Kyokushin Karate, Nerang is a sports club located in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. The club is a part of the Matsushima Kyokushin Australia (MKA) organisation, which aims to teach and develop students in the martial art of Kyokushin Karate. The instructor at the club is Shihan Tony Bowden, who holds a 6th Dan black belt.
Kyokushin Karate was founded by the late Sosai Masutatsu Oyama in 1953. Oyama, after years of rigorous training in various fighting styles, developed his own style and named it Kyokushin, meaning “ultimate truth. ” He believed in overcoming one's own physical limitations through hard training and reaching a level of truth in oneself and their karate. Oyama's legendary training included intense physical challenges and self-sacrifice, like training in the mountains for 18 months and conditioning his hands and feet by striking trees.
After astounding the world with his karate prowess, Oyama opened his first Dojo in 1953. Kyokushin Karate spread worldwide, becoming the largest martial arts association with over ten million members. Oyama's philosophy and legacy continue to live on through instructors like Shihan Tony Bowden, who pass on his teachings in dojos around the world.
Shihan Tony Bowden has a rich history in Kyokushin Karate. His training began in 1972 at the Miami Dojo in the Gold Coast under Sensei Frank Everett. He achieved his Brown Belt before relocating to Geelong in Victoria, where he earned his Shodan (1st Dan black belt) under Sensei Les Pickisgill. Shihan Bowden then returned to the Gold Coast and established the Nerang Dojo as the headquarters of the South East Queensland Area Committee (SEQAC).
The committee oversaw five dojos from Murwillumbah to Caloundra.
Shihan Bowden had the opportunity to compete in Kyokushin tournaments as well as Non-Contact or FAKO tournaments in his early years. However, it was the Kyokushin tournaments that particularly captivated him and provided him with great satisfaction in competition. One memorable tournament was held in the small seaside town of Ocean Grove in Victoria, organised by Shihan Gary Viccars. Despite dislocating his little finger during the competition, Shihan Bowden persevered as appropriate medical facilities were not readily available at the time.
Kyokushin Karate, Nerang prides itself on being a part of the MKA Queensland community and offers students the chance to learn and train in this traditional and effective martial art. With Shihan Tony Bowden's expert guidance, students can develop not only physical skills but also mental strength and discipline. Whether one is a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the club welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds.