Australian Karate Federation (AKF)
Karate Academy Sydney: Proud Members of the Australian Karate Federation (AKF)
At Karate Academy Sydney (KAS), we’re proud to be affiliated with the Australian Karate Federation (AKF) — the national governing body for karate in Australia, officially recognised by the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the Australian Olympic Committee.
This membership opens up a world of opportunity for our students, from local development to international competition.
What is the AKF?
The AKF is the peak body for karate in Australia. It oversees the development and regulation of karate across the country and is the only organisation recognised to select athletes for:
- World Karate Federation (WKF) Championships
- Oceania Karate Championships
- Olympic Games (when karate is included)
By aligning with the AKF, KAS students train under the highest national standards in karate today.
Benefits for Our Students
Training at KAS with AKF affiliation provides our students with:
- Nationally recognised gradings and accreditation
- A structured athlete development pathway
- Access to official AKF tournaments such as:
- NSW Cup
- NSW State Championships
- NSW Open Championships
- NSW All Styles Karate Championships
- Australian Open
- Eligibility to trial for the NSW State Team
This pathway not only builds strong martial artists — it encourages goal-setting, resilience, and competitive spirit.
Our Exclusive Tournament Team
KAS is home to a dedicated Tournament Squad — an elite group of students training specifically for AKF & WKF-aligned competition.
Our team receives advanced coaching in:
- Kumite strategy
- Kata precision
- Mental preparation
- Competition rules and tactics
They regularly represent KAS at major events including:
- NSW Cup
- NSW State Championships
- NSW Open Championships
- NSW All Styles Karate Championships
- Australian Open
We’re proud to say many of our students are already making an impact at state and national level competitions.
Pathway to the World Stage
For those with the ambition and discipline to go further, the AKF provides the official pathway to international competition.
From local tournaments to:
- Selection into the NSW State Team
- Qualification for National Championships
- Representation at the Oceania Championships
- Competing at the World Championships and beyond
Through KAS and the AKF, our students can truly aim for the global stage.
Build Confidence. Chase Goals. Go Beyond.
Whether you’re just starting or striving for elite competition, Karate Academy Sydney offers a structured, inspiring, and professional path to becoming the best version of yourself — on and off the mat.
Join KAS and be part of a community that trains with purpose and competes with passion.
accomplishments
Sensei- Instructor
- 3rd Dan Black Belt Goju Ryu Seiwakai
- 3rd Dan Black Belt JKF Goju Kai (All Japan Karate Federation)
- 3rd Dan Black Belt Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan
- Senior First Aid
- WWCC
At the young age of 6, Chris embarked on his karate journey in 2007 under the expert tutelage of Pat Drago Shihan, specialising in Goju-Ryu. He honed his skills early on, participating in numerous Koshiki tournaments across locations such as Barrel and Picton.
In 2013, Chris embraced new challenges by joining Seiwakai under Glenn Stephenson Shihan, advancing through inter-club tournaments and gaining valuable competitive experience. His progression through the Dan ranks was guided by Jessica Vetrisano Sensei, whose mentorship has been pivotal in shaping him into the accomplished karateka he is today.
He has competed at the highest levels, qualifying for the JKF (Japanese Karate Federation) World Tournament held in Osaka (2023), Okinawa (2024), and placing top 8 in Sendai (2025)—marks of his elite skill and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In addition to Goju Ryu Karate, Chris has immersed himself in Ryukyu Shimbukan Kobudo under the mentorship of Hiroshi Akamine Kaicho and Dell Hamby Kyoshi, enriching his understanding of traditional Okinawan martial arts.
This year, Chris proudly joined the NSW Karate State Team and competed at the 2025 Karate Australia National Championships in Adelaide, South Australia, where he claimed 3rd place—a remarkable achievement on the national stage.
As a proud member of Karate Australia (the Australian Karate Federation), Chris continues to embody the spirit of the martial art—dedicated, growing, and inspiring.
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The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants- Gichin Funokoshi