Why Train with Us? – The Karate Institute

Welcome

The Style

The style of Martial Arts taught at The Australian Institute of Karate is Chito-Ryu Karate-Do. With deep roots in Karate’s long history Chito-Ryu was founded by the late Dr Chitose and continued by his son, the current Head of Style. Dr Chitose was recognised, by the All Okinawa Union of Karate-do and Kobu-do, as a Master of the Art and awarded the title of Hanshi (the highest acknowledgement available) in 1968.

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The Australian Institute of Karate

Our Story

In 1985, after 5 years of training in Australia, head instructor, Mike Noonan travels to Japan in search of deeper knowledge. He begins training with Soke Sensei, the Supreme Chito-Ryu Instructor.

In 1998 Noonan Sensei opened the Tasseikan Dojo in the Oatley Public School Hall where students trained up until 2009

In November 2004, Sensei Michael Noonan was appointed to represent Soke Sensei and the International Chito-Ryu Karate-do Federation in Australia.

The Australian Institute of Karate was officially opened in May 2009 and attended by some of Australia’s highest ranked Karate practitioners as well as international guests.

In 2017 Noonan Sensei’s expertise was acknowledged by his promotion to 7^th Degree Black Belt, a rank recognised worldwide.

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What We Offer

BENEFITS OF TRAINING

There’s a great depth to our training, it will make positive changes to your lifestyle.

CHITO RYU KARATE DO

A legitimate style of Traditional Karate, with direct and present links to historically recognised Masters.

FIRST CLASS FACILITIES

TAIK is a professionally designed full time Martial Arts training centre with flexible hours and class times to suit your busy lifestyle.

FULLY QUALIFIED

Our founder has achieved the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt and the title of Renshi (Master Teacher).

Chito-Ryu Karate-Do

Instructors

Michael Noonan

Head Instructor and Principal at The Karate Institute

Noonan Sensei has spent his life studying Martial Arts & in particular Chito-Ryu Karate-Do.

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WARNING - WE’RE NOT ALL THE SAME

The Martial Arts Industry is an unregulated industry. What that means to the consumer is; anyone at all, no matter how qualified or unqualified, can open a Martial Arts centre and teach whatever they consider to be Martial Arts. Unfortunately, there are umbrella organisations that are happy to recognise and affiliate a certain teacher or Dojo if the fees are paid.

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Photogallery

People About Us

Without a doubt – the best decision we have made for an extra curricular activity for our 7 year old – supportive and community focussed with a focus on discipline and working towards something greater!

Emma Egan (Parent)

I have trained in a number of different schools and dojos over the years and The Australian Institute of Karate is by far the best place i have ever trained in. Its a proper school and every one there is welcoming and without judgment. Sensei Noonan is a wonderful and experienced teacher who imparts his knowledge freely. Training is very real world, hard , fun and catered to every level and age. It is definitely the real deal.

Ganesh Sundaramoorthy (Student)

I have trained at this dojo since I was 9 years old. Sensei Noonan is the absolute best Sensei in Australia. The dojo gives me a sense of belonging and all of the students make you feel welcome and part of the family. Training here for 5years, I have built confidence, my mental state has gotten better and as well as my physical state. I LOVE IT HERE. I couldn’t think of any other place where I would belong. I recommend this dojo to everyone. No matter your age, weight or appearance, everyone is accepted into the family.

Corydalis Leung (Student)

Jodie Horton

02:19 15 Apr 24

The Karate Institute is brilliant. My son has been attending for several years now and his passion for karate has been inspired and encouraged constantly by Sensei Noonan, who goes above and beyond to invest his time and knowledge into his students. I cannot speak highly enough of Sensei Noonan and other staff with the service provided, and the family like atmosphere that is shared amongst students. A very supportive and encouraging environment. If I could give 100 stars I would. You will not find a better dojo.

Øystein Sveinsvoll Skoge

22:44 28 Mar 24

Had the pleasure of having Noonan Sensei on visit in Norway, and received highly valuable and generous individual coaching for three consecutive days. I can honestly say it completely changed my perspective of karate, and I learned more in three days than I have for the last 20 years. Highly recommended!

Trond Erdal

09:57 24 Mar 24

I have trained with Sensei Noonan a number of times over the years. I have learned a lot from him, and Sensei Noonan is very dedicated teacher. He explains techniques in a way that is fascinating and understandable for everyone, at any level. This is no-nonsense-karate, based on a deep understanding of Chito-ryu karate-do, and is as authentic as it can be. Absolute one of the best martial artist around. Worldwide!

Paul Murphy

12:19 18 Mar 24

Noonan sensei is an exceptional teacher. He combines a deep knowledge of Chitoryu karate with an outstanding ability to impart and explain that knowledge in a clear way. A truly excellent sensei.

