13/06/2026
Osu!
Our beloved Hanshi Taylor, A wonderful instructor, Caring mentor and exceptional leader.
Hanshi Taylor was responsible for the growth and development of Kyokushin Karate in Australia and Sensei Ysobel was very privileged to be a student of his since 2001.
Sensei Ysobel remains committed to Hanshi Taylor by passing down his teachings and legacy to the next generation of students at the Kariong Dojo.
My classes are designed to be strong, intentional and spirited Kyokushin training to help students grow and embody the "Martial Way" philosophy to be the best that they can possibly be.
No games.
Not a fitness class.
Invest in yourself, your children and your families by getting to the dojo to train Kyokushin Karate - You won't be disappointed.
Osu 🙏🥋
Hanshi John Taylor was born on 7 June 1941 in Scotland and grew up in Britain. In 1962, he emigrated to Australia, where he would eventually become one of the most influential figures in Australian karate.
Beginning of His Karate Journey (1963)
In 1963, shortly after Kyokushin Karate was introduced to Australia, John Taylor began training in the art. Kyokushin, founded by Masutatsu Oyama, was known for its demanding full-contact fighting style and rigorous discipline.
Taylor quickly distinguished himself through dedication, toughness, and technical ability. His commitment eventually led him to train directly under Oyama in Japan. At one stage, he was a full-time student (uchi-deshi) of the Kyokushin founder, an honor granted to very few practitioners outside Japan.
Training Under Mas Oyama
Training under Mas Oyama was notoriously difficult. Students underwent intense physical conditioning, countless sparring sessions, and strict discipline. These experiences shaped Taylor's philosophy of karate and leadership.
Under Oyama's guidance, Taylor earned advanced black belt ranks and became one of the most respected non-Japanese Kyokushin practitioners in the world.
Building Kyokushin in Australia
After returning to Australia, Taylor devoted his life to teaching and expanding Kyokushin Karate throughout the country. He became one of the founders and later chairman of the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association (AKKA)
For more than six decades, he:
Taught thousands of students.
Produced numerous national and international champions.
Conducted seminars across Australia and overseas.
Helped spread Kyokushin throughout the South Pacific region.
Promoted traditional Japanese budo values such as respect, perseverance, humility, and self-discipline.
International Recognition
John Taylor eventually attained the rank of 9th Dan Hanshi, one of the highest ranks in Kyokushin Karate. He became recognized internationally as one of the world's senior Kyokushin instructors. He also served as Vice President of the International Karate Organisation Matsushima.
His reputation extended far beyond Australia. He was frequently invited to teach seminars and officiate tournaments around the world. Many practitioners regarded him as one of the few remaining direct links to the generation trained personally by Mas Oyama.
Awards and Community Service
Taylor's contributions were recognized beyond the martial arts community. He received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and was nominated for Australian of the Year in 2004. His work helped strengthen cultural ties between Australia and Japan while promoting youth development through martial arts.
Philosophy
Hanshi Taylor believed that physical strength and mental strength were inseparable. He emphasized:
Discipline before technique.
Character before rank.
Respect before victory.
Continuous self-improvement.
These principles reflected the traditional budo ideals taught by Mas Oyama.
Passing and Legacy
Hanshi John Taylor passed away on 27 September 2023 at the age of 82. His death was widely mourned throughout the international Kyokushin community. Tributes came from students, instructors, and organizations around the world who recognized his immense contribution to karate.
Why He Is Important in Karate History
Hanshi John Taylor is remembered because he:
Trained directly under Mas Oyama.
Helped establish and grow Kyokushin in Australia.
Taught for over 60 years.
Achieved the prestigious rank of 9th Dan Hanshi.
Influenced thousands of karateka worldwide.
Preserved and promoted traditional Kyokushin values for future generations.
In the history of Kyokushin Karate outside Japan, Hanshi John Taylor is widely regarded as one of the most significant pioneers and ambassadors of the art.
