New Kofukan dojo opens in Wollongong NSW

Kofukan Karate Australia is pleased to announce that a new Kofukan dojo is opening in Wollongong, New South Wales! Illawarra Karate Academy is run by experienced Kofukan instructors Brett and Teri Ferreira.

Senseis Brett and Teri Ferreira are students of Mike Norman (Kyoshi Shihan 7th Dan) and Sensei Jan Norman (4th Dan) from South Africa. Well known to the South African and worldwide Kofukan community, they have trained and competed together nationally and internationally for many years. Luckily, they’ve been able to attend numerous internationals and seminars with Shihans Tomiyama and Omi as well.

Sensei Brett, Yondan (4th Dan) has trained and taught karate for over 20 years. Producing many National Team members in his dojo in Durban. He received his national colours and represented the South African team at the Commonwealth Games. He is a multiple Provincial (State) and National All Styles/World Karate Federation (WKF) Champion and medal winner, as well as a South Africa National and Tri-nations Kofukan Champion and Kofukan International Champion. He is also a qualified referee and WKF/All Styles coach.

Sensei Teri is Nidan (2nd Dan) has trained and taught for 30 years and has received her South African colours and represented her country in 4 international tournaments and placed in all 4. She is a qualified referee and coached nationally. She has also won and medaled at Provincial and National levels consistently for many years.

During the last 8 or 9 years work commitments in South Africa limited training to ad-hoc training with a top Goju-ryu club in Johannesburg, and assisting with coaching seminars for the Gauteng region’s WKF teams. There was still some time for Sensei Brett to compete in veteran divisions at National and Provincial WKF tournaments where he medalled regularly, achieved #2 ranking & maintained a top 4 National ranking.

The Ferreira family has settled in now after immigrating to Wollongong, NSW in November 2024 and are ready to open their Karate Dojo on 6 February 2025.

Kofukan Karate Australia is excited to have such experienced instructors join our Association and expand our presence on the East coast of Australia. We wish Senseis Brett and Teri much success with the launch of their dojo.

Illawarra Karate Academy

Located at Lakelands Public School, 61 Lakelands Drive, Dapto NSW 2530

Go to our Find A Dojo page for contacts and class times.