Lachlan Bates

09:20 18 Mar 24

Great school to learn not only self defense but the respect required to master Karate.

Kico Amata

04:37 18 Jul 23

My son started to go 8 years ago and then my daughter and I joined too. Great Sensei, beautiful community of people and high level of karate quality

Tony Zrilic

12:15 19 Jun 23

Our family joined 4 years ago and we really enjoy the classes. My children's confidence has grown immensely during this time. Sensei Noonan challenges and pushes each one of his students to reach their full potential. Thank you Sensei and his assistants for helping us develop and perfect our skills.

keiran Byrne

06:21 19 Jun 23

My son has been part of this dojo going on now nearly 5 years. It was a very welcoming experience coming from scotland to Australia and everyone welcomed my son into the dojo and taught him the fundamentals of karate before he moved into the bigger class where he loves training with the bigger boys and girls. Sensai Noonan is definitely one of the best out there who will go above and beyond to teach your child the right way karate is taught .

Nicholas

01:41 12 Jun 23

Sensei Noonan is an exceptional teacher, being supportive, well studied and well practised in his teachings. What is taught isn't watered down and remains true to authentic karate. Traditions are upheld, teaching discipline and respect towards sensei, peers and dojo. The culture of this dojo fosters close bonds, supporting one another and encouraging all to strive to become better. This striving is not just within karate but is taught to carry over into daily life. I've enjoyed my time here and would encourage others to drop in as well.

Krystal D

10:51 17 Dec 22

Absolutely can't speak highly enough of Sensei Noonan and the Karate Institute. Our son has attended for the last 5 years and will continue for many more. If you're looking for somewhere that's firm, bit fun and not just the kind of place you show up and receive a belt, this is your place. Warm & inviting. Tough but fair.

Jamie Garcia

09:04 23 Oct 22

If you're looking for a good quality Karate institute, look no more. Mike Noon is really good in every thing that he do! Always recommending this place to my friends 100%

Chai Lim

05:02 21 May 22

Great discipline and teaching. Easy location to find and park

Vicky Labroski

06:12 13 Apr 22

Both my sons have been with Sensei Mike Noonan and the team for over 10 years and the professionalism, respect, focus and discipline they have gained is a true credit by the way this organisation is run. My sons love being part of the institute and today they volunteer and train younger kids with so much pride. It's not just about the technical training it's the incredible way Mike treats every individual. I'm super lucky to have my family part of this institute. If your after a black belt over night then you need to go somewhere else. If you want to learn true wholesome values and have your child grow in to a respectful, confident and fit young person then I would absolutely 100% recommend this place without a doubt.

Jev Phoenix

04:21 23 Mar 22

My son enjoys coming and training here. It has been over 4 years now for him. Quality always number one. Thank you Sensei for your guidance.

Jeremy Zafiropoulos

00:39 20 Aug 21

I have thoroughly enjoyed training at Sensei Noonan's dojo since starting out; lessons are always a great workout, super fun, focused, and full of insight into the spirit of karate. Would highly recommend!

Mary and Peter McGregor

06:10 17 Aug 21

Fantastic dojo. Great culture of hard work, encouragement and skill development.

Allan Taruste

01:03 14 Aug 21

A fantastic, professional and friendly Dojo. Noonan Sensei is the best teacher one could find, which is easy enough to prove by googling. A very, very good overall experience.

Tamara Cazzulino

11:12 09 Aug 21

I can’t recommend the Karate Institute enough. The Dojo is clean and a great size, with a viewing room upstairs for parents wanting to watch their children in class. Sensei Noonan is extremely professional and teaches the children about commitment, respect and dedication as well as top level karate skills. A fantastic centre that is perfect for my son!

garciasigns

06:50 09 Aug 21

If you’re looking for a place to learn authentic traditional Karate, this is it!! Professional, friendly & just all round great dojo! Highly recommend! 👍🏼

Paul Zaj

08:44 08 Aug 21

Excellent place and very welcoming great place for learning and finding balance in life

flannery dog

07:36 08 Aug 21

Fantastic dojo. Great culture of respect, hard work, skill development.

Leila Widya

13:08 21 Jul 21

Truest form of Karate lead by Sensei Noonan. Highly recommend for any age, but I especially applaud Sensei Noonan for his passion in teaching children the meaning of being a Karateka. Something that you don't see in many other dojo.

