our sensei
Experience, tradition, and leadership since 1974
At Salisbury Karate Club, students are guided by experience built over decades. Our instruction is grounded in traditional karate values, delivered with care, discipline and respect for every student’s journey
Karate is not about being better than others — it’s about being better than you were yesterday
SHIHAN DEREK MARTIN
Shihan Derek Martin began training in karate in 1974 and went on to establish Salisbury Karate Club in 1983. Since then, he has dedicated his life to teaching karate as a pathway to confidence, discipline and personal growth.
With over five decades of experience, Shihan Derek has trained hundreds of students, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Many have progressed into tournament competitors, representing the club at events across Australia and overseas.
His teaching philosophy emphasises strong fundamentals, respect, consistency and long-term development, ensuring students progress with confidence and solid technique, rather than rushing advancement.
SENSEI MICHAEL TAJNIKAR
Michael has many years of Karate training experience and a strong history of helping students develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of traditional Karate. His patient approach and ability to work with students of all levels make him an invaluable part of our club. As our Mentor Coach.
Michael plays an important role in guiding and supporting students on their Karate journey, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the mats.
SEMPAI KARA ROBBINS
Kara brings a wealth of competitive experience and technical depth to our dojo. As a 2nd Dan Assistant Instructor and a former member of the State Team squad, she has represented South Australia on both local and national stages.
Her background in elite competition provides students with a unique perspective on precision, timing, and the practical application of Karate at the highest levels.
SEMPAI KYLE TOLENTINO
A rising leader in our dojo, Kyle brings fresh energy and a growing expertise to every class. As a Trainee Instructor, he is committed to the mastery of Goju-Ryu and is rapidly becoming an experienced mentor for our junior students.
QUALIFICATIONS & STUDENT SAFETY
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Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
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Senior First Aid Certificate
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Structured, age-appropriate instruction
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Strong focus on safety, control and correct technique
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Over 40 years of continuous teaching experience
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Proven track record developing confident, disciplined students
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Experience coaching students for kata and kumite competition
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Strong emphasis on respect, control and correct technique
a legacy of karate
Over the years, Salisbury Karate Club has grown into a community built on respect, support and shared goals. Shihan Derek’s influence extends beyond techniques and belts, shaping confident individuals both on and off the mat.
Whether a student trains for personal development, fitness, self-defence or competition, they are supported every step of the way by experience that cannot be taught from a textbook.
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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 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.
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
Kyoshi Tsujimoto was my original instructor and came to Australia in 1974 and taught at the Adelaide dojo. He has since been back multiple times and we have also trained with him in Japan