I have been training in the martial arts now since 1989. My former style in Adelaide (Wado Karate - Sensei Steve Nikolic) was strong on full contact and I was looking for something similar. I found it with Kyokushin! I first saw Sempai Kiley Baker when I went to watch a class in the City Dojo. Her precision and power to weight ratio really impressed me. It came to no surprise that she was a full time instructor there. Watching her train that day pretty much sealed my committment to training in Kyokushin Karate. Since then I've discovered Kyokushin worldwide. I've competed in the Ring on several occasions , at the Victorian Championships twice and taken part in tournaments in Melbourne and Sydney. I've trained in Thailand, travelled to Japan with the Dojo, competed in Kickboxing and made some great friends both locally and internationally. I've met all the great Kyokushin Instructors mentioned on the Instructors page and I've discovered for myself that no matter where you go in the world you're welcomed with the familiar 'OSU' and treated like family when you're Kyokushin. That sounds like a real cliche, but it's true. I hope that Kyokushin Karate will be a part of my life forever.

Nick Gasperidis - Yellow Belt Kyokushin, Yellow Belt Kickboxing.

It all started in 2002 when my youngest niece Nancy started Kyokushin karate at the Northcote Dojo under Sempai Kiley Baker. Eventually Sempai Kiley reluctantly left the Dojo to run her own Dojo as Eltham Martial Arts Academy. It was a very sad day for all students at Northcote because Sempai Kiley was loved and respected as a teacher and competitor. She has held the Australian and Australasian titles in full contact karate.

Over the years Nancy’s parents tried everything to encourage Nancy’s older sister Helen to also take classes. However Helen was reluctant because she was embarrassed. Despite having promised that I would take classes with her, Helen did not change her mind. It wasn’t until we asked her if she would like to train with Sempai Kiley at Eltham Martial Arts Academy that she jumped at the chance and I joined her. Such is the respect and loyalty that people have for Sempai Kiley. Now, all three of us travel to Research from Northcote twice a week to take Sempai Kiley’s classes. There are others that also travel a long way to take her classes.

Sempai Kiley Baker loves teaching kyokushin Karate and Kickboxing and she puts a lot of thought and energy in her classes and makes everyone feel welcome.

As for me, I’m a 48 year old that has tried a bit of everything, but never really considered martial arts. Thanks to Sempai Kiley and Helen I’ve quite unexpectedly and fortunately struck the jackpot in Sempai Kiley and Kyokushin Karate. The club is like family and I’m enjoying every class. My motivation is to keep fit, to meet people, to experience the eastern philosophy and culture and to attain a quiet confidence knowing that I can look after myself. I’ve been taking classes now for 17 months and in that time I’ve lost 8 kilos without even trying.

I look great and feel great, thanks Sempai Kiley.

Alex Del Brocco - Blue Belt Kyokushin.

I joined Kyokushin Karate - Eltham Dojo - in June 2004. Having undertaken various styles of Karate in the past I can confidently say that I am now a part of a strong Dojo and group of Martial Artists under the Shihan George Kolovos Organisation and my Instructor Sempai Kiley Baker.

I have always believed that the real fundamentals of learning any style of Martial Arts comes down not only to your self commitment to learning but also on the instructor that you have to lead and motivate you through the journey. Sempai Kiley Baker is an exceptional instructor affording students of varying skill and age levels the necessary tools to progress and improve their ability and to achieve set goals.

I personally love the fighting aspect of Karate and its demands on maintaining personal levels of fitness. Kyokushin with the related Titans Kick Boxing component of the club definitely does not disappoint in this respect. As a club, it is extremely active in terms of fighting tournaments and events with more than ample opportunity to practice techniques in a class environment. This style of martial arts and the club in particular is a great way to increase your fitness, achieve personal goals and participate in a friendly team environment.