about guys karate

about GKS

About Us

Shihan LindsayAbout Guy’s Karate School

More Than Karate. Building Stronger People.

Welcome to Guy’s Karate School — a family-owned and operated martial arts school dedicated to helping children, teenagers and adults become stronger, more confident and capable through the practice of karate.

Founded by Shihan Lindsay Guy (READ MORE), Guy’s Karate School has grown from a small school established in 2012 into one of the Hunter Valley’s leading martial arts schools.

With more than 40 years of martial arts experience and a 7th Dan in Shotokan Karate, Shihan Lindsay brings a lifetime of knowledge, teaching experience and passion for martial arts to the school. His experience as a martial artist, instructor, referee and mentor continues to influence the way we teach and develop our students.

But our success isn't measured simply by the number of students we have.

It is measured by the confidence we see in a child who once struggled to speak up.

The discipline developed by a student who once found it difficult to concentrate.

The pride on a parent’s face when their child earns their next belt.

The friendships formed on the training floor.

And the character our students carry with them long after they leave the dojo.

That is what Guy’s Karate School is about.


A School Built on Experience

Guy’s Karate School was founded by Shihan Lindsay Guy (READ MORE) , who has dedicated more than four decades to the study, practice and teaching of martial arts.

Beginning his Shotokan Karate journey in 1985, Shihan Lindsay has continued to develop his own skills while sharing his knowledge with generations of students.

Today, he holds the rank of 7th Dan in Shotokan Karate, along with qualifications in Taekwondo and Okinawan weapons. His experience also extends into international competition, refereeing and martial arts education.

This experience is an important part of what makes Guy’s Karate School what it is today.

We believe the best instructors never stop learning — and that knowledge should be passed on.

At Guy’s Karate School, that knowledge is shared with our instructors and students every day.

Our goal isn't simply to teach people how to kick and punch.

Our goal is to use martial arts to help people become better versions of themselves.


From Humble Beginnings to a Purpose-Built Training Centre

Guy’s Karate School began in 2012 at Telarah Public School.

From those early days, the school steadily grew as more families discovered the benefits of our approach to martial arts.

In 2018, we moved into a permanent location, allowing us to establish a stronger foundation for the future.

In June 2024, Guy’s Karate School took another major step forward, moving into our own purpose-built training centre in Rutherford.

Today, our facility provides a dedicated environment where students can train, learn, compete, develop friendships and build confidence.

It is more than simply a place to train.

It is our dojo. Our community. Our home.


Traditional Karate. Modern Teaching.

At the heart of Guy’s Karate School is Traditional Shotokan Karate.

We respect the traditions, discipline and technical foundations of karate while recognising that today's students learn differently from generations before them.

With Shihan Lindsay's decades of experience providing the foundation for our teaching, we combine traditional karate values with a modern, engaging approach to learning.

Students learn:

  • Karate techniques and combinations
  • Kihon (basic techniques)
  • Kata
  • Kumite
  • Movement and coordination
  • Balance and body control
  • Discipline and focus
  • Respect and etiquette
  • Confidence and resilience
  • Practical self-defence principles

Our classes are structured so students know what is expected of them while still enjoying the experience of training.

We take karate seriously — but we also believe students should enjoy coming to class.


More Than What Happens on the Mats

We believe martial arts should influence more than what happens during a lesson.

Our students are encouraged to develop qualities that can benefit them at home, at school, at work and throughout their lives.

Through regular training, students learn that progress doesn't happen overnight.

You practise.

You make mistakes.

You try again.

You improve.

You earn your next belt.

And eventually you look back and realise just how far you've come.

That process teaches something extremely valuable:

You are capable of more than you think.


A Family-Owned School With Family Values

Guy’s Karate School is proudly family owned and operated.

We understand that choosing a martial arts school for your child is about much more than finding somewhere for them to exercise.

You want to know who is teaching them.

You want to know that they are safe.

You want to know that they will be treated with respect.

And you want to know that the values being taught in the dojo are values you are comfortable bringing into your home.

That's why we place such importance on creating a positive, respectful and supportive training environment.

Every student is encouraged to work hard, respect others, take responsibility for their actions and keep striving to improve.

We don't expect students to be perfect. We expect them to keep trying.


Proudly Part of the Community

Guy’s Karate School isn't just a martial arts school.

