Nippon Seibukan Australia

03/08/2026

Term 3 enrolment enquires are now open for beginners looking to practice a traditional karate system in Kelso Townsville.
From 7 years and over, members of the Townsville community are invited to enquire. Families are encouraged to practice together developing their mind and bodies while at the same time be introduced into Japanese / Okinawa culture and in the spirit of the samurai. 2026 will be the 38th year directly affiliated with Japan as well as in Townsville.

06/06/2026

In an effort to provide competition activities for Karate schools in Townsville and the surrounding area, Nippon Seibukan Australia would like to invite Karateka and parents of Karateka interested in preparing for and participate in the Zenkoren Koshiki Junior Karate and Kata Competition being held in Townsville in December 2026

Nippon Seibukan Australia will be presenting an introduction to Table Official / Judge / Referee seminar in Townsville. The invitation is open to all Local Karate students / Instructors (2nd Kyu and above) and supporters (for Table officials only) interested in participating in a Safe Karate competition

Zenkoren Koshiki Karate-Do is a Japanese martial arts system practised by Nippon Seibukan Karate members. Zenkoren Koshiki Karate-Do teaches the various Karate techniques in a kumite (sparring), environment and requires competitors to wear protection on the targets of their body, rather than the weapons (hands and feet are uncovered). Protective headgear is worn with a full bubble face shield as well as firm chest-gear, allowing for hard contact to body and controlled contact to the head without of serious injury

WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE?

For further information about the seminar and or our tournament Calendar please contact us via Facebook

05/06/2026

Cooler weather is starting in Townsville and it’s now a good time for those thinking about starting a martial art to have a go.
Beginners course for children (6-14yrs) are held every Thursday afternoon from 6-7pm in Kelso. Training in Judo and Goju Ryu Karatedo is a great way for children to build self confidence, achieve personal goals, make new friends as well as have to opportunity to learn parts of the Japanese culture, customs and traditions. Once the beginners course is completed a second training night is available for more advance training and practice. Senior classes in Goju Ryu Karate are also available for parents, guardians and older family members to join in as well.
The Kelso club has recently been established however the club has been active in Townsville for 35 years and is directly affiliated to Japan with trips planned every two years to train.
In fact,,,three of those pictured have been to Japan with a team from Townsville, to demonstrate at a Martial Arts festival. Which three,,,,,,,,, come to the club and find out. They will let you know about their time in Japan.
If members of the Townsville community are interested, and would like to join the course for Term 3, in 2026, let use know and we will provide you with more details.

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

Passing of Major A. J. Whipp AM, CSM - 82 years

To all our members and Friends of the Dojo, I have to inform all of the very sad news of the passing of a significant mentor of our judo and jujitsu departments of Nippon Seibukan Australia, MAJOR (Ret) Albert John Whipp AM, CSM, 7th Dan Judo, Shihan.

He was a Sensei to many Judoka in Australia, and a legend within the Unarmed Combat training of the Australian Army and a pioneer in sports and combat martial arts.

I first meet in the early 1990’s at the PCYC Judo club to Townsville and as a young instructor, he continued to mentor and help me establish our judo club during this period , as well as doing his many other jobs.

Many people will agree, the time spend talking with Sensei was just as memorable as the time spent on the tatami. Whether in his office at 11 TRG Group HQ on Lavarack Barracks, at his home in Mount Louisa, the dojo floor at the PCYC or one of the many Townsville Australia Japan Society activities, his willingness and passion for passing on knowledge, skills and history of sports, traditional and military combative martial arts was treasured by all.

It was a great loss to the Townsville martial arts and military community when he moved away and now with his passing, a loss to the many people of the clubs and associations he helped and supported around Australia.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and I know his legacy will continue on into the future through all those he taught and mentored throughout his lifetime.

RIP Sensei 🙏🏻🥋🇦🇺

01/05/2026

For Those members and friends of the Nippon Seibukan Australia that may not be aware, last month the martial family in Europe lost Hanshi Charlie Lenz. He was 78 years of age and a good friend, mentor and teacher of martial arts.
We first engaged over 20 years ago through our affiliation with the European Jujitsu/Jujutsu Union (EJJU) and Vernon Bell and Shihan Heribert Czerwenka-Wenkstettenand, and our IJJF with Nippon Seibukan in Japan, and since then he has been a great source of knowledge of martial arts history and techniques. Many a discussion was had over his book, "Martial arts and the way of life", his documentary " A fighters journey" and the future of Japanese/traditional Budo (Martial arts). His positive outlook and mentorship to many who trained with him these many years will be greatly missed.
We send our thoughts and wishes to his family and friends in the Budo community

26/04/2026

It has been a busy week in the Garrison City with myself and other members of the Army Cadet program participated in significant community events
First was the 2026 Run Army activity which saw large numbers of defence families and friends and members of the Townsville community up early to participate in the Run for charity. The AAC has actively support the event since 2021 with a large number of local cadets and Staff either manning a stand or in the run each year. Following this a week later was ANZAC Day.

The Townsville RSL should be congratulated for taking the lead in ensuring community does not forget the sacrifices of both past and present Australian defence members, and their families, in protecting the Australia we have.
Seeing the large number of young children standing side by side with defence veterans at dawn service and then at the march, is a positive sign that the ANZAC legacy will continue in the years that follow.
This was highlight to me later that day when I read the many post cards, hand written by primary school student, to the RSL thanking the veterans for everything they have done, their sacrifices and strengths, in shaping our Nation.