What motivates Grant – Senior Instructor, Global Shotokan Karate Perth
Grant Rollinson began his Karate training soon after moving from Christchurch, NZ to Perth in 1980.
Growing up, he played a range of team sports soccer, hockey, basketball, and baseball—but he wanted something that challenged both the body and the mind. Shotokan Karate, one of the most respected Japanese martial arts, offered exactly that.
How Grant’s Karate Journey began
I began training in Karate shortly after my move from Christchurch, NZ to Perth, in 1980.
Having already trained and competed in a number of team sports in school, like soccer, hockey, basketball and baseball, he turned his attention to another high-performance sport that used the whole body and developes a sharp mind. So he chose Martial Arts, in particular, Shotokan Karate, one of the most efficient Japanese Martial Arts today.
Shotokan’s focus on whole-body movement, strength, agility, and mental discipline immediately clicked for him. Grant quickly realised that learning Karate wasn’t just about self-defence it was also an incredible way to stay fit, manage stress, and develop confidence.
He often says, “With good Karate training, you can’t think about anything else. All the deadlines, worries, and stress fade away.”
A good session leaves you clearer, calmer, and ready for anything.
Gaining greater skills and motivation in Shotokan Karate
Started Karate: 1983
Early Training: 16 years under Hirokazu Kanazawa Sensei (Shotokan Karate International Australia – SKIA). Originally Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa with JKA (Japan Karate Association). Hirokazu Kanazawa was the first student to win the all Japan championships 3 years running in both Kata and Kumite (sparring). A truely incredible feat.
First Club Established: 1988
Previous Training: Has been been mainly under Sensei Hitoshi Kasuyu 9th Dan, founder and Chief Instructor of the World Shotokan Karate-do Federation (WSKF Japan) for the last 27 years. Kasuya Sensei continues to inspire Grant through his deep knowledge, technical excellence, and understanding of traditional Shotokan principles.
Other well known Instructors Grant has had the privilege of training with over the years include:
Stan Schmidt Sensei, 8 Dan (JKA – South Africa).
Keith Geyer Sensei 8, Dan (JKA SKC – Australia).
Norio Kawasaki’s Sensei 8, Dan (Originally JKA – Japan) now in Kamakura, Japan.
Andre Bertel Sensei 7 Dan, (IKS – International Karate Shotokan) now in Oita City, Japan.
What Grant Does Today
Most days you’ll find Grant on the dojo floor or working behind the scenes with his wife, Sheela (3rd Dan), who plays a key role in both instruction and club administration.
Together, they lead a dedicated instructor team that teaches students from age 4 to adults, from complete beginners to black belts.
For Grant, the most rewarding part of teaching is watching students grow—not just physically, but in confidence, attitude, and character. Many of today’s instructors began training with him as young children and have stayed for decades.
Today Why Shotokan Karate Is So Meaningful
For Grant, Shotokan Karate is more than a sport. It’s a study of physics, principles, and personal development.
Training teaches:
efficient body movement
mind–body coordination
discipline and self-control
respect for others
perseverance and focus
Many parents and students return to Karate because they see how valuable these qualities are in school, work, family life, and personal wellbeing.
At GSK, instructors teach not only how to fight—but more importantly, how not to fight.
Values like humility, patience, determination, and respect are at the heart of every class.
Thinking about Joining?
Grant is always happy to chat with new families and students. If you’re considering Martial Arts, feel free to reach out.
You can train at any of our clubs in:
Kwinana,Riverton,Ellenbrook,Doubleview,andCannington.
New students can also enjoy a free trial class—no obligation.
Dan Rankings
Shodan (1st Dan) – Hirokaza Kanazawa, SKI (1987)
Nidan (2nd Dan) – Hirokaza Kanazawa, SKI (1989)
Sandan (3rd Dan) – Hitoshi Kasuya, WSKF (1999)
Yondan (4th Dan) – Hitoshi Kasuya, WSKF (2006)
Godan (5th Dan) – Hitoshi Kasuya, WSKF (2012)
Rokudan (6th Dan) – Hitoshi Kasuya, WSKF (2019)
3rd Dan Black Belts 2nd Dan Black Belts