30/08/2026
π₯ 50 YEARS OF MIYAGI-KAN β CELEBRATING OUR PEOPLE
Meet Kyoshi John Calcara (7th Dan)
John Calcara
For more than 46 years, Kyoshi John Calcara has been an important part of the Miyagi-Kan family.
John began his karate journey at just 15, attending his first class at a small Greek Church community hall in Leichhardt. He left that first session knowing, βIβm going to do this for the rest of my life.β More than four decades later, he has certainly kept that promise!
A lifelong student of Hanshi George Barounis, John learned that karate was about more than technique. Discipline, respect, humility, loyalty, and perseverance became values he continues to share with his students.
In 1983, John established the Gladesville Youth Karate Club, where he continues to teach and mentor generations of students today.
One of his treasured memories was travelling to Japan with Hanshi in 1988, training with senior instructors and experiencing the traditions and history of karate firsthand.
From representing NSW to achieving 7th Dan in Goju-Ryu and 2nd Dan in Kobudo, John's journey has been filled with incredible achievements. But his greatest contribution is the generations of students he has guided and the lifelong friendships he has built along the way.
As we celebrate 50 years of Miyagi-Kan Karate, we thank Kyoshi John for his dedication, loyalty, friendship, and lasting contribution to our family.
A lifetime of karate. A lifetime of memories. 50 years of Miyagi-Kan. π₯π