By Ron Lane
On the second page of the pamphlet promoting the Sunshine Coast Martial Arts Karate Budokan International at Noosaville, there is a paragraph that says it all.
This club is proud of the fact that they are one of the very few karate clubs in Australia to have three 5th Dan main instructors.
In the world of martial arts to be graded to Black Belt is indeed itself an achievement, but to be graded to 5th Dan, that is five grades above the first black belt, is indeed outstanding; and to have these grades awarded under the Japanese syllabus, is of course beyond reproach.
When you first enter the dojo, (training place for Japanese martial arts) which is situated on Gibson Road, that all-important “atmosphere” that is essential in every successful club is ever-present. Its wide, spacious floor covered with training mats is well-ventilated by the many large windows situated around the room.
The atmosphere is friendly, but when classes start training, the other essential – discipline – becomes obvious.
Attached to the wall immediately in front of you are large floor to ceiling mirrors and at the wall opposite stand various training bags.
The man who controls this is Chief Instructor/ Director, Bryan Dukas, Black Belt-5th Dan. Formerly of South Africa, but now a permanent resident of Noosa, Bryan is an internationally qualified instructor and has been training karate for over 34 years. He was, during his years in South Africa a regular member of the National Team from 1994-2009.
Working with Bryan is Assistant Chief Instructor Sensei (teacher) Tammy Kelly and Head Instructor Sensei Rick Hislop. Bryn and Tammy, are 5th Dans and both are Japanese graded.
“I am lucky to be teaching with such good, qualified people. Sensei Tammy was also a member of the South African team from 1998-2008 and has good knowledge of nutrition and body strengthening; two important factors that are available to students. Sensei Rick Hislop, also 5th Dan, has been with the dojo for the last 20 years and as such has a wealth of teaching experience.”
Recognising the importance of maintaining a high standard of training and keeping abreast of new developments, Bryan strives to train internationally with Japanese instructors on a regular basis.
Born in Vanderbijl Park South Africa in 1978, Bryan attended Suncrest High School and upon graduation worked as an instrumentation process control technician for some 20 years. Now 39 Bryan started his karate training at five, under the Japanese syllabus, and he adds with a smile: “You could say that I grew up in a dojo; I lived, worked and trained there. My father Mike, who started me in karate is now a 7th Dan, (Japanese graded) and is the vice-president of the World Shotokan Karate Federation.
Because of his lifetime dedication he is respected worldwide; and now because of his attitude as well as his dedication, many Japanese senseis refer to him as a Western Samurai.
“I guess you could say that coming from the Japanese it is indeed a high mark of respect.”
Travelling to Japan with his father in 1993, he underwent two weeks of very tough intensive training, at the end of which he was graded Black Belt. On returning home Bryan at 16 years of age started teaching as well as competing for South Africa. At the age of 18 he was awarded the trophy for Best Junior Competitor in South Africa by the National Karate Body; and then in 2003 he opened his own dojo.
“My dad has been everything,” Bryan said. “His influence has been tremendous – not only his teaching but also his attitude as to the protocol of the art. Of my two brothers Warren and Dylan, Warren now aged 35, also became heavily involved, obtaining his black belt and also going on to represent South Africa in international competition. Our mother Marion, like a lot of mothers, while not physically involved, became our backbone and kept everything in line; you could say it was a family affair.”
While in Japan he entered the world of karate competition and fighting in his group was successful in winning a silver medal at the World Titles; and in kata competition (which is detailed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs) won the bronze.
Apart from Japan, Bryan’s karate has seen him enter some 14 other countries mainly to compete in contact tournaments and katas. However in 2009 he had the honour of being appointed to referee at the Karate World Federation Championships in Norway.
Regarding the standard in some of the far-off countries he has visited, Bryan was very definite. “Places like Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria, standards were very good, very strong. To medal in an All Africa Championship is indeed very prestigious. Let us not forget that in 2020 karate will, at Tokyo become an Olympic event.”
It was in 2000 while attending a work function in South Africa that Bryan met his future wife, Anita. They married in 2003 and now are the proud parents of two children – Mikayla, 8, and Brandon, 6.
During their years in South Africa, Bryan and Tammy had met and became firm friends. When Tammy migrated to Australia and settled in Noosa, they kept in regular contact. Then in July 2015 Tammy spoke of a dojo in Noosa and then in October Bryan arrived, “for a look and a bit of a holiday.”
“I decided that yes, this was the place to settle. I returned to South Africa, resigned in December from my place of work and was back in Noosa January 2016. After spending some months teaching at the karate dojo with Tammy Kelly I was back home by April; we settled all our family affairs and arrived here in Noosa, with the family in tow August 2016.”
With regard to living in Noosa, it was different. “However there were quite a few things that were the same,” he said “and this tended to make settling in easy. There was a great community within the dojo, people were always helpful and we received plenty of guidance. Overall we would have to say that the hospitality of the Aussies was A1.”
This year, Bryan will be taking a team of 10 to Japan for a two-week intensive training camp, where they will train under top Japanese instructors. While there, five of the team will fight in the World Shotokan Karate Championships.
“With the discipline and training of karate plus travel, it is a great opportunity for some of the young to change their attitude and also their way of life – and do so in a very positive way.” Bryan said.
To dedicate one’s life to not only teaching the art of karate, but also its ethics, self-discipline, respect for elders and a non-violent way of life, is indeed for Bryan Dukas 5th Dan, our quiet achiever, a life well spent.
