Two years ago, students of the form from both Victoria and NSW at the annual Tallangatta training camp were delighted by the announcement that “Sensei Rob”, as he is known, would attempt the grading.

Two of three co-founders of Kokoro Kai, Shihan Allan Guymer (fifth dan) and Shihan Peter Jackson (fifth dan), made the announcement and have played an integral role in Graham’s efforts since then. 

Fellow instructor Andy Zarins said he was inspired by Graham’s dedication. 

“It is a great honour and a lifetime achievement to be up at these grade levels in karate, and it literally takes a lifetime of dedication,” Zarins said. 

“Typical of Sensei Rob, his response was: ‘I think I am expected over in the Siberian salt mines at the behest of Vladimir Putin during that time period’.

“Sensei Rob never got to go to Siberia, but committed himself headlong into what would be an intense personal journey with many personal trials to overcome.”

At these levels, the gradings are closed to all other persons with only the highest of ranks in attendance. 

They are also gruelling tests of not only physical ability, but also mental strength, knowledge, application and commitment to karate and the organisation.

As part of his grading requirement, Sensei Rob had to complete a level two coaching course with the National Coaches Accreditation Scheme which goes in-depth into sports sciences, athlete physiology and advanced training concepts. 

The course can take 12-18 months to complete and was described by Zarins as “quite intense”, but the qualification allows coaches to lead athletes into world arenas of competition karate. 

Passing with flying colours, the next challenge for Graham was to organise full gradings from beginners to black belts at the 2014 training camp. 

With extensive knowledge leading his Candelo dojo, Graham handled the gradings professionally and moved to the next stage. 

“As if this wasn’t enough, the next phase of Rob’s grading requirement was to undergo an intense personal grading in Victoria late last year,” Zarins said. 

“Shihans Allan and Peter were already putting the pressure on, but the intensity ramped up when world renowned Australian Karate Federation (AKF) coach Sensei Glenn Goodwin walked through the door to turn the heat right up.”

Sensei Goodwin is a sixth dan instructor with the Miyagi Kan school. 

Overcoming the challenge, Graham was awarded the rank of Shihan (master instructor) at a special dinner presentation recently. 

He now boasts five red stripes over his black belt. 

“All of Shihan Rob’s students and families would like to congratulate him on this achievement,” Zarins said. 

Any persons interested in joining and training with Kokoro Kai Goju Australia are invited to call Shihan Rob on 0427 945 930.