The Bendigo & Central Victorian Kyokushin Karate Centre is a local sports club located in Bendigo, Australia. With a long-standing presence in the community, the centre is dedicated to preserving and teaching the traditional values and skills of Kyokushin, one of the strongest forms of Karate.
The centre offers classes suitable for individuals aged 5 years and above, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn and improve their skills. Both men and women, as well as children of all skill levels, are welcome to join. The club believes that age should never be a barrier to learning and emphasises the importance of discipline and unfaltering devotion in following the Martial Way.
The kids classes at Bendigo & Central Victorian Kyokushin Karate Centre are kept small to ensure personalised attention and are structured to allow learning at each child's own pace. These classes focus on building strength, agility, and coordination, while also instilling discipline, respect, and general fitness to promote overall well-being.
Private tuition is also available at the centre and can be tailored to individual needs. These one-on-one lessons are designed to help students progress from basic to advanced levels and offer improved individual development.
The centre offers various class schedules across different locations, including Spring Gully, Bendigo, Charlton, Rochester, and Strathfieldsaye. Family classes, where parents and children can train together, are also available on Saturdays at the Bendigo dojo.
The Bendigo & Central Victorian Kyokushin Karate Centre follows the traditional teachings and philosophies of Kyokushin karate, which instils discipline, confidence, and respect for fellow students. In addition to fighting opponents, the practise also focuses on self-defence, kata speed, and co-ordination. No prior experience or karate suit is required to start, as beginners can wear shorts and a t-shirt to train. There are no joining fees; participants simply pay when they train.
The head instructor of the centre is Shihan Lance McInnes, a 7th Dan Black Belt who has been training continuously for over 50 years. As the only original student still training in Bendigo since the club's establishment in 1969, Shihan Lance brings back the techniques he learns in Japan to teach his students. He is passionate about preserving the Kyokushin style and ensures that the techniques taught by the founder, Sosai Mas Oyama, are passed down to the next generation.
For more information, individuals can visit the centre's website or social media pages, or contact them directly via phone or email.