Contact now for free trial lesson; Mobile; 0431-951485
Email; seikokaikarate@gmail.com
Our Instructors
Our Instructors still follow and maintain close ties with our Japanese heritage, visiting Japan at least four times a year to ensure our teachings are of an acceptable standard to our Headmaster Suzuki Sensei and the seniors within the Seiko-Kai organisation.
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The Chief Instructor of the Seiko-Kai Karate Centre is Colin Punyer, Shihan who is a 8th Dan in Karate and a 6th Dan in Okinawan Kobudo (weapons). Classes are also conducted by Sharynn Punyer, Shihan who is 6th Dan in Karate.
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We pride ourselves on being a “Traditional” Japanese Karate style, passing on the Shito-Ryu traditions to our students. We offer both a traditional environment and a family focused Centre, with this being reflected in many of our students having other family members involved.
Australian Chief Instructor
Colin Punyer commenced his study of Karate in 1983. This was the time when the movie the “Karate Kid” was in the cinemas and most teenagers could relate to the story line.
The first night Colin walked through the door of the Karate Dojo (training hall) he was hooked, often training 4 nights a week and whenever else possible.
There were no kids classes in those days, Colin had to train with Adults, occasionally getting a black eye or split lip. Due to age restrictions back then he was not allowed to test for Black Belt until 1989. Looking back at this time Colin feels that these hard times made him the Karate person he is today.
After receiving his Black Belt, Colin continued training and started to visit Japan to further his knowledge. He has since visited Japan over 70 times and is still actively training and learning Karate. “Everyone needs a Teacher” so Colin Sensei says.
During 2005 Colin came to a cross roads in his Karate life, frustration had set in and he was unhappy with decisions that were preventing him from continuing his quest for knowledge. But that frustration was short lived, with Suzuki Sensei granting him approval to be the Chief Instructor for Seiko-Kai in Australia. This freed the way for Colin to continue his quest and keep visiting Japan when he saw fit.
During his tournament career he gained many first places, with the following results being his most memorable on a local level. NSW AKF Over 80kg kumite champion in 1993, O75kg 1994 Australian Shito-ryu Kumite Champion (Mabuni Cup),2006 QKA Queensland Veterans State Kumite Champion & 2006 AKF National Champion Veterans Kumite. On an international level Colin competed in Japan on two occasions. He was successful both times 1999 he gained a top 8 finish in kumite during the 32nd All Japan Itosu-Kai Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Then in 2002 at the 35th All Japan Itosu-Kai Tournament in Tokyo, he placed 5th in Kata and made the top 16 in Kumite. In November 2016, Colin Shihan was promoted to 8th Dan by Suzuki Soke. This was made even more special by being first Western person to receive this honour directly from Suzuki Soke. Colin Shihan was promoted to Hanshi in August 2019 by Suzuki Soke.
Centre Manager / Instructor
Sharynn Punyer started her Karate journey in 1994 with karate club on the Central Coast of NSW, prior to this Sharynn dappled in judo at her local Polic Citizens Youth Club when she was only 13yrs old. Sharynn quickly gained respect from her follow Karateka for her approach to being the only female as this was a male dominated martial art back then. She meet her now husband around this time & he persuaded her to come & study martial arts with him.
During 1995 Sharynn Shihan commenced her karate studies alongside her now husband (Colin) & they have both been a major part of her life ever since.
Sharynn Shihan competed in various tournaments, achieving good results. However the highlight was competing in Japan in 1999 (as a Brown Belt in the Black Belt division).
Pregnant for her first child with Colin she was determined to attempt for her 1st Dan Black Belt after the birth & with much practice & encouragement she was awarded her Black Belt in 2001
Sharynn has been to Japan to train in the Japan headquarters 4 times over the years & is currently ranked Shihan-Dai 6th Dan Black Belt.
Her love of Karate comes out whilst she is teaching our young students as she has a great passion for passing on her knowledge to all our eager young minds.
