Sensei Les Elliott (3rd Dan)
Australian Sports Medal, 2001
Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame
American
Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Professional Karate Coach of the Year - 1999.
Always an involved and competitive sportsman,
Sensei Les did not discover Karate until his early 30's.
Sensei says, "Karate was the sport
that I had unknowingly been looking for. From the first class
I realised that Karate could give me a sense of fulfillment that
I had not found in other sports. I have never lost that feeling
".
Sensei Les was extremely motivated, and trained
6 to 8 times a week. For several years his life revolved around
the Dojo. This hard work paid off and he attained his Black Belt
in the Goshin system, going on to become one of the senior instructors
in the style.
In 1990 Sensei made the decision to change
direction and devote his time to Karate totally. This led to a
new lifestyle and a move from Sydney to Tasmania, where he opened
a dojo in Tasmania. Sensei was now able to devote more time to
his art, and realised that there were aspects of Karate that his
style had not touched on.
Goshin's main club was at this time going
through a turbulent period with many changes being made, and was
evolving in a new direction that was in direct conflict to his
beliefs. Sensei Les then made the difficult decision to break
away from Goshin, and with the support of senior students continued
on as an independent club.
"Toshi" means "Fighting
Spirit". This name was chosen by the students as an indication
of the unity within the club.
Sensei Les then undertook a search for a style
which would fulfil his expectations, and which would provide an
ongoing source of learning for himself and his students. Hayashi-Ha
Shito Ryu Kai Karate-Do of Japan met the high standards
that Sensei was seeking, and the club now follows its teachings.
Sensei Les achieved his 3rd Dan in 1998 and
is continuing to work towards higher levels. However, he does
not see this as a high priority. He says "It is very
hard to teach and at the same time train for higher Dan ratings.
My main goals are now in seeing the triumphs and successes of
my students."
"If they are meant to, the higher
rankings will come with time."
Sensei Les Elliott is Tasmania's only full
time professional Karate Coach. His accreditation with Institute
of Sport (Canberra), and the Australian
Coaching Council (Canberra) make him one of the most highly qualified
instructors in the State.
Les Elliott: Personal Profile:
- Black Belt (3rd Dan) in Hayashi-Ha Shito-Ryu
Kai of Japan
- Black Belt, Jodo* 2002 (2nd Dan 2003)
- 2nd Dan, Seitei Iaido** 2003
- Shodan Tamiya Ryu Iaido
(graded in Japan 2004)
- Black Belt Shotokan
- Black Belt in Goshin
- Finalist, Tasmanian Sport Star Awards 2000
in category of Professional Coach of the Year.
- Australasian Martial Arts Hall of
Fame: Professional Karate Coach - 1999.
(Nominees were selected from 33 countries in the Australasian
region. Sensei is the first Tasmanian to receive this honour.)
- Iaido Kyu Grade champion 2002 and 2003
- Jodo pairs champion 2002 (partner Christine
Cash)
- Secretary / Treasurer Tasmanian Kendo Renmei
Inc.
- Assistant National Coach - Australian National
Karate Team 1999 - 2004
- Tasmanian State Coach 1992-2004
- Level 2 Coach: National Coaching Council Australia
- Level 1 presenter for Tourism Sport and Recreation
- Olympic Council Representative
- Former Senior Safety Consultant to the Department
of Corrective Services (Risdon Prison)
* Jodo is defence against the Japanese sword using a short, hardwood
pole, (Jo).
** Iaido is the study of traditional Japanese swordsmanship
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