Sensei David commenced training with Samurai International in 1992. Since joining David has been an active member participating in State, National and International events. In 1999 David enrolled in Samurai's Uchi Deshi program (internal instructor training) and graduated in 2002.  David completed this program under the guidence of Sensei Paul Mitchell (Dia Shihan, 8th Dan, Hanshi), Samurai International's world Chief Instructor.  Since graduation David has managed a club within the organisation gaining extensive experience teaching children and adults at Novice, Intermediate and Senior levels.

David travelled to Japan in 1999 to celebrate Shukokai's 50th anniversary and to compete in the Shukokai World Cup and in 2002 to participate in instructor training and development. David has represented Samurai International in Kata and Kumite at State, National and International tournaments and has developed a precise knowledge of competition requirements. David also has officiating experience judging and refereeing Kata and Kumite at State, National and International Shukokai Tournaments.

Sandan Certification
International Instruction Certification (Jun Shidoin)
Uchi Deshi Certification (internal instructor training program)
CCYP Suitability Card

Springtime in Japan

"Karate is a vehicle for self development."

Sensei Paul Mitchell.

It was springtime in Hiroshima, I was on my first trip to Japan. We had been sightseeing and had stumbled onto a Budokai next to the baseball stadium. A Budokai is a large complex where martial artist practice and being a Karate instructor I was naturally intrigued. Down stairs was the Kyudo dojo where students practice an ancient art of archery. Kyudoka, unlike other systems of archery, use a long bow firing arrows from the below the centre point of the bow, this is so it can be used from horseback.

I had never visited a Kyudo dojo before and wanted to look around, however like all things in Japan, it's best to be invited. A gentleman, seeing me standing at the entrance looking in, approached me and asked me to enter. I had been looking forward to travelling to Japan for a long time and had romantic notions of Zen in my thoughts since arriving. The gentleman, dressed in a white Gi top and black Hakama pants faced me as I asked, " Are you the Sensei?" this roughly translates to teacher in English. He replied after frowning a little, "Hai", meaning yes but he hastily added, " but still student".

This egoless statement has remained with me since that day and it is a constant reminder that we are all students and that we must always endeavour to have the beginners mind, for it is with this mind that all the possibilities are open to us.

My Sensei has often stated to me an old saying that says that the usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness. It is with this empty cup that we can carry new knowledge and understanding.

Stuart Grey is one of only a handful of Karateka in the world who are honoured to be Uchi Deshi (inner student) of Dai Shihan Paul Mitchell 8th Dan Hanshi, a living master of Karate.