Jessica Vetrisano
Sensei – Chief Instructor
4th Dan Black Belt – Goju Ryu Karate-Do Seiwakai
4th Dan Black Belt – JKF Goju Kai (All Japan Karate Federation)
2nd Dan Black Belt – Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan
Sensei Jessica is the Chief Instructor and founder of Karate Academy Sydney (KAS). With over two decades of martial arts experience, she holds senior black belt ranks in both traditional Goju Ryu Karate and Okinawan Kobudo, certified by internationally recognised Japanese organisations.
Jessica is a proud member of:
- Goju Ryu Karate Do Seiwakai Australia
- Australian Karate Federation (AKF)
- Australasian Federation of Traditional Karate & Kobudo (AFTK)
- Ryukyu Kobudo Shimbukan Okinawa
She regularly trains in Japan and attends national and international seminars to maintain a high technical standard and pass that excellence on to her students. Her commitment to traditional values, inclusivity, and continuous learning makes her a respected leader in the martial arts community.
“Karate-Do is a lifetime study.” – Kenwa Mabuni
Whether you’re beginning your journey or preparing for high-level competition, Sensei Jessica provides expert guidance, encouragement, and mentorship to help every student succeed.
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.
4 class plus a FREE Uniform
SIGN UP TODAY!
$39.99
The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants- Gichin Funokoshi