Australian Kyokushin Karate Association (AKKA)

The Australian Kyokushin Karate Association (AKKA) is a prominent sports club based in Sydney, Australia. The club's primary objective is to teach and develop students in the art of Kyokushin Karate, without any prejudice towards race, religion, affiliation, or any other reasons.

The history of Kyokushin Karate in Australia dates back to the early 1960s when students of Oyama Karate began training in both Australia and New Zealand. In 1967, Shigeru Kato was sent from Japan to train students in Sydney and Melbourne. The following year, the South Pacific Kyokushinkai Organisation was established with Ivan Zavechanos as the chairman. In 1974, the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association was formed during a meeting attended by influential figures such as John Taylor, Gary Viccars, and Brian Ellison.

AKKA gained significant recognition in 1977 when it hosted the first Australian Open Knockdown Championships, attended by Sosai Oyama (Kancho at that time) himself. This event garnered a packed audience at the Sydney Town Hall, with the inaugural champion being Nikola Cujic. In 1988, AKKA organised the Commonwealth Championships in Sydney, where Sosai Oyama described it as the best tournament ever held outside of Japan.

After the passing of Sosai Oyama in 1994, several years of disharmony followed within the Kyokushin Karate organisation globally. In 1995, AKKA affiliated with what would eventually become the IKO-Matsushima Organisation, which operates under the leadership of Kancho Yoshikazu Matsushima. AKKA is proud to be associated with IKO-Matsushima, a fully democratic international organisation dedicated to preserving the heritage of the late Sosai Masutatsu Oyama.

The AKKA committee is headed by Hanshi John Taylor, with Shihancho Gary Viccars and Shihan Tony Bowden as the branch chiefs. Hanshi John Taylor also serves as the Vice-President and International Liaison of IKO-Matsushima. The AKKA is an active member of the International Karate Organisation Kyokushin Kaikan (IKO), which comprises over 60 countries worldwide.

In addition to its regular training and development programmes, the AKKA organises events and tournaments of national and international significance. One such event is the 2023 and 47th Annual Australian Open Full and Non Contact Karate Tournament, scheduled to take place on August 12-13, 2023. This prestigious tournament attracts participants from various regions and offers thrilling displays of Kyokushin Karate skills.

AKKA welcomes individuals of all ages and skill levels who are interested in learning and practising the art of Kyokushin Karate. With a rich history, a commitment to inclusivity, and a strong affiliation with IKO-Matsushima, AKKA continues to make significant contributions to the growth and promotion of Kyokushin Karate in Australia.