Kevin’s martial art career began in 1970 training in Judo at a small dojo in Heidelberg under Robert Smith. Forty-nine years later Kevin is still training, now at his own dojo in Craigieburn that he shares with his wife Leanne. Over the years Kevin has trained under and with some of the best martial instructors from Australia, Europe and Japan. He trains/teaches in the arts of Jujutsu, Judo, Iaido, Jodo and Ido (Ido – little known martial art created by Wally Strauss in the 1970s).
There have been many highlights over Kevin’s career, they include:
- Visits to Japan and being taught by 90 year old Hanshi Kuwahara and other Dai Nippon Butoku Kai Sensei.
- Taking students to Japan and demonstrating in front of Princess Akiko of Japan.
- Being examined by the President, Vice-President and other Dai Nippon Butoku Kai high ranking instructors (Hanshi).
- Taking part in the many Dai Nippon Butoku Kai and Idokan International events across the world.
- Beginning the Australian Bushido seminars in 2008 where instructors came together under a common banner to teach.
- Creating the unique dojo in Craigieburn (called a “Martial Art tourist attraction” by some dojo visitors)
- 1975 – First Place Judo Team Championship Jiu Jitsu, Judo Instructors Association
- 2009 – Second place Iaido Australian Team Championship
- 2012 – First place Iaido Australian Team Championship
- 2016 – First place Jodo Australian 4th Dan Championship
- Founder – Fight for Life
- Australian Representative – Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Kyoto/Japan)
- Vice President – Idokan International
- President – Idokan Australia
All of Kevin’s ranks and titles (with the exception of Ido – martial art created by Wally Strauss) have been examined or confirmed by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai based in Japan
- 7th Dan Jujutsu, Kyoshi, Shihan (DNBK & Idokan Europe)
- 7th Dan Ido (Idokan Europe)
- 5th Dan Judo, Renshi (DNBK & 6th Dan Judo – Idokan Europe)
- 4th Dan Iaido (DNBK & Australian Kendo Renmei)
- 4th Dan Jodo (DNBK & Australian Kendo Renmei)
It has also been Kevin’s sad duty to create the “Fight for Life” seminars after his lifelong friend Wendy Carroll was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. The first “Fight for Life” seminar was in 2010 and Wendy passed away in 2012.
Kevin & Leanne are the owners of the full time martial arts centre Craigieburn Martial Arts Centre where there are classes in Jujutsu, Judo, Iaido, Jodo and Kendo.
