Kofukan Member Seminars

We invite all Kofukan members to special FREE seminars in Perth on Saturday 18 July, featuring special guest instructor from Sweden, Sensei Maria Oinas.

Kofukan Karate welcomes the opportunity to learn from Sensei Maria Oinas and encourages all members to attend to take advantage of the knowledge, experience, and leadership she brings to every training session.

Cost: FREE for paid-up members of Kofukan Karate Australia

Morning seminar

• When: 10:00am-12:00 noon
• Where: Harrisdale Senior High School gymnasium, Laverton Crescent, Harrisdale
• What: Fighting Combinations (kumite drills)

Afternoon Seminar

• When: 2:00-4:00pm
• Where: Medina Hall, 7 Pace Road Medina
• What: Pinan Hokei Kumite (kata-based partner drills)

About our instructors

Sensei Maria Oinas, 4th Dan

With four decades of martial arts experience, Sensei Maria Oinas is a highly respected Kofukan instructor whose journey reflects dedication, continuous learning, and a lifelong commitment to traditional budo.

Beginning her karate training in 1985 in Västerås, Sweden, Sensei Maria has developed extensive expertise in Kofukan Shito-Ryu Karate, while also pursuing advanced studies in kata, kumite, kobojutsu, self-defence systems, and internal martial arts. Her broad experience allows her to provide students with a unique perspective that combines traditional Japanese karate principles with a deep understanding of movement, balance, timing, and practical application. Sensei Maria is widely respected for her calm, supportive, and technically precise approach to instruction.

Qualifications & Experience

• 4th Dan – Kofukan Shito-Ryu Karate
• JKF (Japan Karate Federation) Kata Instructor
• Instructor Licence – Swedish Budo Federation
• Instructor Degree – World Taiji Boxing Association
• Extensive training in Kobojutsu and traditional martial arts
• Conducted Kofukan Sweden kata and kumite development camps, weekend seminars, and youth training programs
• Since 2022, Assistant Instructor at Värmdö Shito-Ryu Kofukan Sweden, mentoring and developing younger karateka

Sensei Brian Chambers, 6th Dan, Principal Instructor at Kalgoorlie Kofukan Karate

With more than 40 years of dedicated martial arts experience, Sensei Brian Chambers has devoted his life to the study, practice and teaching of traditional Japanese karate. Since beginning his karate journey in 1985, he has taught hundreds of students of all ages across Australia and New Zealand, helping them develop confidence, discipline and respect both inside and outside the dojo.

Brian is known for his patient and encouraging teaching style, strong technical knowledge and commitment to the traditional values of karate. His classes emphasise correct fundamentals, self-defence and personal development in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• 6th Dan – Kofukan Shito-Ryu Karate
• Deputy Chairperson – Kofukan Shito-Ryu Karate-do Australia
• Former Oceania Karate Federation Kata Judge A and Kumite Referee B
• Shodan in Goju-Ryu, and Shodan in Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu prior to Kofukan.
• Experience in kobudo, Wado-Ryu and judo

Sensei Don McKay, 5th Dan, Principal Instructor at Karate For Life (Kwinana and Baldivis)

With 27 years of karate experience, Sensei Don McKay’s sense of humour and engaging style make his classes especially popular with children and the young at heart, while his practical, down-to-earth approach to karate resonates with students looking for effective self-defence. A qualified coach and Martial Arts Against Bullying instructor, he has delivered karate and anti-bullying seminars throughout metropolitan and regional Western Australia.

Since taking over the Kwinana Dojo in 2006, Sensei Don has been a driving force in leadership of Kofukan in Perth. He has overseen teaching across as many as seven metropolitan dojos, ensuring students could continue training during periods of instructor transition. He also coordinated the annual Kofukan interclub tournament for many years and, as Chairperson of the Kofukan association, has worked to strengthen participation and engagement across the organisation.

Other involved instructors

• Lindon McKenna, 3rd Dan, Principal Instructor at Southern Waters Karate (Harrisdale)
• Rob Sage, 2nd Dan, Instructor at Kalgoorlie Kofukan Karate
• Corey Parker, 2nd Dan, Principal Instructor at Byford Kofukan Karate
• Brandon Didsman, 2nd Dan, Instructor at Southern Waters Karate (Harrisdale)