We are part of the local community and believe strongly in giving back.

Over the years, we have supported local sporting organisations, community initiatives and charitable causes.

Our involvement has included supporting organisations and clubs such as Rutherford Football Club, Maitland Saints AFL and Morpeth Bulls Rugby League, as well as supporting charitable initiatives including Camp Quality, Bravehearts and Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health.

We believe being a successful local business comes with a responsibility to contribute to the community that supports us.

Our students don't just learn about respect and community — we encourage them to live it.


Our Philosophy

We believe karate should develop the whole person.

Not just stronger bodies.

Not just better techniques.

Not just higher grades.

Stronger character.

We want our students to become people who are:

Confident enough to believe in themselves.

Disciplined enough to keep working when things become difficult.

Respectful enough to value the people around them.

Resilient enough to get back up after setbacks.

Focused enough to work towards meaningful goals.

And capable enough to face life's challenges with confidence.

These are lessons that extend far beyond the dojo.


Why Families Choose Guy’s Karate School

Families choose Guy’s Karate School because they are looking for more than a weekly activity.

They are looking for a place where their child can belong.

A place where they can make friends.

A place where they can be challenged.

A place where they can learn discipline without losing the enjoyment of being a kid.

A place where adults can improve their fitness, confidence and martial arts ability.

And a place where experience, tradition and modern teaching come together.

At Guy’s Karate School, we are proud to provide all of that.


Your Journey Starts Here

You don't need to be fit.

You don't need to be flexible.

You don't need to know karate.

And you certainly don't need to be confident before you start.

That's what training is for.

Everyone begins somewhere.

Whether you're looking for a martial arts program for your toddler, a confidence-building activity for your child, a structured environment for your teenager, or a challenging and rewarding martial arts journey for yourself, we'd love to welcome you to Guy’s Karate School.

Come and experience our dojo.

Meet our instructors.

See how we train.

And discover what martial arts could do for you or your family.

Guy’s Karate School

More Than Karate. Building Stronger People.

Your journey starts here.

 

WHAT CLIENTS SAY?

KIND WORDS FROM OUR LOVELY CLIENTS

EXCELLENT
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Based on 116 reviews
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Natasha Palmer profile picture
Natasha Palmer
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Wonderful family feel, very positive with the young students
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Benjamin Martin profile picture
Benjamin Martin
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I wasn’t sure if I would be able to start karate in my late 30’s, but from the beginning Guy’s Karate made me feel welcome. I have greatly enjoyed the senior classes, and I have learned a lot in my first year. The instructors are excellent and generous with their time. I would recommend Guy’s Karate to anyone looking for a high-quality karate school in the Maitland area.
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Laura Ogilvie profile picture
Laura Ogilvie
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Great school. Encourages their students to be the best version of themselves.
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brooke chiddy profile picture
brooke chiddy
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We couldn’t be happier with our choice in karate school for our son Kodi. He has SO much fun and he always looks forward to attending classes. On top of that it truly is a family friendly karate school. Best school in the area in my opinion.
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Aisyah Sukimin profile picture
Aisyah Sukimin
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We’re very happy with Adam’s experience at Guy’s Karate. The instructors are supportive and make every class engaging while teaching important values like respect, perseverance, and self-discipline. Adam always looks forward to training, and it’s been wonderful to see his confidence grow. Thank you for creating such a welcoming environment!
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Kylie Bouwmeester profile picture
Kylie Bouwmeester
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My son was attending a different karate school prior to GKS, one which we weren't happy with. Since coming to GKS he has remained engaged, he participates in every session, gets excited to go and really has fun each time. The senseis want the best from their students. The lessons teach skills to help the students in every day life, not just karate. They are very family oriented and passionate.
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Nicole Martin profile picture
Nicole Martin
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We have been part of the Guy's Karate Family almost 2 years now and the team are absolutely amazing. Our 12 yo daughter loves being a member of the Dojo and her Karate journey has given her so much in so many ways. Many founding positive life lessons, including a junior leadership program. Thank you Shihan and family.
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luke hallam profile picture
luke hallam
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My 11 yo son has been with guys karate school for 3 years now. He has become much more confident in himself, his fitness is growing and he loves turning up to train we are up to 5 sessions a week now. He even has a few trophies to be proud of. Fantastic dojo.
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