Maximilian Condon

12:24 21 Jul 21

Great place to learn self defence and learn valuable skills for all ages

Jayden Labroski

12:21 21 Jul 21

During the over 10 years of training with Sensei Noonan, i have gained utmost respect for sensei and I can't recommend the exceptionally high quality level of teaching enough. Sensei and the rest of the senior teaching staff are extremely passionate and highly dedicated to ensuring that each and every student is constantly learning and improving their karate. Sensei's internationally renowned expertise honed through many decades of training is clearly evident in his ability to provide detailed and insightful answers to all questions in class.

Brooke Gatt

23:07 21 Jun 21

Sensei is passionate about karate, and sharing that with his students. He is quite old school and direct with his students, but the students respect him immensely, and you can see the discipline and dedication that develops. My two boys have been going since they turned 5, and karate is often the highlight of their week.

Mark Bartolo

04:29 06 Nov 20

A Great school of REAL and AUTHENTIC karate, led by a fantastic Sensei and teaching staff. I have trained there for over a year, and have been so impressed I have brought my children to train there, as I see it being so beneficial to their development. In that time not only have I attended lessons from our own Sensei, but been given the opportunity to train with guest Sensei and the Soke (head of the style) from Japan. LIFE CHANGING

Mark Snow

06:49 19 Sep 20

I have had the privilege of training with Noonan Sensei for the past 30+ years. The commitment to his personal training is remarkable and this is reflected in the outstanding practical execution and application of his karate technique. This dedication, focus and pursuit of excellence can be found in the dojo, where Noonan Sensei works tirelessly to provide each student with a high level of instruction, care and inclusivity. I would highly recommend the dojo to anyone seeking an authentic teacher, with impeccable qualifications to learn karate-do. Through peace, perseverance and hard work you will achieve your goal under the influence of Noonan Kyoshi.

Jack Milic

11:01 26 Aug 20

i have been training here since 2015 and honestly i love it here because karate has made me a better person and i'm able to defend myself. karate has made a massive change in my life because if it wasn't for karate i wouldn't be into Japanese culture and have strength. if your someone looking for karate please train here as it is worth the time and money.

Knightscastle 63

12:09 18 Aug 20

Great dojo, excellent training, respect and hard work. Noonan Sensei is a master of his craft and a fantastic person as well. Highly recommend this dojo which also has a strong heritage in Japan. Roy J 2221

Shane Ker

03:18 10 Aug 20

Chito-Ryu and The Institute of Karate Peakhurst. A bit about myself to give credibility to the review. I have been training martial arts for about 30 years in the traditional style of Chito-Ryu and am from a family of martial arts black belts. I am currently a 3rd Dan black belt training to grade in the near future to 4th Dan. During my time in the style I have competed in many tournaments hosted by many different organisations such as FAKO, WUKO, AKF, and our internal Chito-Ryu run tournament’s so I have competed against many different styles. Although all styles have their differences I have always found Chito-Ryu to be up the top of any medal count. Chito-Ryu people always compete very hard but always in the spirit of Bushido (The Samurai Code of Honor). This means displaying Courage, Respect, Politeness, Honesty and Sincerity, Honor, Loyalty and Self-Control. As well as competing locally I have also competed in Japan (at least 5 times), Norway and Hong-Kong in both full contact (kake dameshi) and light touch tournaments so I have had plenty of exposure to many different fighters from many different styles. In terms of the Karate Institute I have been training under Noonan Kyoshi (7th Degree Black Belt) for about 15 years and find his level of knowledge and thought behind what he does and what he teaches is second to none, other than his teacher, Yasuhiro Chitose, (Soke and Head of Chito-Ryu). He breaks down each technique into its purest form and explains why the basics handed down through generations of Chito-Ryu (both from the Chitose family) and Chito-Ryu senior black belts have survived the test of time. Noonan Sensei takes his time with students of all levels and all ages. The time he puts into helping all of his students is a testament to his dedication to wanting to see all his students improve and better themselves and reach their goals. He respects everyone is on a journey and no one’s journey is more important than anyone else’s. Everyone in the dojo is treated as an equal whether you are 4 or 104. In terms of the facility there has been no expense spared. From the Tasmanian Blue Gum sprung floor, to the mirrored walls, to the matts for throwing, to the bags on the wall. There is also a big TV which is available for students to watch demonstrations of other martial artists or themselves to review their technique. I would highly recommend both Noonan Kyoshi as a teacher and The Karate Institute as a training venue. The teaching is second to none as is the venue. Get along and try it for yourself.

Efraim Marti

10:40 08 Aug 20

A white belt with blood in the makiwara, championships, certificates, the "sutemi" is not exhibited, Karate Do must be humble and silent. You lack a lot of humility, you have not understood anything about Karate Do. Don't you realize that Karate Do doesn't end at the Dojo? be humble or at least try to be.

