Sensei Katie Wallace is one of the finest students and teacher of Goshin Kan Karate. Her knowledge, her attitude to life, her training ability and her character is of the highest of standard and in quality. Sensei Katie has followed the Goshin kan karate system from early childhood and has become one of the finest women karate teachers in the world. Sensei Katie carries herself with dignity and her personality is greatly admired by all who come into contact with her. She has excelled in all avenues of life such as in education, family life, work, karate and as a karate teacher and student. She is a very fine example of a person a high level of standing in the community. Kancho Deena Naidu Sensei's Story “I first started my karate training at Goshin Kan Karate Do at the Rooty Hill Dojo. I was seven years old and very enthusiastic about learning Karate. Since then, Karate is something that I have always enjoyed and will continue to enjoy for many years to come. To me, Karate is more than just a form of defence or a way to keep fit - it’s a way of life. My teacher, Kancho Deena Naidu has always told me that Karate is not just about the physical aspects of becoming a good martial artist, but it is more importantly about becoming a better person. I feel like he does, a true karate-ka are these two aspects and becoming a better Karate-ka. I have learnt that this can be achieved by continuously practising human virtues and values that we are taught. Traditional Karate especially Goshin kan karate-do gives us that important aspect of Do. This then be continued throughout ones life. I believe that this kind of training has helped me to develop my character in all aspects of my life. Over the years, I feel that this has improved my ability to deal with problems in a clear, concise and focused manner. I also believe that my memory, confidence and concentration have improved because of training both my body and my mind. I honestly believe that I wouldn’t be where I am, in life, without doing Goshin Kan Karate and learning what I have learnt over the years. Currently I am a qualified lawyer. I have also completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Social Psychology and Social Research. I work three jobs, study full time and still find time to go to Karate. I am also a Goshin Kan Karate Teacher San Dan Level and have taught both senior and junior grades at a dojo in North Rocks (Sydney) with another Teacher, Sensei Paul Johnson. We have many students and they are exceptional good in terms of character and ability. As an instructor, I know all students need guidance, in all aspects of karate, in order to reach their full potential. It gives me a great sense of achievement to see the difference that I can make to peoples’ lives, especially in relation to their character and personality. The most dramatic differences, that can be seen, are that in the behaviour and attitudes of children who train in the Dojo. Children respond well to both the physical and mental exercises that karate training offers. As a child, I remember being excited every time I went to Goshin Kan Karate. The remarkable thing is that I did not only enjoy doing Karate but I also learnt a lot from it. Karate is an activity that children find both physical and educational, and this is the reason why it is so important for all children to learn. I also strongly believe that it is important for females to learn Goshin Kan Karate or some form of self-defence. Self-defence cannot only improve a women’s physical fitness but can also improve a women’s confidence. I have never ever had to defend myself, and I hope that I never have to, but if the need arose, I’m sure that I would be able to defend myself using what I have learnt at Goshin Kan Karate. Overall, I believe that Karate in terms of kicking , punching, blocking etc. is something that you can learn from almost any instructor, anywhere. Human values, on the other hand, is a different matter. Human values and virtues training is not something that is taught in the average karate school. I believe that this is what sets Goshin Kan Karate apart from the majority of Karate schools in Australia and throughout the world. It training system is not only unique and traditional but has a very positive impact on all its students. It certainly brings out the best in people no matter their abilities or disabilities. Goshin kan karate sees every student in the organisation as a champion in their own right and does not favour only the talented. I also believe that I was extremely lucky to join such a great Karate school, Goshin kan karate-do and to do so at such a young age was even a greater privilege. I thank my parents for that for they encouraged me throughout my training career. I feel extremely privileged that I have had the opportunity to learn from Kancho Deena Naidu. His knowledge, in all aspects of Karate, has inspired me and still continues to inspire me every time I train. I always try to follow my teacher’s way and example and I always do my best. Personally I believe that through doing Karate basically all my life, it has made me the person that I am today. Along with my family and friends, I believe that Goshin kan Karate is probably the biggest thing to shape my life. I feel that it has helped me maintain a healthy mind and healthy body throughout my life and I am sure that it does the same for many other people. I would love to do Karate for the rest of my life but I know how difficult it can be to find time in this fast paced world. I strongly believe that even if at times, we cannot practice the physical aspects of karate, we must always practice the human values. It is the human values and virtues that bring out the best in people. Consequently I believe that this kind of training is essential, not only for martial arts people, but for all people. Sensei Katie Wallace