About Stirling Karate.

Karate Stirling.

Stirling Karate blends traditional and sports karate.. Thedojo is a melting pot of traditional karate, dynamic sports karate, and effective conditioning, creating a unique and comprehensive martial arts experience.

At the heart of the dojo is our head instructor, Karin Prinsloo, a 6th Dan JKA and a gold medalist in the under 60 kg Kumite category at the 6th World Games (2001). Karin, originally from Durban, South Africa, and now a resident of Perth, Australia, is ranked among the top 100 Karate competitors of all time. Alongside her, Grazjyna (Graz) Prinsloo, with 23 years of karate experience and 14 years of teaching, leads our junior program with expertise and passion, holding a 4th Dan in JKA. Graz is also a Field Hockey Olympian and participated at the 2004 Athens Olympic games.

Membership.

Stirling Karate welcomes members from all walks of life, offering classes for beginners of all ages and advanced senior classes. The commitment to fostering a supportive community is evident in the offer of free trial lessons, allowing newcomers to experience the spirit of Karate Stirling. Members find more than just a training ground at our dojo; they discover a place for personal growth, character building, and community.

The Team.

Comprised of highly skilled and dedicated instructors, each instructor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. With a focus on not only teaching Karate techniques but also instilling the values of personal development, the team is committed to guiding students on their martial arts journey. At the core of Stirling Karate are our accomplished instructors:

Sensei Karin Prinsloo

Our head instructor, holding a 6th Dan JKA, is celebrated for her achievements in karate internationally.

Sensei Grazjyna Prinsloo

With 23 years of experience, she leads our junior program as a 4th Dan JKA, shaping the future of karate.

Sensei Keith Geyer

Keith Geyer is an accomplished martial artist with a rich history in the world of Karate. Below are some fascinating details about him:

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Sensei Lutie van den Berg

Sensei Lutie van den Berg is a dedicated and accomplished karateka with a rich history in the world of Shotokan Karate. Click here to delve into some fascinating details about him.

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Affiliations and Recognition.

Stirling Karate prides itself on its esteemed affiliations:

Japanese Karate Association (JKA)

As an affiliate, we adhere to the highest standards of Karate, embracing its rich traditions and modern practices.

World Karate Association

Our connection to this global body ensures we stay at the forefront of Karate development worldwide.

JKA SKC Australasia

Our alignment with JKA SKC underscores our commitment to the excellence and integrity of Karate teachings.

Policies.

At Stirling Karate, we uphold policies that reflect the traditional values of Karate. These include the dojo kun, emphasising the perfection of character, the importance of effort, and respect for courtesy. These principles guide our approach to training and ensure a respectful, disciplined, and nurturing environment for all members.

Code of Conduct.

For Stirling Karate (ABN 70473965796) – (The dojo).

All participants are required to comply with this Code of Conduct.

Duty of Care:

Each participant under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times and must not be left unattended., except where the head instructor from the participant’s dojo (Head Instructor) notifies the Dojo that they agree to supervise the participant.  The Dojo does not take any responsibility for the care or supervision of any participant, whether over or under the age of 18.  Any Head Instructor supervising a participant does so solely in their capacity as Head Instructor and not as a member or representative of the Dojo.

Respect:

Each participant and spectator must act in a respectful manner at all times. Disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated and the Organisation reserves the right to require any participant or spectator who behaves in a disrespectful manner to immediately leave the venue.

Discipline:

Each participant must follow instructions promptly and maintain discipline throughout the event. The Dojo reserves the right to require any participant who does not do so to immediately leave the venue.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Each participant is expected to respect the cultural traditions and customs associated with karate during the event, including etiquette, bowing, responding and sitting appropriately (on your knees or with neatly crossed legs).

Cooperation:

Each participant is expected to engage with other participants during the event in a spirit of cooperation and mutual learning.

Discipline:

Each participant must follow instructions promptly and maintain discipline throughout the event. The Dojo reserves the right to require any participant who does not do so to immediately leave the venue.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Each participant is expected to respect the cultural traditions and customs associated with karate during the event, including etiquette, bowing, responding and sitting appropriately (on your knees or with neatly crossed legs).

Cooperation:

Each participant is expected to engage with other participants during the event in a spirit of cooperation and mutual learning.

Safety:

Each participant is responsible for their own health and safety during the event and participates in the event at their own risk.  Each participant must prioritise their health and safety during the event, including engaging in warm-up exercises appropriate for their level of fitness, following all instructions and practising controlled techniques during the event.

Dress:

Each participant is required to wear a full karate suit or club T-shirt during training and must also provide and wear (at appropriate times) all other safety equipment they may require, including a mouth guard and karate gloves.

Payment:

Needs to be made prior to the first lesson of each term. Entry and training in the dojo is allowed once payment is made and the waiver has been signed by the participant (or their parent/guardian) and returned to the Dojo. Payment plans may be arranged with the Dojo with prior written

Hygiene:

Each participant must maintain good personal hygiene and clean training attire to promote a healthy environment.

Compliance:

Each participant must comply with the Dojo’s rules and regulations applicable to training sessions and the rules and regulations of any other applicable governing body.

Spectators:

Entry into the venue constitutes agreement by the spectator to this Code of Conduct and any other rules and regulations applicable to this event. Instructors lead the sessions and parent interaction whilst lessons are in progress are requested to respect this. 

