Ashihara Karate World Independent Union
Join our Karate Organization for all ages and levels!
Ashihara Karate World Independent Union
Join our Karate Organization for all ages and levels!
Our Philosophy
Welcome to Ashihara Karate
The Evolution of Smart Defense and Strategic Positioning
Welcome to the official home of Ashihara Karate. Rooted in the Japanese tradition but evolved for modern reality, we practice a style known globally as "Fighting Karate"—defined not by brute force, but by safety, logic, and the principle of Sabaki.
At [Organization Name], we believe martial arts should be accessible to everyone. Whether you are seeking physical fitness, mental discipline, or practical self-defense, our dojo doors are open.
Our Founder: Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara
Ashihara Karate is the enduring legacy of Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara (1944–1995). A formidable and highly respected practitioner of Kyokushin Karate, he recognized the need for a martial art that was more effective and rational in a street-defense scenario.
He spent years developing a system that focused less on rigid forms and more on real-world application. His vision was to move away from head-on combat toward a scientific, fluid approach. This quest for a more efficient method led directly to the creation of Ashihara Karate and its defining philosophy: Sabaki. His teachings continue to influence martial artists across the globe, ensuring his legacy lives on in every dojo.
What is Sabaki
Sabaki
Don't Meet Force with Force. Control It.In many traditional martial arts, the strategy is often a linear collision. Ashihara Karate takes a different path.Sabaki represents a method of circular movement and strategic positioning. Instead of absorbing a blow, an Ashihara practitioner moves to the "blind spot" (the side or back of the opponent). By stepping off the line of attack, you effectively neutralize the opponent’s power while positioning yourself to counter-attack safely.This scientific approach means that a smaller person can effectively defend themselves against a larger opponent. It transforms fighting from a contest of strength into a game of strategy, exactly as Kancho Ashihara intended.
Our Programs
Why Train With Us?
- Rational Training: We have removed stylized, non-practical movements. Every technique in our curriculum serves a real-world purpose.
- Safety First: Our training allows for "Full Contact" intensity but emphasizes control and technical proficiency, making it a perfect lifelong pursuit.
- Mind & Body: Beyond self-defense, Ashihara training builds incredible cardiovascular health, flexibility, and the mental resilience to overcome daily challenges.
Our Philosophy
One World, One Family
Find Your Local Branch Ashihara Karate is a truly global community. We are united by the same white Gi, the same curriculum, and the same spirit of friendship fostered by our founder.We have active branches across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Whether you are looking for a dojo in your hometown or visiting a branch while traveling abroad, you are always welcome on our mats.Ready to start your journey?
Instructors
Shihan Harry Gorter 7th Degree BlackBelt Holland
Shihan Mark Cousins 7th Degree Blackbelt Australia
Shihan Mark Cousins 7th Degree Blackbelt Australia
Ashihara Karate (AKWIU) – Shihan 7th dan (2018)
Seishin Budo Kyukai – Kyoshi 7th dan (2024)
World Kumite Organization – 6th dan (2017)
Director Budo Masters Council – since 2006
Level 1 Kapap Israeli Point Shooting – Albert Timen 2009
Certified Instructor Jim Wagner Reality Based Personal Protection (RBPP), Level3 (expert level) 2009
Certifie
Ashihara Karate (AKWIU) – Shihan 7th dan (2018)
Seishin Budo Kyukai – Kyoshi 7th dan (2024)
World Kumite Organization – 6th dan (2017)
Director Budo Masters Council – since 2006
Level 1 Kapap Israeli Point Shooting – Albert Timen 2009
Certified Instructor Jim Wagner Reality Based Personal Protection (RBPP), Level3 (expert level) 2009
Certified Instructor Pangamot (Panantukan) – Level 5 (2012)
Certified Instructor Bas Rutten Pancrase (MMA) - 2nddan (2003)
Leraar (Teacher) Martial Arts certification – 1998
Thai Boxing instructor - 1998
Certified instructor Jon Bluming Kyokushin Budokai Allround – 1995
Certified Kyokushin Budokai allround fighting referee – 1995
Certified Instructor Philippine knife fighting 1996
Certified Ashihara karate instructor – 1991
Certified Ashihara karate referee – 1991
1st dan Kyokushin karate (1984)
Shihan Mark Cousins 7th Degree Blackbelt Australia
Shihan Mark Cousins 7th Degree Blackbelt Australia
Shihan Mark Cousins 7th Degree Blackbelt Australia
Shihan Mark Cousins, one of the head committee members of Ashihara Karate World Independent Union. Born 1961. Trained in boxing 70's early 80's. Started training in Ashihara karate in 1984. Has trained in Japan, U.S and Thailand. In the late 80's trained with and was graded to black belt by the late Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara the founder o
Shihan Mark Cousins, one of the head committee members of Ashihara Karate World Independent Union. Born 1961. Trained in boxing 70's early 80's. Started training in Ashihara karate in 1984. Has trained in Japan, U.S and Thailand. In the late 80's trained with and was graded to black belt by the late Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara the founder of Ashihara karate in Matsuyama Japan. Also currently a 4th dan in Iaido, and a 3rd dan in Akai Ryu Kobudo. Our dojo is in the state of Victoria about one hour from Melbourne.
Professor Darren Meyer 1st Degree Blackbelt USA
Shihan Mark Cousins 7th Degree Blackbelt Australia
Professor Darren Meyer 1st Degree Blackbelt USA
Darren has been training martial arts since 1996 started with Kung Fu. He has a 2nd degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won, black belt in Kudo, and a Brown belt in Enshin Karate. Darren was a live-in student for 9 months at the headquarters underneath a grandmaster, a black belt in Ashihara karate and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Ki Jit
Darren has been training martial arts since 1996 started with Kung Fu. He has a 2nd degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won, black belt in Kudo, and a Brown belt in Enshin Karate. Darren was a live-in student for 9 months at the headquarters underneath a grandmaster, a black belt in Ashihara karate and black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Ki Jitsu Budo. Acquired his full Sensei certification in Reiki Holy Fire. Darren has had master level coaching & teaching. Trained 10+ years judo, full contact karate & muay thai. