instructor with both the Martial Arts Industry Association and the NSW department of Sport and Recreation and holds a Martial Arts prohibited weapons permit from the NSW Police Commissioner.

His main goal is to pass on the knowledge he has learned to everyone.

Sempai Alex Kirkwood

Alex (pictured to the right, delivering a kick to his opponents head) joined the Kaizen Ryu Sydney team in 2009, previously he trained under Shihan Peter Kirkwood (Australian Chief Instructor) in the Hunter Valley. He currently holds the rank of 2nd Dan. Alex specialises in Extreme Martial Arts Demonstration, in which he currently holds several ISKA titles. A very dedicated and competitive student and a knowledgeable instructor.


Sempai Olivia Liu

Olivia  (picture to the left) is a 1st Dan in Kaizen Ryu and is continuing to study both Kaizen Ryu and Ryu Kyu Kobudo Kai. Olivia regularly competes in ISKA tournaments and is the 2007 female over18's full contact champion. She is a very skilled fighter and passionate martial artist. she actively assists in all children's classes at our ultimo dojo and regularly contributes to the class curriculum.

Joshu Patrick Coy

Pat (pictured right, completing some hard beach training on the lead up to black belt) acheived his black belt in 2010 and his positive attitude and willingness to help others has erned him the title of Joshu meaning Assistant Instructor. He regularly contributes to and assits in the instruction of adult classes at the Ultimo Dojo and has regulrarly assisted with childrens classes at all our Dojo's