Sport
5 June, 2026
Maryborough Karate Club’s Gary Oliver earns international award in Japan
Maryborough Karate Club Sensei Gary Oliver recently completed a memorable three-week trip to Japan, headlined by a remarkable international achievement.
Oliver has travelled to Japan on numerous occasions, including a trip last year where he presented in front of his Grand Master Fusei Kise (10th Dan) alongside fellow Maryborough Karate Club members Brendon Gartside and Rod Curnow.
As an Australian branch member of Japan’s oldest martial arts organisation, Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, Oliver was invited by the head of the Australian branch to represent his country at the World Butoku Sai event.
Held at the Butokuden in Kyoto, the historical and spiritual home of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, the prestigious event invited members from around the world.
At the conclusion of the event, Oliver’s Australia team received the Outstanding Team Award for their five presentations of karate, jujitsu, iaido, jodo and kobudo.
Given the calibre of the local and international performers, Oliver said he’s extremely proud of the achievement.
“At the end of the day, there was a big presentation. The mayor of Kyoto gave an award to an individual and the cousin of the royal family also gave out an award,” he said.
“Then they announced the Outstanding Team Award goes to Australia. I wasn’t expecting it at all. We went out and collected our certificates, which was good.”
While in Kyoto, Oliver also attempted the 6th Dan in Kendo for the first time. Despite not passing, Oliver said it was an important learning experience.
“Over 600 people were attempting and a week later there were another 600 in Tokyo, but they only passed about 15 percent, so it’s very hard,” he said.
“I was the second fight and that was a bit intimidating because we had four courts in the morning and there were six 8th Dans on each floor and there were about 30 people on the side waiting to be seen.
“It’s sobering and I didn’t expect to get through but one of the guys from Brisbane who’s a 7th Dan said I really looked good, so I felt I didn’t do too bad, but the judges weren’t impressed enough.
“I’ll go back to do the 6th Dan again.”
Oliver also travelled to Okinawa to train with his Grand Master Fusei Kise and work alongside Fusei Kise’s grandson Sensei Chofu Kise and Sensei Thomas Tyler.
Oliver said it’s always a privilege to receive in-person corrections and refinements from his teacher.
“I’ve known Grand Master Fusei Kise for nearly 50 years, but to see him still training is amazing,” Oliver said.
“He’s 91 now, so he doesn’t communicate, but if I write that I’m coming, he welcomes me in.
“He usually got a script of paper with answers to my questions and he just sat there.
“If there’s something I wanted, he would get up, show me what I’ve done wrong and away we go.”