Co-Founding Instructor of Sunshine Coast Karate (est. 2000)
Co-Founder of Karate4Life Edojo

Training History: Studying Chito-Ryu Karate-Do since 1990.
Dan Level: 5th Dan
Instructor Qualification:  Renshi
Kobujyutsu Level:  3rd Dan

Sandra Sensei has been studying Chito-Ryu Karate-Do since 1990 and continues to prioritise her training with annual trips to learn from senior instructors of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do.  

Sandra Sensei is fortunate to train under the guidance of 2nd & 3rd Generation Chito-Ryu Soke along with other senior Chito-Ryu Karate instructors, including Michael Noonan Kyoshi, Minoru Higuchi Kyoshi, Mark Snow Renshi & Martin Phillips Renshi.

Sami & Steven with
Mark Snow Renshi & Michael Noonan Kyoshi

International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Senior Instructors

International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Facebook Page

Competitive Highlights:  
Sensei Sandra started her competitive career in 1993 enjoying outstanding results. Throughout her international competitive career (since 1995-2017), Sandra Sensei has consistently ranked in the top three in her division every time she has competed at the Soke Cup, winning gold in 2004 and 2017.  The Soke Cup, also known as the International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Championships is the highest level of competition for the Chito-Ryu style held every 3 years.

• Numerous regional, state and national championships competitor 1993 – 2004.
  
• Podium finishes (Kata & Kumite) at the International Chito-Ryu Championships (also known as the Soke Cup) in 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2017.  Winning gold in 2004 and 2017.

Sandra Sensei's final match in individual kumite at the 2017 International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Championship in Kumamoto, Japan.  Sandra Sensei moved through this event winning 3-0 in all matches except one match that she won 2-0.

Sunshine Coast Karate
In the year 2000, Sandra Sensei and her husband Martin Sensei co-founded Sunshine Coast Karate in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, Australia.  Since the year 2000, they have worked with thousands of people of all ages not only in the dojo, but they have also helped students transfer valuable life skills into their everyday lives.

Both Sandra Sensei & Martin Sensei's have been fortunate to also share the teachings of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do with their children, Sami & Steven.  At the time of writing;  Sami (Nidan, Jun-Shidoin) , Steven (1st Kyu, Dojo Leader)

Coaching Highlights:

Sunshine Coast Karate’s first team to attend a Soke Cup was in 2004 and has continued up until this day with outstanding results.  Every representation Martin Sensei and Sandra Sensei have coached countless athletes to enjoying personal best performances and podium finishes and a record number of World Champions.

• Students representing Sunshine Coast Karate and Australia at International Chito-Ryu Championships.  Numerous outstanding performances, podium finishes and international karate champions in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019 & 2023.  The 2023 Australian Team (Sunshine Coast Karate athletes) celebrated '9' Gold Medals, '8' Silver Medals, '6' Bronze Medals. 

Karate4Life - It's Our Way of Life
Sandra Sensei's greatest passion is in serving others.  In her words "There is no greater satisfaction than to help another person reach greater heights in their lives". Sandra Sensei believes that Karate is the perfect vehicle for self-discovery and has the potential to help people 'create' and 'live' their best lives.

Because of this, Sandra Sensei & Martin Sensei co-founded Karate4Life.com. This is a platform for sharing all things karate and how skills learned in the dojo can be applied to everyday life. Content is shared via a variety of short courses, programs, podcasts, interviews & blog posts.  

Last updated:  January 2024