black belts

Our seniors are dedicated to guiding students in the way of Kyokushin philosophy, discipline and excellence.

Reece Henderson
2nd dan

Start date: 2008
Grade date: 2017

Reece started Kyokushin in 2008 and enjoys testing himself and his training in kumite; entering tournament whenever he is able to.

Staying focused and super fit, he often says Kyokushin has kept him out of trouble; the value of having the Kyokushin extended family that he can rely on and make memories with is most important to him.

Reece holds Australian and New Zealand National titles (and yokozuna [grand champion] title in NZ 2012), as well as a Middle Weight title for the United States Weight Category Tournament (LA, 2014). He has represented Australia in 3 World Tournaments and continues to compete Nationally and Internationally.

David Tockar
1st dan

Start date: 1996
Grade date: 2013

David started training Kyokushin at age 4 and has been training for over 21 years. He feels incredibly fortunate to have started so early and merits the years of practicing basic techniques to the development of his dynamic fighting style.

The discipline of karate has, however, been of most value to David who says that overcoming the barriers in the dojo and in tournament allows you to apply these skills to other aspects of life.

He spent months in an uchi deshi (live-in training) program with shihan Artur Hovhanissyan in Japan, dedicating his time fully to the study and training of Kyokushin and preparing himself for tournament.

David has competed and continues to compete at a high level both Nationally and Internationally, having won Australian Nationals (2013, 2016) and achieving second place to teammate Reece Henderson in the US Weight Category Tournament (2014). He has fought in 1 World Tournament and achieved top 16 in the 2014 All Japan.

Guy Guiney
1st dan

Start date: 2010
Grade date: 2020

Guy joined the North Bondi dojo in 2016. Previous to that, he trained under Shihan Jim Philips’ instruction for 6 years. Guy has competed in numerous events where he has placed on the podium in both kata and kumite. These even include state, national and international tournaments.

In the 2019 IFT (International Friendship Tournament) in Tokyo, Japan in April 2019, he nearly became the first under 18 fighter to pass the first round in kumite in 36 years, until he was injured.

Guy has also specialised in competitive skiing, participating in national events and competing overseas.

Hannah Hunter
1st dan

Start date: 2010
Grade date: 2020

Andrea Maron
2nd dan

Start date: 2000
Grade date: 2020

Andrea started karate back in 1995 and began her Kyokushin journey in 2000. She feels this path teaches her humility and challenges her to constantly strive to be better. "It's all about self-discovery and knowing who you are as a person".

Learning to react under pressure, deal with difficult situations (not only in karate, but in life) and maintaining focus are the values Andrea holds in high regard in her training.

Chantal Young
1st dan

Start date: 2011
Grade date: 2016

Chantal began her training with Shihan Tockar at North Bondi dojo at age 34. She has competed both nationally (kata & kumite) and internationally (kata) and has strong interest in mastering foundation techniques and maintaining good fitness. 

Chantal is also keen in assisting new students with technique and syllabus.

Elliot Kleiner
1st dan

Start date: 2006
Grade date: 2017

Elliot started his karate training in 1984 and has obtained black belt grades with multiple organisations & styles over many decades. When signing up for Kyokushin in 2006, he chose to begin as a mukyu; starting all over again with a white belt, determined to do the training justice by going through the process in it's entirety. 

His passion is for traditional “kata” and the real-world applications of “bunkai” for practical self-defence.

His articles have been published in martial arts web sites and magazines, and he has authored three books on karate.

Curtis Quirk
1st dan

Start date: 2010
Grade date: 2020

Curtis began training in Kyokushin Karate in 2010, at the age of 12. For Curtis, karate has been a place for him to train both physically and mentally, and has taught him important skills and lessons which he continues to implement throughout his daily life.

For Curtis, a black belt in Kyokushin Karate is not defined by the belt. Instead, it represents an individual with a strong spirit and will, who is able to display kind-heartedness, selflessness and self-control. Curtis continues to embody these qualities in his karate and intends to pursue kumite tournaments.

Michelle Albert
1st dan

Start date: 2002
Grade date: 2007

Michelle started Kyokushin when her young children showed an interest in learning karate. She loved it so much she dedicated herself to the art, teaching and competing both nationally and internationally.

For Michelle it has always been about testing onesself and pushing just beyond one's comfort level.

Daniela Bertoni
1st dan

Start date: 2008
Grade date: 2016

Daniela began training in 2008 in Brazil under sempai Dinei Dineris and achieved her shodan in 2016 after 9 years.

Keeping a healthy balance between the mental and physical aspects of training, as well as the Kyokushin principles of humility, respect and perseverance are what hold important meaning for her not only in training but in life.

Daniela is a strong, disciplined fighter and has competed extensively in Brazil. She has, most recently, won the New Zealand National title in 2016 before grading to her shodan.

Nathan Lotter
2nd dan

Start date: 2007
Grade date: 2022

Nathan began Kyokushin in 2007, at age 5. Through his training he developed a sense of confidence, a drive to succeed and a spirit of perseverance that has helped him with life outside of the dojo, and has contributed greatly to his discipline and motivation in all areas.

Nathan holds a number of Australian National titles in both kata and kumite as well as the 2016 New Zealand National title for his age group. In 2015 he placed 4th in the World Team Kata Tournament – an experience he says was a privilege - competing alongside senseis Alex and JB - but that he’s sure will have him in therapy later in life.

Nathan is driven to train even harder, enjoying class participation, competing for his dojo, and mentoring and teaching younger students the valuable skills he has learnt in his Kyokushin journey.

Elise Aroney
1st dan

Start date: 2010
Grade date: 2020

Kirill Gorr
1st dan

Start date: 1992
Grade date: 2012

Russian-born Kirill started Kyokushin in 1992, where, at age 12 he was selected for a 6-month uchi deshi (apprenticeship) Kyokushin program; living away from parents in a military-style environment.  

He has had 25+ years training experience with top Kyokushin fighters and continues to study and follow the philosophy karate has given him for a life of balance, family values and friendship. 

Matt Elvidge
1st dan

Start date: 2000
Grade date: 2006

Matt began his Kyokushin training in 2000 and bar a few breaks has been training for 17 years.

He feels the camaraderie, friendship and extended family, particularly at North Bondi dojo is what draws him back and keeps  him motivated.

Keira Braybrook
1st dan

Start date: 2011
Grade date: 2018

Keira started her Karate training at North Bondi Dojo in 2011. For all those who have had the opportunity to train with her, know that Keira is one of the hardest working students on the floor. Keira is always there to support her fellow peers and the dojo itself, fully embodying the Kyokushin principles of humility, respect and perseverance.

Keeping super fit outside the dojo whether on her bike, in the pool or pounding the pavement, Keira has been competing in many endurance races, including finishing two gruelling Ironman events.

Samuel Lotter
1st dan

Start date: 2010
Grade date: 2020

Samuel began his training in 2010 at the age of 5. His training has taught him to be disciplined, focussed and self-motivated which has been a benefit inside and outside the dojo. Not only has it developed his mental strength, but it has kept him physically active, agile and strong which has made him resilient to deal with everyday life.

Tournaments are a part of pushing through personal boundaries. Samuel has experienced many local, national and international tournaments competing in Kata and Kumite which has seen him excel in the development of his Karate training and strive to be his best and push his limits. His favourite element of Karate is Kata where he has won local and national tournaments whilst also competing in the 2019 IFT in Tokyo. He has enjoyed success in Unison Kata competitions, teaming up with his brother Nathan and his long-time Karate friends Hannah and Elise.

He now aims to continue his training and compete in tournaments whilst also passing on his knowledge to younger students in the dojo.