Our fundraising progress:

Why the USA?

Our style lineage dates back to approximately 1750, starting with Okinawan master Tode Sakugawa. It further developed through many other masters, landing in the USA with Sensei Bladyka's teacher, who trained in Okinawa for many years, bringing back and passing on his knowledge to many of his students in the USA including Sensei Bladyka, Sensei Murray and Sensei Lucie.

Sensei Murray and Sensei Lucie both trained and gained their Black Belts and teaching credentials from Okinawan Karate Academy, their home Dojo, in West Lebanon, NH, USA under the teaching of Sensei Bladyka.

Why do we need to up-skill?

While we provide high level training environment for all colour ranks students with many Sempais (teachers) available to teach and interact in each class, we recognise that Sempais require the same opportunity from time to time to expand their advanced material knowledge and skills. Even though our Sempais are constantly learning new material, the ability to train in a class full of black belt ranked students practicing and improving the high-end material is an opportunity our Sempais don't yet get at our dojo. However it is an opportunity we can provide with this trip.

Who is going?

Meet the SFMA teaching team:
A group of passionate karate people who love sharing their martial arts skills with others.

Sensei Lucie

How it started, how it's going and the fun times

Sensei Lucie joined a local karate club at the age of 16 back in the Czech Republic. She continued her karate journey during her, what was meant to be a 1 year, stay in the USA. 1 year turned into 3, during which time she reached her first black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo at the Okinawan Karate Academy in West Lebanon, NH. Upon her return to Czech Republic for a year, Sensei Lucie passed the Sho Dan test in Shotokan. Her karate journey continued by moving back to the USA, passing few more belt tests of various styles and levels as well as receiving a teaching credentials and in 2008 relocating to Australia along with Sensei Murray.

Practising in the park to keep up with acquired skills was not the same as sharing the knowledge with others, therefore Spirit First Martial Arts was born. Sensei Lucie manages the business side of things and continues to study and teach karate along with Sensei Murray to this day.

Qualifications? - at the time of writing, Sensei Lucie holds Shodan ranks (first degree black belt) in Shotokan and Uechi Ryu Karate, Yondan (fourth degree black belt) and a Renshi grade (first level instructor) in Machumura Shorin Ryu Karate, currently preparing for Sandan (third degree black belt) test in Kobujutsu (Weapons art) this year and Godan (fifth degree black belt) in Chubu Shorin Ryu Karate as part of the Up-skilling our teachers drive next year.

Outside the dojo? - Well, there is the day job, that sadly cuts into the training and teaching a bit, but unfortunately someone has to pay the bills, right? Otherwise, everyone knows that Sensei Lucie loves fast cars. However, there is so much to explore out there, so many beautiful places to visit - yes, travelling packed with lots to do and see is Sensei Lucie's go to for any good holidays.

USA? - "It will only be the third time since we moved to Australia to visit the home dojo. On the previous occasions it was amazing. It felt like home, seeing everyone we used to train with before leaving and being able to pick up where we left of and learn more is priceless. I'm excited to share this opportunity and experience with our students who are now a crucial part of the SFMA teaching team and being able to participate in a black belt test while there is an amazing opportunity for all of us."

Coming up next ....

Sensei Murray