A Lunch to Remember

The celebration wasn’t just an event; it was a reflection of the spirit that Kyoshi Steve has inspired for decades. Friends, students, and instructors travelled from all over to share stories, show respect, and laugh at memories that are and is Kyoshi Steve.

The room was filled with energy, not the kind that comes from sparring or kata, but from connection. Every person there had been shaped, in some way, by Kyoshi’s guidance. From his patience in the early days of training to the quiet wisdom he shares in every class, it was clear: this was more than a 40th celebration. It was a tribute to a lifetime of influence.

When you talk about Kyoshi Steve, it’s hard to separate the man from the myth. To generations of martial artists, he’s been a teacher, mentor, and friend, and for one special Saturday, the Shuryu Dojo and Martial Arts community came together to celebrate everything he has given to the art, to the dojo, and to each of us.

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From White Belt to Wisdom

The journey under Kyoshi Steve isn’t about belts or titles. It’s about growth.

Ask anyone who has trained with him, and they’ll tell you; he teaches more than technique. He teaches presence, discipline, and self-awareness. He has that rare ability to see potential before you do, and he never lets you give up on it.

As stories were shared during the lunch, one theme came through again and again: consistency. Kyoshi has been there, through every evolution of the dojo, every student’s first nervous bow, and every black belt grading that pushed someone past their own limits, including mine.

That is the real measure of mastery, not in how many students he’s trained, but how many lives he’s shaped.

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Man, Mentor, and Martial Artist

It’s easy to call Kyoshi Steve a martial artist, but he’s so much more.

He’s a philosopher in motion, a mentor who reminds you that the hardest battles are often internal. His teaching goes beyond fighting, it’s about balance, respect, and understanding your own strength.

The day reminded us that Shuryu Dojo isn’t just a training space, it’s a community built on shared values. And at the centre of that community stands a man who has quietly led by example for over four decades.

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Laughter, Legacy, and Lessons

There were plenty of light-hearted moments too. Photos from the early years sparked laughter (and a few groans at those interesting facial expressions). Old friends reconnected.

But the deeper thread of the day was legacy.

Legacy in the dojo. Legacy in the families who train together. Legacy in every student who teaches the next generation.

That ripple effect, the one Kyoshi started years ago, continues to expand on the Sunshine Coast with previous students now becoming club owners of their own. Ray and Cath with Mizuchi Dojo.

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The Spirit of Shuryu

Every dojo has a heartbeat.

At Shuryu, that pulse is strong because it’s been built on respect, discipline, and care. The celebration wasn’t just about looking back; it was about recognising how those values continue to guide the future.

As Soke Brad said during his speech about Kyoshi Steve:

“Kyoshi doesn’t just turn up, he turns up for others, even when no-one arrives to class for training.”

And that’s a quality that makes him both man and myth.

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Thank You, Kyoshi

To end the lunch, Kyoshi said “If I’ve got anything to say about it, definitely more will come”.

No words could fully express what he has given, to students, to the art, and to the community that surrounds him. But through every smile and every shared story, one message came through clearly:

Thank you, Kyoshi Steve. For everything.

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Want to Be Part of the Shuryu Dojo Family?

The celebration reminded everyone that martial arts is about more than movement, it’s about belonging.

If you’ve ever thought about training, reconnecting, or finding your next challenge, Shuryu Dojo welcomes you.

Join a class or connect with Kyoshi Steve to start your own journey.

0419 108 721

steve@panebiango.com

www.a4ma.com.au

Warana, Sunshine Coast, QLD

Written by Dean for Kyoshi. October 2025.

Proudly part of BJMA