DAVID YEOMANS
Branch Head
Nidan Dan | Instructor D | Judge D
“What is the root of my Karate-Do?”
Get to know the Head Instructor
David Yeomans is a passionate and approachable instructor dedicated to helping students grow both inside and outside the dojo. He is committed to continual self-improvement and believes that the principles of Budo extend far beyond karate, helping students develop confidence, discipline, resilience, and respect in everyday life.
Before beginning his journey in traditional Shotokan Karate, David was no stranger to all types of sport making it to National levels in Athletics and Soccer in South Africa, Club Level Rugby Union for Hills Rugby in Baulkham Hills and trained in Boxing and Wrestling throughout high school. After taking a break from martial arts in his early twenties, he intended to return to Boxing. However, after witnessing a demonstration of the kata Saifa by a friend, he was captivated by the power, precision, and technical skill it displayed.
Inspired to learn more, David attended his first Karate class and has never looked back.
That decision marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the study of traditional JKA Shotokan Karate.
Profile:
After attaining 7th kyu, David began researching the techniques and applications of the karate he was being taught. During this time, he discovered videos from the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) and Naka Tatsuya Sensei of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), which inspired him to arrive early to classes to practise the JKA Heian kata.
His dedication quickly caught the attention of his Sensei, Robin, who had been assisting with the class. Recognising David's commitment and desire to learn, Robin also began arriving early to teach him, and would often stay after class to share stories and lessons from his years training with the KUGB.
After attaining 3rd kyu in 2018, David was welcomed by Nishimura Shihan and, following months of intensive private training with Robin, was accepted into the Japan Karate Association Australia (JKAA) as a 1st kyu in 2019.
Shortly afterwards, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the JKA dojo where they had been training. Robin subsequently established JKA Castle Hill, with David becoming the dojo's first student. Under Robin's guidance, David attained his Shodan through Nishimura Shihan in 2021, followed by his Nidan and JKA Instructor D qualification through Izumiya Shihan and Ueda Sensei in 2024. He also became an Assistant Instructor at JKA Castle Hill.
Since then, David has also attained his JKA Judge D qualification and, in June 2026, established the JKAA branch in Campsie, where he serves as Head Instructor.
Outside the dojo, David works as a contract sports coach, teaching a variety of sports to children in schools throughout Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
David's goal is to develop students through the way of Budo, helping them apply the principles they learn in the dojo to all aspects of life and excel in whatever they choose to pursue.
David is a qualified JKA Instructor and JKA Judge, holds current First Aid and CPR certification, and is approved to work with children in Australia under the Working With Children Check (WWCC).
