Our instructors

Unique instruction and training techniques

Shihan Graham Keleher

Occupation:  AAMA Founder

Karate grade:  7th Dan Blackbelt International Karate-do Shobu-kai

# years training:  Over 45 years continuous training and 40 years instructing

  • Founder of the Australian Academy of Martial Arts Australia
  • Head of Style for International Karate-Do Shobukai in Australia
  • Former Queensland Police Officer and Queensland Police Self-Defence Instructor
  • Former World Karate Federation (WKF) Technical Committee Member and WKF Member Representing Oceania
  • Former Australian Sports Commission accredited Level 2 Karate Coach
  • Former State AKF Coach (Queensland)
  • Former Australian International Karate Team Member
  • Australian Team Member in the Inaugural WUKO World Titles 1970

Sensei Michael Howe

Occupation:  Lawyer

Karate grade:  5th Dan Black Belt

# years training: AAMA Shito-ryu – 27 years

Tournament Finalist, AKF (Qld) Kumite (Seniors) Shunpukan Dojo Kumite Champion 2006
My interest in teaching Karate is perhaps twofold in broad terms. Firstly, the imparting of information to those seeking knowledge and development and comprehension that the knowledge given is valued gives the pleasure of sharing. Secondly, the development of my own knowledge of karate as I am exposed to the differences between students (and us all) both physiological and psychological, and the challenge of clear communication of ideas.
  • Basic Club
  • Level 1
  • Level 2
  • Black Belts

Senpai Stephen Webster

Occupation:  Test Manager (IT Contractor)

Karate grade:  4th Dan Black Belt

# years training:  20 years

Competitor in Kyu grade tournaments in the 1980s
It’s exciting to see someone learn and to know that you helped them. The process builds respect between the instructor and the student. Teaching helps my own training – it improves my understanding of why we do things as well as how.
  • Basic Club
  • Level 1
  • Level 2
  • Black Belts

Senpai Vesa Pekkarinen

Occupation:  Administration Manager

Karate grade:  4th Dan Black Belt

# years training:  21 years

  • Several podium placements at State level – kumite veteran’s kyu grades
  • National Referee (kumite)
  • National Kata Judge Level B
I enjoy seeing people developing themselves. One of Shihan’s sayings: He rises highest who helps another up. I also believe in giving back something to any person or organisation that supports me. Coaching clarifies questions and issues I may have myself and provides me with the satisfaction of helping others.
  • Little Leopards
  • Dragons
  • Level 1
  • Level 2

Senpai Sarah Kurth

Occupation:  Cardiac Sonographer

Karate grade:  3rd Dan Black Belt

# years training:  26 years

Competed in both Kata and Kumite at a local, state and national level as a junior from 1992 to early 2000s.
Multiple times state champion for age.
It’s a great pleasure to give back to an organisation that played an integral role in my development as a child and teenager. The building of self-discipline and adherence to etiquette that is emphasised in the Club has benefited me as much, if not more, than the fitness and self-defence skills that are inherent to Karate. I enjoy helping students learn in a framework that develops their physical skills and mental strength.
  • Basic Club
  • Level 1
  • Level 2
  • Black Belts

Senpai Shona McKenzie

Occupation:  Retired

Karate grade:  3rd Dan Black Belt

# years training:  20 years

Participated in competition in Japan as well as club competitions. Previous table official experience.
Karate helps to promote development of the mind, body and spirit through the development of self discipline and respect for self and others. The karate practitioner developers skills in situation awareness and self defense strategies to promote confidence and self development.
  • Children (Little Leopards and Dragons)
  • Basic Club
  • Level 1
  • Level 2
  • Black Belts

Senpai Tom Foreman

Occupation:  Retail Sales

Karate grade:  2nd Dan Black Belt

# years training:  11 years

8 years of local and state level completions participation and placing in most
6 years of Australian national competition participation and placing
Most recently the 2019 Australian National Competition in Tasmania placing third in the kumite team event, and participation in the Under 75kg senior and senior open event.
I feel every one should learn a self defence martial art whether it is for fitness or sport. Karate has also helped me to become more confident and mature as a person – much of what we learn can be applied to every day life.
  • Basic Club
  • Level 1
  • Level 2
  • Black Belts
  • Specialist kumite class

Senpai Lyndon Kurth

Occupation:  Retired

Karate grade:  2nd Dan Black Belt

# years training:  20 years

Teaching helps me learn. I believe that the best way to ensure that you know something, is to be able to demonstrate and explain it to someone else. Karate for children and adults goes beyond a sport and teaches life skills that are extremely valuable for young people in particular. It is very rewarding to be involved as an instructor and see children develop.
  • Little Leopards – assistant coach
  • Dragons – assistant coach

Senpai Annette Pekkarinen

Occupation:  Nurse/Allied Health Assistant

Karate grade:  1st Dan Black Belt

# years training:  20 years

Table Official
The children’s classes are great fun. The kids are enthusiastic about learning karate and it’s great to see them achieving their goals. Teaching has helped me to get a better understanding of karate.
  • Little Leopards
  • Dragons

Our assistants

Senpai Steve Williams

Occupation:  Transport and Infrastructure

Karate grade:  1st Dan Black Belt

# years training:  8 years

  • Little Leopards
  • Dragons
  • Veterans Kumite 2020 onwards, medalling in 2022