History
Chojun Miyagi
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Chojun Miyagi was born in 1888 and started Karate at age 9 under Ryuko Aragaki, who introduced him at 14 to Kanryo Higashionna. In 1915 he travelled to China where he studied Pa Kua and Shaolin combining these into his style which in 1929 was named Goju Ryu.
Meitoku Yagi
​Meitoku Yagi was born in 1912 and started Karate at the age of 14 training under Miyagi Sensei. Miyagi Sensei was impressed with his dedication and taught him all of the Goju Kata. After Miyagi Sensei's death he started his own school and called it Goju Ryu Meibukan.
Kancho Heiji Tada
​Born in 1925 Kancho (Grandmaster) trained in his early years under Sensei Gogen Yamaguchi, eventually meeting and training under Sensei Meitoku Yagi. Kancho was the founder of Seishikan and until his death was our leader
Kancho Shohei Tada
​Following the death of his brother, Kancho Shohei Tada assumed control of Seishikan Japan, and under his tutelage and guidance will continue to grow our style of Karate.
Shihan Phil Bates
Born in 1949, Shihan (Master) Phil Bates is the Head Instructor of Seishikan Australia.
He began his karate journey in 1967 after witnessing a smaller man defend himself against a much larger opponent. Impressed, Phil asked where he had learned such skill and was introduced to Sensei Moss Hollis, under whom he trained for several years.
Later, through the encouragement of his friend John Plant, Phil visited a dojo led by Japanese instructor Sensei Masao Tada. He was immediately inspired by Sensei Tada’s teaching and became a committed student.
The dojo was originally based in Kento Town, eventually relocating to Gunson Street, Adelaide, where Phil continued his training and development in traditional Japanese karate.
TRADITIONAL SPORT & SELF DEFENCE