Mark Szalajko

22:47 27 Feb 20

Real Karate with one of Australia's most experienced traditional martial artists. What more could you ask for?

Fergal Lalor

16:12 25 Jan 20

I attended an International Chito-ryu Clinic with Sensei Noonan in Ireland recently and once again it was a hugely enjoyable and fantastic experience for any Chito-ryu student. The knowledge, skill, experience and guidance that Sensei Noonan is able to demonstrate really is outstanding and his ability to put this across to all in attendance really is such a skill in itself. Sensei Noonans patience and guidance towards junior students aswell as more senior students really is something special. His encouragement with continous training and improvement is really infectious. I learnt so much from attending and it has given me a new perspective and a lot more to think about! Thanks once again Sensei Noonan! hopefully we will see you again soon!!

Rune Reisegg Jacobsen

18:33 11 Sep 19

Sensei Noonan masters the difficult art of teaching high level karate with simple, down to earth methods.

Stephen Hourigan

00:19 15 Nov 18

Upon first walking in the door of the Dojo at Peakhurst I could tell that it was a reputable and well-run school. From my registration with the front office staff right through to the instructors, I was very impressed. The students and staff have all made me feel very welcome and training is now a highlight of what I call "me time" amongst my busy professional and family life. If you are looking for a friendly, welcoming, professional martial arts school, I can highly recommend The Karate Institute.

Jenny Simpson

02:37 02 Jan 18

Expert teachers of Karate | Fantastic training facilities | Inclusive & supportive learning community - I enjoy training at the dojo with Sensei Noonan and his first-class cohort of teachers. Ratna is great with running the administration smoothly.

Monica Gonzalez

19:37 24 Oct 17

Prior to joining the Tasseikan Dojo (Australian institute of Karate), we were amazed at just how many ‘dojos’ there were! We visited most of them, and more often than not we walked away thinking a) everyone has a different take on ‘martial arts’, and b) anyone can rent a space and open their own dojo! This is where the Tasseikan Dojo is different. The Karate discipline of Chito Ryu, has a long and honourable history with its headquarters in Sohonbu, Japan. Sensei Noonan, who teaches the classes, was recently promoted to 7th Dan, and is currently one of two people outside of Japan to hold this rank! He also has the qualities of a great teacher – approachable, a good communicator, deep subject knowledge and firm but kind. We never have to nag our 11 year old son to go to classes, he’s ready in his Karate gi (twice a week) and hurries us - I think that says it all!!!

Peter Emmanouilidis

22:34 19 Oct 17

I started Karate for the first time ten months ago at The Australian Institute of Karate Tasseiken Dojo and I absolutely love it. Being a fast paced IT Manager with multiple projects on the go, for me personally it has improved my day to day mental concentration and stress coping mechanisms. After each lesson I come home energised and ready to face the busy lifestyles we all live. Sensei Mike and the senior students are welcoming and inclusive. There are no aggressive or overbearing egos and if you make a mistake its ok. The culture is that of always learning and always improving. Both my children also train at the Tasseiken dojo and Sensei Mike is fantastic with kids. The mental and physical improvements with both my children was noticeable after six months and they love to go to Karate twice a week due to Sensei Mike's encouraging teaching. Sensei Mike has been learning and teaching in the Chito-Ryu style for over 37 years. It is a fluid, non jarring style designed to be practiced over decades without causing any joint damage or body wear and tear. This style is great for us as we also have our day to day lives to live afterward without fear of injury.

coree

06:19 19 Oct 17

I have trained at this dojo since I was 9years old. Sensei Noonan is the absolute best Sensei in Australia. The dojo gives me a sense of belonging and all of the students make you feel welcome and part of the family. Training here for 5years, I have built confidence, my mental state has gotten better and as well as my physical state. I LOVE IT HERE. I couldn't think of any other place where I would belong. I recommend this dojo to everyone. No matter your age, weight or appearance, everyone is accepted into the family.

Emma Egan

05:25 18 Oct 17

This dojo is very professsional - my son is thriving under the tuition of Sensei Noonan and the community is very supportive.

Jackie Cox

03:17 13 Sep 16

The Karate Institute is a very special place, with a welcoming community and the seniors are always open to teaching the newcomers and are very generous with their time. My kids have embraced the Tasseikan spirit and have learnt, and continue to learn, resilience and focus in their years here. Sensei Noonan is an inspiring instructor and mentor and the most senior ranked Sensei in Chitoryu Australia - who continues to study directly from the Soke (head of Chitoryu in Japan). The discipline that is enforced with traditional karate at the Karate Institute is something we do not see in many places these days, and bodes well for every student, regardless of age and experience, and teaches commitment and perseverance.