Sensei Clint Mares, Australia
Two broken vertebrae and shattered legs from a motocross accident, were not enough to stop Sensei Clint Mares from continuing with karate and setting a goal to reach Black Belt. Now a Regional Manager in Region 15 Australia, Sensei Clint shares his journey of courage and perseverance with GKR Stories.
In 2002, I joined GKR Karate as a 21-year-old searching for direction. I started as a membership consultant, but GKR quickly became so much more. It gave me a mentor, a mission, and a completely new way of thinking. I stopped partying. I started reading personal development books. I committed to becoming someone I could genuinely be proud of.
Karate transformed my life. I went from a lost young adult to guiding new students, and soon after stepped into a leadership role as an Assistant Manager. I had purpose, discipline, and big ambitions.
Then in 2004, everything changed. A motocross accident shattered both my legs, broke two vertebrae in my back, and nearly cost me my left foot. Doctors told me I might never walk again.
I refused to accept that outcome.
Karate had already built something powerful inside me – resilience. From a hospital bed, I set my first goal: to walk again before my birthday, six months away. After that, another goal followed… to earn my black belt.
I returned to training in a wheelchair and continued to help new students where I could from the sidelines. I trained through pain–first in a boot, then with nothing but determination and grit. In 2006, I earned my Sho Dan Ho. In 2007, I was promoted to Regional Manager in Wellington, New Zealand. In 2021, I achieved 4th Dan.
But the most important thing GKR gave me wasn’t a belt or a title.
It was a mindset.
The belief that no obstacle is final. That discipline, consistency, and vision can overcome circumstances that feel impossible.
If you’re struggling right now–feeling stuck, broken, or behind–know this: your journey isn’t over. In fact, this is often where the story turns. Decide that you’re stronger than your situation. Train with purpose. Grow through pain.
And never forget–your black belt isn’t just something you wear.
It’s someone you become.
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