Business Details
26 Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training for All Ages
Sunshine Coast Karate was founded in 2000 by Martin and Sandra Phillips, who began their martial arts journeys in 1984 and 1990 respectively. With over 35 years of combined experience, we offer Chito-Ryu Karate-do training for all ages, focusing on personal development alongside physical skills. Our programs integrate meditation, posture training, breathing techniques, and core strengthening to foster mind-body harmony. We specialise in helping smaller-framed individuals develop internal power beyond physical strength through our structured curriculum. Our dojo community emphasizes respect, personal growth, and family values, with over 200 active members across two locations.We provide flexible training options including adult classes, teen programs, children's karate, and family-friendly Little Champions sessions. Our instructors hold international qualifications including World Champion titles and advanced Dan rankings. We maintain a modern facility with matted training areas and offer both casual and long-term membership options. Our teaching methodology combines traditional martial arts principles with contemporary personal development strategies. We focus on helping students overcome limiting beliefs while developing practical self-defence skills and life-enhancing habits.
Services
Karate for Adults
Teen Martial Arts
Kids Karate
Little Champions
Family Training
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years combined instructor experience with World Champion credentials
- Our structured curriculum develops internal power beyond physical strength
- We provide age-specific programs from Little Champions (4-7 years) to adults
- Our instructors hold advanced Dan rankings and international qualifications
- We maintain a supportive community with over 200 active members across two locations
What people say
Boost confidence
Improved focus
Family-friendly environment
Expert instruction
Transformative results
Services
Karate for Adults
Our adult karate program develops physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defence skills through traditional Chito-Ryu Karate-do techniques. Students learn forms, sparring, and weapons training while improving strength, flexibility, and coordination. The program emphasizes practical self-defence applications and personal development through structured belt progression. Participants benefit from stress relief, improved focus, and community support in a non-competitive environment.
Teen Martial Arts
Designed for 13-19 year olds, this program builds confidence, leadership, and self-discipline through structured martial arts training. Students develop physical fitness while learning respect, goal-setting, and perseverance. The curriculum includes forms, sparring, and self-defence techniques tailored to adolescent development needs. Training alongside adults provides positive role models and leadership opportunities as teens progress through belt ranks.
Kids Karate
For 8-12 year olds, our kids' karate program develops essential life skills through structured martial arts training. Students learn self-defence techniques while building confidence, focus, and discipline. The curriculum incorporates games and activities that improve coordination, balance, and physical fitness. Positive reinforcement encourages personal growth and helps children excel in school and social environments while learning traditional karate principles.
Little Champions
Designed for 4-7 year olds, this program introduces martial arts fundamentals through fun, engaging activities. Children develop motor skills, listening abilities, and basic self-defence while learning respect and discipline. The curriculum includes belt tip progression in key areas like body awareness and karate basics. Parent participation options strengthen family bonds while establishing healthy habits and confidence in young children.
Family Training
Our family-friendly programs allow parents and children to train together in age-appropriate classes. This approach strengthens family bonds while developing shared skills and values. Participants learn martial arts techniques at their own level while supporting each other's progress. The program fosters intergenerational learning and creates opportunities for mutual growth in a supportive community environment.
People
Martin Phillips
5th Dan Instructor
With martial arts experience since 1984, Martin is a World Champion and Master Instructor in Chito-Ryu Karate-do. He holds a 5th Dan ranking and Renshi qualification in Kobujyutsu weapons training. He has dedicated his career to developing comprehensive martial arts programs for all ages.
Sandra Phillips
5th Dan Instructor
Sandra began martial arts training in 1990 and has achieved 5th Dan ranking in Chito-Ryu Karate-do. As a World Champion and Master Instructor, she specializes in youth development programs and holds a Renshi qualification in weapons training. She focuses on creating supportive learning environments for all students.
Sami Phillips
2nd Dan Instructor
A second-generation martial artist, Sami began training in 2011 and earned 2nd Dan ranking. With tournament experience since 2017, he specializes in youth instruction and holds Jun-Shidoin teaching qualifications. He brings contemporary perspective to traditional karate instruction.
