A Legacy of Traditional Japanese Karates
For over 50 years, Itosu-Kai Australia has been sharing the traditions and values of Japanese karate with the local community.
OUR STORY
Preserving a Legacy of Traditional Japanese Karate
Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do has a long and respected history rooted in Japan, founded on the teachings of Sensei Anko Itosu (1830–1915).
Sensei Itosu played a significant role in shaping modern karate by developing training methods that focused not only on physical skills, but also on character development, discipline, and personal growth.
Through generations of dedicated masters, including Sensei Kenwa Mabuni and Sensei Ryusho Sakagami, the traditions and teachings of Itosu-Ryu have been carefully preserved and passed down.
Itosu-Kai Australia
The history of Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do in Australia began through Renshi Sensei Colin Leong, who dedicated over 45 years to the practice and teaching of traditional karate.
Having studied under Sensei Ryusho Sakagami, Colin Sensei was one of the pioneers who helped establish and promote karate-do in Australia. His contribution extended beyond teaching, including his involvement in the development of karate organisations and supporting athletes at national and international levels.
Today, his son Howard and his long-serving students continue his legacy, sharing the traditions, values, and spirit of Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do with the next generation.
1974
Founded
5+
Starting Age
Continuing the Legacy of Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do
Our coaches carry forward the teachings, traditions, and values of Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do, continuing the legacy established in Australia by the late Renshi Sensei Colin Leong.
Sensei Howard Leong
Head of Style, Itosu-Kai Australia
Sensei Howard Leong is the son and successor of the late Renshi Sensei Colin Leong, who dedicated over 45 years to teaching and promoting Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do in Australia.
As Head of Style for Itosu-Kai Australia, Sensei Howard continues to preserve and share the traditions of Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do with the next generation of students.
He teaches at the Chatswood dojo in Sydney, NSW, where students of all ages learn traditional karate through focused training, focus, and personal growth.
Senior coach – 8th dan
Sensei Edward McDonald
Sensei Edward McDonald is one of the longest-serving students of the late Renshi Sensei Colin Leong and has dedicated many years to the practice and teaching of Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do.
Together with Sensei Hoye, Sensei McDonald continues to share the knowledge and values passed down through Colin Sensei’s teachings.
He teaches in Sydney, NSW, supporting students in developing their karate skills, confidence, and understanding of traditional karate.
Senior coach – 6th Dan
Sensei Stephen Hoye
Sensei Stephen Hoye is one of the longest-serving students of the late Renshi Sensei Colin Leong.
Together with Sensei Edward McDonald, he has dedicated many years to preserving and sharing the traditions of Itosu-Ryu Karate-Do in Australia.
Sensei Hoye teaches at the Wakerley Dojo in Queensland, where he continues to support students of all ages on their karate journey.
Senior coach – 3rd dan
Sensei Nigel MacLachlan
Sensei Nigel MacLachlan has trained in Nippon Itosu Kai Karate-do since 1997 under the guidance of Sensei Stephen Hoye. A 3rd Dan black belt, he is passionate about kata, bunkai, and the traditional values of Bushido, believing that karate is not only about developing physical skill, but about becoming a better person through lifelong practice.
He teaches at our Wakerley Dojo in Queensland, where he is committed to helping students grow in confidence, character, and respect through traditional Itosu-Ryu Karate-do.
Our four core values
Respect
Learning to respect others, ourselves, and the traditions of karate.
Focus
Building focus, commitment, and responsibility through consistent training.
Perseverance
Developing patience and resilience by overcoming challenges.
Character
Growing as individuals through the values and philosophy of karate.
Join Our Karate Community
Whether you are new to karate or continuing your journey, everyone is welcome at Itosu-Kai Australia.
Come and Try a class