Instructor

Resident Instructor

David Rush

David, began learning karate in the early 1980s after training and competing in boxing. He played in many sports excelling in soccer and distance running. In 1976, he smashed the 1,500 m cross country record by 23 seconds. He competed at state track and field championships dreaming of competing at the world championships.

David trained many times with Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke (10th Dan Black Belt and Founder of Shotokan Karate International Federation) from whom he earned his 1st to 3rd Dan Black Belt grades. He earned his 4th Dan from Nobuaki Kanazawa Kancho and his 5th Dan from Manabu Murakami Shihan. He is a previous AKF (ACT) Coach, previous SKIA Team Manager 2011-2013 and SKIA NSW Committee member 2017-2023.

Davids' first karate tournament was a regional competition. After training and competing in several more tournaments, he saw they could be a pathway for improving karate, fittness and mental strength. Over the years, he has competed in over 150 events as a masters competitor. He competed at regional, state, national and international level including four consecutive SKIF World Karate Championships and an International competition. David has been fortunate to have acheived some tournament success including 15 state titles, six Australian Titles and five World and International Championship medals. 

David is a SKIF International Referee, a SKIA Chief Referee and member of the SKIA National Referee Council. He was awarded the Sensei Memduh Sanli Perpetual Trophy for Officiating Excellence in 2019. He has developed an extensive teaching background both inside and outside the karate dojo for over 30 years. He is a qualified Australian Sports Commission Coach and Fitness Instructor who has coached dozens of students to state and national tournament success. He has taught karate at state and national seminars in Australia and has also taught karate classes in Japan, Europe and online internationally.

As a seasoned sport karate athelete over many years, David developed an accute appreciation of the physical and mental committment required to compete at international level. He has faced some formidable opponents but despite his relative success, it has never been about the trophies. He just wanted to improve his karate, health and fitness identify and push beyond his limits. This was achieved with hard work, self-belief and the support of coaches, instructors, friends and family. Over the years, David has met many challenges with dedication and determination. It hasn't always been easy or successful but he never gave up believing in the possiblities.

Performing kata in the finals at the 2016 SKIF World Championships in Indonesia. David vividly remembers it felt: "almost entirely internal - I didn't hear the crowd or think about opponents or the what ifs. I was in tune with my breathing and timing, focused on segway between relaxation and explosive movements and each technique. Walking off the mats I was elated. It was the same with kumite - I did my best leaving everything on the matts. I placed 2nd in kata and 3rd in kumite. Looking back to the early days of my karate I can see how far I have come, how much I have grown and learned and how my karate has improved. I found my potential and achieved my dreams". The journey continues.