Questions
Will martial arts make my child aggressive?
No, our program emphasizes respect and self-control, helping children develop compassion and discipline.
Do I need prior martial arts experience?
No prior experience is required. Our instructors help students of all levels form strong foundations.
Can I train with friends or family?
Yes, training with loved ones is encouraged to enhance accountability and make learning more enjoyable.
What commitment options exist?
We offer flexible fortnightly memberships or 12-month commitments with fee savings.
How does the free trial work?
Register online, attend your first class, then choose from membership options with free uniform included.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Debbie Woodhouse
Aug 28, 2018
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Lets face it, being a parent is a tough job. I was so lucky to find Sunshine Coast Karate, who have been the most amazing and supportive coaches for my children and I for 18 years now. As 5th Dan instructors and world champions of the Chito-Ryu style of karate, Senseis Martin and Sandra, teach karate with great skill, positive encouragement and in an energetic, motivating and fun environment. They are also subtle and influential partners in developing those positive values and real life skills which are fundamental to successfully navigating that transition from teenager to young adult.
Their
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Terry Colless
Jul 28, 2018
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You will love Sunshine Coast Karate. We are hooked! Our Three Children and I have been training and learning at Sunshine Coast Karate for a few months now. Why I included learning, is that we are not just training, we are learning so many things about Karate, and our selves ourselves and each other. The whole experience is amazing. There are so many benefits. We are fitter, more flexible and we are doing a really healthy activity together. I am less stressed and more at ease in other areas of my life now. And my children are a lot more confident, have higher self esteem and are a lot more focused
Rosemarie Caston
Jun 05, 2018
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My two eldest children have been doing karate now for around 10 years. They're now 21 and 22 years old and just this year they earned their teaching qualifications. I've gotta admit it's still a little strange to call them "Sensei". A bit over 5 years ago they inspired me to get started too after watching from the sidelines for so long. And my youngest daugher now 14 yrears old has been training for a little over 2 and a half years. The teenage years can be a tricky and confusing time as they go through so many different changes in their lives. My children have really found karate to be
Eddie Cuellar
Aug 20, 2017
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My 7 year old son and I joined about 10 months ago and my only regret is not having joined earlier. A couple of months prior to joining, my doctor advised that I was a prime candidate for type 2 diabetes and cardiac complications... needless to say, something had to be done. I'm now 15kg lighter, much much fitter, healthier and well on my way to my weight loss goal of 25kg. Yes, I've had to do the hard work but Sunshine Coast Karate from the very beginning have provided a supportive, well structured, no-nonsense environment and training program that has given me the opportunity to be where I am
Chris Pyatt
Jun 08, 2017
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Our 5yo is a bit of a handful at home, so we decided to give him a hobby. Karate was his choice so we went looking for a dojo. I would just like to say that we were so lucky to find Martin and Sandra at sunshine Coast Karate, lucky because their dojo was the first we looked at.
Martin and Sandra are so patient and respectful to both us and our son, we had heaps of trouble getting him to partake in the first few lessons, but Martin and Sandra stood by us and offered us enough time to get him comfortable at the dojo. Now he waits all week to attend his class and is half way toward achieving his
Martin and Sandra are so patient and respectful to both us and our son, we had heaps of trouble getting him to partake in the first few lessons, but Martin and Sandra stood by us and offered us enough time to get him comfortable at the dojo. Now he waits all week to attend his class and is half way toward achieving his
Kate Kelps
Sep 28, 2015
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Best thing we have ever done for our family! One afternoon in February 2013, my children and I were talking about karate. They decided they would like to give it a go, and later that afternoon they were in the Sunshine Coast Karate dojo - having a free trial lesson and absolutely loving every minute of it. My husband and I both train now as well. We love that we have the opportunity to train together with our children in their classes, as well as training in the adult sessions. Throughout all of our journeys, Martin, Sandra and Helen have been incredibly supportive. They have a wealth of experience
