More Than a Martial Art.
A Way of Life.

Miyagi Kan Karate Lismore — MKK Lismore — is the Northern Rivers' home of traditional Goju Ryu karate. Located at 7 Union Street, South Lismore, our dojo has been a cornerstone of the local community for years, welcoming everyone from curious beginners to seasoned competitors.

We are part of the Miyagi Kan organisation, one of Australia's most respected karate bodies, founded in 1976 by Hanshi George Barounis, 10th Dan, after he returned from training in Japan in the traditional ways of Goju Ryu Karate-do. With dojos spanning New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand, Miyagi Kan has built a reputation over five decades for producing principled, skilled, and competition-ready martial artists — and MKK Lismore is proud to carry that standard in the Northern Rivers.

The Goju Ryu Tradition

Goju Ryu — meaning "hard-soft way" — is one of the oldest and most technically rich styles of karate. Its roots trace back to Okinawa and the teachings of Kanryo Higaonna, who spent 14 years in Fujian Province, China studying the Whooping White Crane system under Master Ryu Ru Ko. His student, Chojun Miyagi, formalised and named the style in the early 20th century, giving it the philosophical balance that defines it today: the go (hard) of direct, powerful technique meeting the ju (soft) of fluid, circular movement.

Through Miyagi Kan's direct lineage, our students train in a system that can be traced back to Chojun Miyagi himself — an unbroken chain of transmission that is rare and meaningful in the modern martial arts landscape.

Our Instructors

MKK Lismore is led by Head Instructor Sensei Dean Marshall, who has dedicated more than four decades to the martial arts — beginning at age five and never stopping. A former Australian representative competitor, Sensei Dean brings a rare combination of deep traditional knowledge and elite-level competitive coaching experience to the dojo floor. Under his guidance, MKK Lismore has grown to over 200 active students, ranging from young children to people in their 60s.

Alongside him is Sensei Cristy Sulek, 5th Dan — Dean's partner in life and on the dojo floor, and a cornerstone of MKK Lismore in her own right. A long-term practitioner of traditional Goju Ryu, Cristy's teaching is rooted firmly in orthodox Okinawan methodology. Her classes place exacting emphasis on technical precision in kihon, structured and correct kata performance, functional bunkai grounded in mechanics, breath control, and disciplined movement from stable, well-formed stances. In Sensei Cristy's classes, rank is earned through demonstrated competency and genuine understanding — not time served or attendance alone. She is actively involved in kyu and dan gradings and upholds the dojo's technical standards without compromise at every level, from first-timers to black belts. Her philosophy is simple and unwavering: correct training, preserved tradition, and measurable development.

They are supported by a team of experienced black belt instructors including Sensei Krystal Boyce and Sensei Lachlan Yee, who together bring both competitive excellence and a genuine passion for teaching to every class.

Competition & Excellence

Miyagi Kan is a proud member of both the NSW Karate Federation (NSWKF) and the Australian Karate Federation (AKF) — the official governing bodies recognised by the Australian Sports Commission. This means MKK Lismore students can compete at AKF events from local club competitions all the way through to NSW State Championships, National Championships, and beyond.

Our students consistently punch above their weight at the highest levels. MKK Lismore has produced national-level competitors and representatives who have competed internationally — a remarkable achievement for a regional dojo and a testament to the quality of coaching and the commitment of our members.

Community at Our Core

MKK Lismore is woven into the fabric of the Northern Rivers community. When the catastrophic 2022 floods devastated Lismore, the dojo relocated, adapted, and kept training going — because the community needed it. We have raised funds for local families and organisations including Friends of the Koala, and we are committed to making karate accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of age, background, or experience.

Our dojo is fully air-conditioned, purpose-built for karate, and a genuinely welcoming environment where students of all walks of life train alongside each other. That mix — serious competitors, curious adults, energetic kids, and everything in between — is what makes MKK Lismore special.

Whether you're looking to get fit, build confidence, compete at the highest level, or simply find a community that challenges and supports you — the dojo is open, and you're welcome here.