Chop shop welcomes sensei

Students from the Traditional Shotokan Karate-do Federation of Australia Geraldton Karate Academy have had a special visitor lately, with Japanese instructor Sensei Ryozo Hirata facilitating classes, examinations and training for the impending national championships.

Originally from Yokohama, Sensei Hirata said he was enjoying his time in Geraldton working with the students, whom he felt were very respectful, and appreciated the strict dedication to their craft.

Academy instructor Pasco Costantino said Sensei Hirata would attend dojos across the country, with instructors from a different generation giving a unique perspective of karate.

“Change is good,” he said. “It brightens everybody up, enthuses everybody and it is very good.”

The academy will send 12 students to national champs in Victor Harbor, SA, from March 19-23.