Instructor

Sensei Amanda Baker - Resident Instructor

Began training in Shotokan karate at the age of 11;
Joined the North American Shotokan Karate Association (NASKA – affiliated with JKA) in 1990;
Joined the Japan Karate Association (JKA) in 1999, training in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido Japan from 1999-2002;
Graded to Shodan (1^st dan) under Nobuyuki Nakahara in 2000 (JKA);
Graded to Nidan (2^nd dan) under Ueki Masaaki in 2002 (JKA);
Took a 10 year hiatus while working through various university degrees;
Joined Shotokan Karate International Australia (SKIA - a member of SKIF) in 2014;
Confirmed Nidan (2^nd dan) under Nobuaki Kanazawa Kancho in 2015 (SKIA);
Graded to Sandan (3^rd dan) under Nobuaki Kanazawa Kancho in 2019 (SKIA);
Current student of Sensei Brian Cox (8^th dan) in Miranda. Also trains regularly with Sensei Abraham Harada (Bondi), Sensei Ryan Van Leent (Batemans Bay) and Sensei Mark Porreca (Canberra/ACT);
Regularly attends NSW squad training and other karate seminars and events.

National Coaching Accreditation (Bronze)
SKIA Social Media Coordinator
Associate Professor in Education (Teaching Teachers - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
First Aid Certificate
Working with Children Check
NSW Police Check
Member Protection Information Officer (Play by the Rules)

Mira Mandic Memorial Medal – NSW State Championships – Best Performance – Female (2018)
Won Silver in Veteran’s Female Kata and Bronze in Kumite in the National Championships (2019)
Won Bronze in Female Masters Team Kumite at the SKIF World Championships in the Czech Republic (2019) (Yes, there were only 3 teams but it was such an amazing experience!)