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Shihan Martin Phillips - Instructor Profile

Shihan Martin Phillips has been studying Chito-Ryu Karate since 1984 and is currently at the rank of Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt), and Shihan. In 1997-98, Martin spent a year full-time, teaching and training at the International Chito-Ryu Headquarters, an experience which continues to shape his training and teaching while forming the foundation of a strong working relationship with Soke Sensei and other senior instructors in Japan.

Phillips Shihan competed in many AKF Tournaments (all styles) at State, National and International levels, including the 1994 & 96 WKF World Championships. He has also represented Australia at the International Chito-Ryu Karate Championship known as the Soke Cup many time (1989, 92, 95, 98 & 04), placing in both kata and kumite in many occasions. In October 2008, he competed in Kakedameshi, an invitational full-contact tournament held in Japan. Pictured below is a moment in the final of the heavyweight division, Phillips Shihan [L], vs Shihan Mitchell German of Canada [R], which ended in extra time with Martin placing 2nd.

In November 2004, Phillips Shihan was appointed as a Sohonbu Representative, one of three senior instructors in Australia responsible for representing the interests of Soke Sensei (Supreme Instructor of Chito-Ryu) and the Sohonbu (general headquarters).

Also, during his October 2008 visit to Japan, Shihan Phillips travelled the International Chito-Ryu Headquarters for training and grading. At this time he was graded to the level of Shihan, joining only two others active instructors in Australia currently at that level or higher in Chito-Ryu. The level of Shihan in Chito-Ryu is quite a significant rank as it signifies a deap understanding of the basics of the art and also grants the authority to grade students up to the level of Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt).

Pictured below: Inazuka Sensei (9th Dan, Kyoshi) with Martin Phillips Sensei (4th Dan, Shihan)

Training, Grading & Competition History (In Brief)

• 1984 - Commenced training in Chito-Ryu
• 1985 - 5th Kyu grading (27 Mar 1985)
• 1985 - 4th Kyu grading (3 Jul 1985)
• 1986 - 3rd Kyu grading (14 Apr 1986)
• 1986 - 2nd Kyu grading (29 Sep 1986)
• 1988 - 1st Kyu grading (25 Jun 1988)
• 1989 - Soke Cup, U/13 Yrs Kata Chamion
• 1990 - Shodan (1st degree black belt) grading (7 Oct 1990)
• 1992 - Oceania Championships (WKF), 3rd 16 Yrs kumite
• 1992 - Nidan (2nd degree black belt) grading
• 1992 - Soke Cup, U/16 Yrs, 2nd kata, 3rd kumite
• 1994 - WKF Juinor World Cup (Perth, Western Australia), kata & team kumite
• 1994 - WKF World Championships (Malaysia), 80kg kumite & team kumite
• 1995 - Soke Cup
• 1996 - WKF Junior World Championships ( South Africa), kumie & team kuimte
• 1996 - WKF World Championships ( South Africa), 80kg kumite & team kumie
• 1996 - Sandan (3rd degree black belt) & Shidoin (Instructor) gradings (Nov 1996)
• 1997-98 - Trained full time as a live in student at the Chito-Ryu Sohonbu in Japan, assisted teaching children's classes and international commuincations in ICKF/sohonbu office
• 1998 - Jodo (shodan) as a student of Miyase Sensei
• 1998 - Soke Cup (Toronto, Canada)
• 2000 - Relocated to Sunshine Coast and established first Queensland Chito-Ryu dojo
• 2004 - Soke Cup - 3rd kata
• 2005 - Yondan (4th degree black belt) grading (May 2005)
• 2008 - Shihan (Master Instructor) grading (Oct 2008)
• 2008 - Kakedameshi full-contact tournament (Japan), 2nd (Heavyweight)
  

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