About
Chief Instructor - Sensei Luke Zapasnik
Sensei Luke Zapasnik is the Chief Instructor ofJKA WODONGA Shuhari Dojo (JKA-WODONGA), with over 33 years of experience in Shotokan Karate, and holds a 4th Dan black belt with the Japanese Karate Association (JKA), the world's largest and most prestigious karate organization, and a 3rd Dan black belt with the prestigous Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF). Sensei Luke has dedicated his life to the study and practice of Karate and Budo, training extensively in Japan, Europe, and Australia.
His journey in karate has been shaped by direct instruction from the late Soke Hirokazu Kanazawa, a pivotal figure in modern Shotokan Karate, as well as senior instructors from SKIF Honbu Dojo, including Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa (8th Dan), Shuseki Shihan Manabu Murakami (8th Dan), and Shihan Ryusho Suzuki (7th Dan). Through these experiences, he has developed a deep understanding of both the technical and philosophical aspects of traditional karate. Additionally, his experience as a competitor spans state, national, and international levels, giving him insight into both the traditional and sporting aspects of karate.
As an Australian Karate Federation (AKF) silver-certified instructor and an Australian Sports Commission-approved Coach, Sensei Luke ensures that students receive structured and progressive training in alignment with best coaching practices. At JKA-WODONGA, he fosters a training environment that is disciplined, respectful, and supportive, following the principles of Shuhari—the journey from learning fundamentals to achieving mastery. His goal is to help each student develop not only technical skills but also the character and mindset that karate cultivates.
Assistant Instructor – Senpai Laura Zapasnik
Senpai Laura Zapasnik is an Assistant Instructor at JKA-WODONGA, bringing a strong background in both traditional and competitive karate. Laura holds a 1st Dan black belt with the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF), having graded at the prestigious SKIF International Seminar in Tokyo, Japan.
A dedicated martial artist, Senpai Laura is a fully qualified and AKF bronze-accredited Karate Instructor, holding First Aid/CPR certifications (HLTAID011) and Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Laura is passionate about Sports Kumite and has an extensive competition history, competing at an Australian-level in the AKF National Championship as a Victorian State Team member as well as in the AKF Australian Open Championships. Additionally Senpai Laura represented SKIA Australia at the 2023 SKIF World Championships in Győr, Hungary.
Senpai Laura is committed to guiding students through their karate journey, emphasizing strong fundamentals, technical precision, and the values of discipline and perseverance. Her first-hand experience in international training and competition allows her to provide valuable insights, helping students develop both their traditional karate skills and competitive mindset.
At JKA-WODONGA, Senpai Laura plays an integral role in fostering a positive, disciplined, and supportive training environment, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction while embodying the principles of Shuhari—the continuous journey of learning, mastery, and self-improvement.
Assistant Instructor – Senpai Peter Smith
Senpai Peter Smith is an Assistant Instructor at JKA-WODONGA. Peter's karate journey is an example for people who may be thinking of starting karate later-in-life, as he first started training karate in his early 50s, showing you're never too old to start your Karate-journey!
Peter holds a 1st Dan black belt with both the Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) and the Australian Karate Federation (AKF), having graded in Tokyo, Japan.
Peter is a dedicated martial artist, and is a fully qualified and AKF bronze-accredited Karate Instructor, holding First Aid/CPR certifications (HLTAID011) and Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Peter first started competing in Sports Karate in 2019, and has competed in state and national-level events.
At JKA-WODONGA, Senpai Peter plays a role in integrating new students into the dojo, with a focus on syllabus-based content and Kata.
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