To establish a martial arts school that teaches an international style such as Shotokan Karate is quite a challenge.
But to do so and maintain the strict traditional way of teaching not only the art, but also its tradition and code of ethics is necessary if the school is to succeed.
If these challenges are not met, it will simply fall by the way.
In Noosa, I’m happy to say we have a school that has indeed achieved these goals. Situated on Gibson Road and known as Karate Noosa, it is owned and operated by Bryan Dukas 6th Dan. Bryan, whose family live in South Africa, got his start in karate when at age five his father, Mike, took him to a club.
He joined and, like his father before him, training under the Japanese syllabus, became totally dedicated.
Now at age 44 Bryan, who settled in Noosa in 2016 with his family, wife Anita and two children Mikayla and Brandon, has not only obtained the rank of 6th Dan, but along the way represented South Africa in international competition.
Also, while training in Japan he competed in many world titles an has won numerous medals at international level. Now his club has been accepted into the World Shotokan Karate Federation (WSKF).
When asked what has led to such dedication and success, his answer was immediate and definite.
“I put it all down to my father Michael Dukas, of this there can be no doubt.”
And presently his father Shihan Mike Dukas 8th Dan, accompanied by his wife, is visiting his son and family.
On meeting Shihan (Master) Mike, I found him to be soft spoken and humble.
Prior to meeting the gentleman, I sat and watched while he put Black Belts through some advanced training. As he moved amongst the Black Belts his voice was quiet but firm and his teachings were conveyed with respect.
At age 72, his flexibility and movements were something to see.
At the completion of the class his demonstration of flexibility and stretching, which he emphasises, was something to behold.
Shihan Mike is the chief instructor for the World Shotokan Karate-do Federation in South Africa and vice president of WSKF Worldwide.
Currently this 8th Dan still practices and teaches whenever the opportunity occurs. All his training has been under the Japanese syllabus and as such he has visited Japan on numerous occasions for training and gradings etc.
It would be interesting to note,” he said with a smile, “that the time taken to grade from 1st Dan to 8th Dan took 43yrs and 3 months.
“This is the way of Shotokan Karate. I have dedicated my life to the art of karate-do. Now I am at the stage where I would like to share the experience and knowledge I gained over the last 55 years of karate, training with the younger generation. I feel it is our responsibility to continue the traditions of Shotokan karate in the modern world.”
Before returning to South Africa in August, he will visit Perth to teach alongside his son Bryan, Sensei, who holds the position of Queensland Head Kata Coach.
‘’Karate to me is always trying to improve one’s character, being humble and always respectable towards others.
“My goal is to continue teaching traditional karate with the above principals. My teachings have never concentrated on competition only because I sincerely believe that by training traditional Shotokan karate one learns to control your opponent by using the different strategies that can be used in tournament as well.
Winning is not the most important aspect in competition.
“To compete using good strategy and good techniques is more important than just winning a medal.
“Many people start karate but eventually give up due to the difficulty of techniques and for various other reasons. I have been very fortunate to have had a family and wife that has supported me throughout my karate career.
“I remember in my younger days having difficulty with a technique that I saw in Japan, but could not master it. Eventually after four years of trying to master the technique I managed to do it. It was a magical moment in my life.”
Regarding his visit and presence in the dojo, Bryan said, “It is great for us to have my father here. It is giving our students an opportunity to train with a Master in karate, a once in a lifetime opportunity for many. It is also a great chance for some members who will be competing in the national championships in August, to sharpen their skills and take advantage of Shihan’s wide range of knowledge.
“Of course, it is also great for me to train with my Sensei (teacher) again.”
Because of his lifetime dedication and attitude, he is respected world-wide.
To have a Master of international renown, meeting and training the young and conducting advanced training for the black belts of the club, is an outstanding experience for all. Above all, it further enhances the reputation of one of Nooses prime clubs.
As stated previously, parents within our community seeking a sport in which to encourage their children would not be wasting their time if they were to visit Karate Noosa, on Gibson Road. Meet Bryan Dukas his coaching staff, soak up the atmosphere of pride, discipline, tradition, teaching and fun: and most important, it is a club where your children will be in good hands.
Noosa athletes
Good news from England. Our two young athletes Zane Branco and Christie Edwards have again been among the medals. This time their success came when they competed in the Great Britain U/23 National Championships.
For Zane, he again won the silver medal in the long jump, and for Christie it was the bronze medal in the final of the women’s 100m.
Zane had previously been running the 100 and 200m sprints, but is now concentrating on the long jump. This has been a big decision for Zane for in the Junior World Titles in Finland 2018, running in the 200m final, he finished fifth in a blanket finish.
With Christie, sprinting has been her thing.
In the same world titles Finland 2018, when running as a member of the U/20 Australian 4×100 m relay, her team made the final.
Despite not making the top three, her team set an Australian record for this event, a time which was accepted and recorded in Australia.
When we consider that at a recent major event in Norway, Christie finished second in the 100 m and first in the 200, her third at the British titles speaks volumes for this young lady’s ability. For both Zane and Christie, we say well done. You have been competing against the best.
Rugby league
For the Noosa Pirates Rugby League club, it has indeed been a season of hard knocks.
Last weekend saw Pirates go dow convincingly against Kawana.
A club flyer tells us that though the effort was there, many players backed up in multiple grades. Some new Division1 debutantes, injury, illness and availability were huge factors that contributed to the poor results. In Division 1 alone, there were 12 regular players who were unavailable.
All teams, except Division 2 teams, still remain well in contention for finals’ playoff, with an all-important fixture this Saturday at Pirates Park to determine if we stay in the mix.
There were some gutsy efforts last weekend but circumstances were against the Pirates. To have some 12 players unavailable in Div. 1.makes a good performance all but impossible.
Saturday will see Pirates against Caboolture in A grade Women’s and u/18s.
Division 2A will play Bribie Island and 2B will be against Yandina.
To be involved in a game in which team work and positional play are the major factors, to have regular nonattendance at training and game day, will test the most sturdy. But club spirit will prevail and the diehards will continue to battle on and play another day. Good luck to Pirates and their diehards.
