Instructor

Resident Instructor

David Rush

 B App Sci - Fitness Instructor

SKIA National Referee Council Member

Previous SKIA NSW Committee Member (2017-2023)

Previous Australian Team Manager (2011-2013)

Previous AKF ACT Coach & AKF NCAS Dojo Instructor

David earned his 1st to 3rd Dan grades from Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke (10th Dan Black Belt and Founder of Shotokan Karate International Federation). He was graded to 4th Dan by Nobuaki Kanazawa Kancho and to 5th Dan by Manabu Murakami Shuseki Shihan.

2026 marks 30 years of karate training and 25 years of teaching karate for David. He began learning karate in the early 1980s after training and competing in boxing. He played many sports excelling in football and distance running. In 1976, he broke the ACT 1,500 m cross country record by 23 seconds! David competed at state championships dreaming of competing at the world level.

Some of David's highlights include being awarded the Sensei Memduh Sanli Perpetual Trophy for Officiating Excellence in 2019 and Refereeing at the SKIF World Championships in Hungary in 2023. He has developed an extensive teaching background inside and outside the karate dojo for over 30 years. He has coached dozens of students to their own tournament success and also taught karate at state and national seminars in Australia and also taught classes in Japan, Europe and online internationally.

In 2001, David experienced his first karate tournament and after several more, he saw they could help improve karate techniques, fittness and mental strength. Over the years, David has competed in over 150 events as a masters competitor. He competed at four consecutive SKIF World Karate Championships and an International tournament. He has acheived 17 state and 8 Australian titles and 5 World Championship medals.

Over the years, David has 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 wants to improve his karate, health, fitness and, identify and push beyond his limits. This is achieved with hard work, self-belief and support of coaches, instructors, friends and family. 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 possibilities.

David performing kata to win silver at the 2016 SKIF World Championships in Indonesia. The journey continues!

David's Tournament Success

SKIF WCH 2016 Indonesia - Masters Individual Kata Silver and Individual Kumite Bronze

SKIF WCH 2012 Sydney - Masters Team Kumite Bronze & Finalist in Masters Individual Kata & Kumite

SKIA, AKF & NAS National Tournaments - Masters Individual Kata Champion (2026, 2025, 2022, 2010, 2009, 2009 & 2005)

SKIA National Championships - Masters Individual Kumite Champion (2015)

3rd International Karate Championships - Masters Individual Snr Kyu Grade Kata Champion & Individual Kumite Silver (2003)

20th Australian Masters Games - 50yrs + All Styles Individual Kata Bronze (2025)