HISTORY OF CHILDERS DOJO QLD
CHILDERS DOJO - A SMALL CLUB WITH A BIG HEART
JKA Karate burst into life at the Apple Tree Creek Hall in February, 1975 with approximately 80 members attending training on the first night which dwindled over the next five or so years numbers to only a small band of dedicated students. In April 1982, a concerted effort was made to re-establish a Club in Childers at the newly built Cultural Centre, where our Club still trains twice per week.
Since the rebuilding of the Club in the early 80's, we have hosted the Wide Bay Titles annually on the Queen's Birthday weekend, the Queensland Titles in 1987, 1997 and 2001, with up to 200 competitors attending the competition in 1987. Our Club's strength over the years has been our encouragement and support of Junior members in particular, especially through the introduction of special 'beginners' classes separate from the regular class. One of the spin-offs of this class has been the number of parents who joined the Club. We have also been successful in promoting JKA as a family orientated sport, suitable for all ages and have become one of the more established Clubs within our small Community.
One of the Club's ambassadors is 83 year old Joseph Smith, 2nd Dan black belt, whose unfailing committment to training and dojo ettiquette is an example of the true JKA karate spirit.
Pictured Left to RIght: Bevan Leavey, Joseph Smith & Jeff Hammelswang. Over 40's Kata winners Wide Bay Titles 2005.
The Childers Club has always strived to embrace new initiatives i.e. one of the first Clubs to be Incorporated, introduction of separate beginners classes, success in State Sport & Recreation Funding for 4 years for Club improvements - both in professional development and sponsorship and having 7 Black Belts attain their Level 1 Coaching Certificates over 2 years.
Sensei John Russo, 5th Dan Black Belt, was an original member from that first night in 1975 and is the Instructor of the Childers Club and has done so since 1982. On a personal note, John has always been pleased that he has been a
ble to share his love of JKA with his four children training from a young age, and proud that they have attained the following ranks Rachel, 2nd Dan, Helen 1st Dan, Stephanie, 2nd Dan and Matthew, 2nd Dan. John is also the President of the Club, President of JKA Queensland, Takahashi Shihan's liaison in Australia and a Director of the Board of the Japan Karate Association of Australia (JKA) Pty. Ltd.