Seiwakai International
Seiwakai International & Our Commitment to Excellence
At Karate Academy Sydney (KAS), we are proud members of Seiwakai International, a globally respected Goju Ryu Karate organisation headquartered in Omagari, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Under the leadership of Seiichi Fujiwara Hanshi, 8th Dan JKF Goju Kai and President of Seiwakai, the organisation upholds the highest standards of traditional karate practice and instruction.
Annual Training Pilgrimage to Omagari, Japan
Each year, our instructors and senior students embark on a dedicated training pilgrimage to Omagari to participate in the Seiwakai International Training Camp. This intensive 7-day seminar, led by Fujiwara Hanshi, offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our understanding of Goju Ryu Karate, refine techniques, and immerse ourselves in Japan’s rich martial arts culture.
The training camp is a cornerstone of our commitment to technical excellence, allowing us to bring back advanced knowledge and insights to share with our students in Sydney. This experience not only enhances our skills but also strengthens our connection to the global Seiwakai community.
Upholding the Seiwakai Legacy
Seiwakai International, founded in 1972 by the late Shuji Tasaki Hanshi, has grown into one of the largest Goju Ryu Karate organisations worldwide. Fujiwara Hanshi, a direct student of Tasaki Hanshi, continues this legacy by promoting rigorous training, discipline, and the philosophical principles of Goju Ryu Karate.
Our affiliation with Seiwakai International ensures that KAS remains aligned with authentic Japanese karate traditions, providing our students with access to high-quality instruction and a clear pathway for progression within the global karate community.
For more information about Seiwakai International and upcoming training opportunities, please visit our calendar.
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 Shimbukan Kobudo
- 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