THIS month marks 30 years of Mid North Coast Karate empowering the Camden Haven community through the life-changing benefits of martial arts.
Affiliated with the Goshin Ryu Karate Association, the club continues a legacy of developing confidence, discipline, fitness and resilience in students of all ages.
After moving from Sydney more than three decades ago, 7th Dan Kyoshi Peter Becroft saw an opportunity to share his passion for martial arts and founded Mid North Coast Karate.
From humble beginnings at St Joseph’s Hall in Laurieton, Kyoshi Peter soon moved his dojo to beneath the Laurieton United Services Club where he was able to combine his passions of karate and group fitness to establish Camden Haven Fitness Centre.
Following the fitness centre’s move to Bold Street in 2004 and its sale in 2009, Mid North Coast Karate found its permanent home on Ocean Drive, Kew (next door to JRB Joinery) where it continues to serve the local community today.
Kyoshi Peter’s impact extended well beyond the local dojo.
He represented Australia twice at the International Super Martial Arts League World Titles (1997 and 2000), earning third place in Kumite and second place in Kata in 2000.
He also delivered numerous seminars on practical karate applications and travelled to China on two occasions to teach.
Over the past 30 years, Mid North Coast Karate has produced more than 40 black belts, with many students progressing to advanced Dan rankings.
The club has also celebrated strong competitive success through many club, inter-club and state tournaments.
Several students including Sempai Olivia Ustariz, Sempai Jesse Donaldson, Sempai Chloe Olander, Sempai Jay Iveli, Sempai Sam Hilton and Liam Urbanica have also been selected for NSW state teams.
At the Australian National Titles in Rockhampton in 2022, Sempai Jay Iveli and Sempai Sam Hilton achieved second place in Team Kumite, with Sempai Jay also earning second place in individual Kumite.
Following Kyoshi Peter’s passing in 2022, leadership of the club was proudly continued by 3rd Dan Sensei Anissa Hilton, supported by 4th Dan Shaun Budai. Together, they have maintained the club’s strong family-oriented culture while continuing to grow its positive impact in the community.
Sensei Anissa’s own journey reflects the inclusive spirit of the dojo.
Her journey began in 2011 by watching her children train.
“It looked like fun and I wanted to give it a go, but as a mum with young children, I didn’t think I would be able to do it.
“A brief conversation in 2014 with Kyoshi Peter changed everything when he responded with ‘Why can’t you?’” she said.
Encouraged to step outside her comfort zone, Sensei Anissa stepped onto the mat to begin training alongside her children and went on to achieve her 3rd Dan black belt in 2025.
Sensei Shaun Budai, who began martial arts at age eight, earned his black belt in 2012 and later spent three months teaching in China.
With more than 20 years of experience, he remains passionate about helping students reach their full potential.
Today, Mid North Coast Karate continues its mission of developing strong minds and strong bodies.
“Karate isn’t just about marching up and down the dojo and doing patterns,” Sensei Anissa said.
“It teaches you to never give up, to keep trying not just until you can do it, but until you can’t get it wrong.
“It builds resilience, belief in yourself and the confidence to push beyond what you thought was possible.
“Pretty powerful skills to take into every aspect of your life.”
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