Media release:

This is a public event and is likely to involve photographs and videos being taken by or on behalf of the Dojo.  Each participant and spectator consents to the publication and use (in any form) of their name, image, voice, results, statements or otherwise, without payment or compensation.  If you do not wish photographs or videos of you or your child to be used by the Dojo for promotional purposes please advise your Dojo Head who can liaise with them.

Feedback:

The Dojo welcomes constructive feedback and suggestions for future events.  All feedback and suggestions should be given to the Dojo heads.

Enjoyment:

Each participant should embrace the opportunity to practise karate in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

Safety:

Each participant is responsible for their own health and safety during the event and participates in the event at their own risk.  Each participant must prioritise their health and safety during the event, including engaging in warm-up exercises appropriate for their level of fitness, following all instructions and practising controlled techniques during the event.

Dress:

Each participant is required to wear a full karate suit or club T-shirt during training and must also provide and wear (at appropriate times) all other safety equipment they may require, including a mouth guard and karate gloves.

Payment:

Needs to be made prior to the first lesson of each term. Entry and training in the dojo is allowed once payment is made and the waiver has been signed by the participant (or their parent/guardian) and returned to the Dojo. Payment plans may be arranged with the Dojo with prior written.

Hygiene:

Each participant must maintain good personal hygiene and clean training attire to promote a healthy environment.

Compliance:

Each participant must comply with the Dojo’s rules and regulations applicable to training sessions and the rules and regulations of any other applicable governing body.

Spectators:

Entry into the venue constitutes agreement by the spectator to this Code of Conduct and any other rules and regulations applicable to this event. Instructors lead the sessions and parent interaction whilst lessons are in progress are requested to respect this. 

Media release:

This is a public event and is likely to involve photographs and videos being taken by or on behalf of the Dojo.  Each participant and spectator consents to the publication and use (in any form) of their name, image, voice, results, statements or otherwise, without payment or compensation.  If you do not wish photographs or videos of you or your child to be used by the Dojo for promotional purposes please advise your Dojo Head who can liaise with them.

Feedback:

The Dojo welcomes constructive feedback and suggestions for future events.  All feedback and suggestions should be given to the Dojo heads.

Enjoyment:

Each participant should embrace the opportunity to practise karate in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

Classes & Training.

Stirling Karate offers a balanced approach to martial arts, combining traditional and sports karate. Our classes cater to beginners and advanced practitioners, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded training experience.
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Membership.

Joining Stirling Karate is a step towards personal and physical development. We invite potential members to try a class for free, experiencing first-hand the supportive and enriching environment of the dojo.

Online Shop.

The online shop, open to both members and non-members, offers a range of Karate gear and merchandise. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, the shop has everything you need for your Karate journey.

Sensei Keith Geyer

  • National Chief Instructor: Sensei Keith Geyer holds the esteemed position of National Chief Instructor for the JKA-SKC Australasia. His journey in Karate began in the early 1970s under the instruction of  Stan Schmidt Sensei.
  • Training in Japan: Sensei Keith Geyer has had the privilege of training with all three Chief Instructors of the Japan Karate Association (JKA). His first visit to Japan was in 1974, when he spent time in the JKA instructors’ class, marking the beginning of many subsequent visits. 
  • Expert Guidance: During his training,  Sensei Keith had the opportunity to learn from renowned masters such as Sensei  Masatoshi Nakayama Shihan,  Sensei Kanazawa,  Sensei Asai, and Sensei  Abe. His daily sparring sessions with Senseis Tanaka, Mori, and Yahara were intense and contributed significantly to his development as a karateka. 
  • 8th Dan Black Belt: In April 2023, Sensei Keith attained the prestigious 8th Dan level in Tokyo, conferred by the Masters Association of the JKA (Shihan Kai), with JKA Chief Instructor Ueki Masaaki Shihan presiding over the ceremony.
  • Dedication and Recognition: Sensei Keith Geyer’s lifelong commitment to Karate and his accomplishments in the art was acknowledged when he was inducted into the Japan Karate Association’s Shihankai (Masters Association) panel in February 2015.

Sensei Keith Geyer remains a source of inspiration and guidance for his students, encouraging them to value, adopt, and commit to the principles and traditions of JKA Shotokan karate. His story reflects the lasting impact of this martial art form.

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Sensei Lutie van den Berg

  • Karate Journey:  Sensei Lutie van den Berg has been practising Karate for over 45 years. His Shotokan Karate journey began when his family relocated to Johannesburg, where he commenced training under Sensei Johan Roets Sensei. 
  • International Representation: Sensei Lutie van den Berg established the Mackay Karate Centre in Queensland, Australia. He has represented South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia at international and World Championship levels. Sensei Lutie is currently the Australian JKA Head coach.  
  • Influence of Stan Schmidt Sensei: Like many other JKA-SKC Australasia dojo heads, Lutie van den Berg spent years training with Stan Schmidt Sensei. Stan Sensei had a profound influence on Lutie’s karate journey, shaping his skills and dedication to the art. 

Sensei Lutie van den Berg continues to inspire and contribute to the world of Karate, embodying the spirit of discipline, perseverance, and excellence.

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