Senior Instructor of Global Shotokan Karate Perth
Grant is the founder and senior instructor of Global Shotokan Karate in Perth. He teaches students of all ages (above 4 yrs) and abilities. He has managed to grow 5 successful Martial Arts clubs in Perth organically over the last 35 years that specialise in Shotokan Karate, good etiquette and good character.
How Grant’s Karate life 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 Karate is well known for its focus on whole body skills, strength and agility, both mental and physical. It’s also well known for helping students to gain confidence with it’s unique training system.
Grant figured it’s better to have some skills, than having none, and why not get fit at the same time.
Shotokan Karate helped him keep fit and stay fit. An excellent way to de-destress from work and deadlines. Grant beleives that “with good Karate training, you simply cannot think about anything else! All those family issues, deadlines, and work problems just fade away!” A good workout and mental stimulation vertually guarantees a good nights slept as well. The next day you feel fantastic, motivated and ready for just about anything.
Gaining greater skills and motivation in Shotokan Karate
Grant started Karate in 1983 and trained under the leadership of Sensei Hirokazu Kanasawa for the first 10 years of his Karate training, as a member of Shotokan Karate International Australia.
In 1988, he began instructing Shotokan Karate in his first club at this time.
In 1998, he joined the World Shotokan Karate-do Federation, training under Sensei Hitoshi Kasuyu 9th Dan, its founder and Chief Instructor.
Hitoshi Kasuyu Sensei remains an important influence and inspiration due to his keen knowledge, impressive Shotokan Karate skillset and great understanding of traditional Karate and Japanese practices.
What does Grant do now and why Shotokan Karate so satisfying?
Most days, you can find Grant working hard on the floor/tatami or behind the scenes of his Perth Karate clubs with his wife Sheela. Sheela who is a 3rd Dan, has a great eye for detail in both Karate skills and in administration and is the support go-to if Grant isn’t around.
GSK’s instructor team train a wide range of Perth Karate students, ages 4 and upwards, ranging from beginners to black belts.
Grant beleives there’s nothing more fulfilling, than seeing students improve their physical abilities and self-confidence. It gives each of us great satisfaction too know that a lot of our instructors now, have trained with him for many years, from their earliest beginnings, and continue to stay on to inspire future students.
Shotokan Karate is more than ‘just a hobby’ it’s actually more about ‘Physics and Principles’
To Grant, Shotokan Karate is more than just a hobby it is more about learning physics and principles. “Many of the principles learnt in our classes, under the guidance of trained instructors, can be applied to everyday life and in business in so many different ways”, says Grant. Shotokan Karate focuses on the how the body moves and the most efficient ways to generate power through your body. This involves using the mind, body and spirit in perfect syncronization.
Parents and students realise that the true value of Shotokan Karate
These days, we have many parents and older students who come back to Karate because of just how much it offers. Parents and students realise that the true value of Shotokan Karate is not just the fighting and self-defence, but rather having a strong work ethic, good morals, principles, self-control and respect. We instil these in every student and family.
We teach our students how to fight, but more importantly how not to fight! We value humility, patience, persistence, determination, understanding and perceptiveness. We teach our kids drive, active and attentive listening.. And in the Japanese way, we teach kids to respect their elders and others.
At GSKarate, it’s the instructor’s shared vision to provide students with the very best in Shotokan Karate experiences.
Thanks for taking the time to read Grant’s profile. He is available to chat at any time if you are considering joining a Martial Arts club, all you have to do is call.
For locations and training times go to the club nearest you Kwinana, Riverton, Ellenbrook, Doubleview and Cannington.
Find out about our free trial for new students.
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
Other Accreditations
WSKF World Championships 2007/2009/2013/2015/2017/2019 Judge, Japan (Representing Australia).
NCAS Level 1 Coach