Anthony Ryan

Started with GKR Karate in 1994

City: Sydney, Australia
Current rank/grade: Roku (6th) dan

Profile

Prior to starting GKR Karate, Anthony Ryan trained daily, for 6years in Hapkido. After meeting members of GKR Karate at a tournament in early 1994, he started training in both styles. Within months Anthony was solely training with GKR Karate and has been training every day for the past 26 years (bar the occasional holiday or hospital treatment). He is currently one of GKR’s senior most instructors, one of only two people who hold the title of Shihan (Master Instructor).

Anthony writes:

As someone who competes and coaches internationally, I spend a lot of time training with martial artists of various styles. While skilled students are found in all styles, I’ve yet to find one that shares GKR’s promotion of character development. The attitudes and etiquette of GKR students seem to shine highly above everyone I’ve trained with. This has even been noted numerous times by highly esteemed instructors in Japan (a country that prides itself on respect and courtesy).

While I’ve never needed the actual self-defence skills karate promotes, I’ve used these character skills on a daily basis to fight off self-doubt and self-criticism. To face my fears and step outside of my comfort zone.

I’ve literally dedicated my life to becoming the most knowledgeable and skilled karateka I can. I’ve trained and taught all over the GKR World as well as tracked down the best coaches in Europe, Africa, Japan, Okinawa (the birthplace of karate) and Fujian, China (the area that inspired the development of Karate). I’m never shy to get in a learn as a beginner.

My students are what motivate me most. I push myself daily so I can continue to feed them with inspiration and knowledge.

Anthony competing in 19XX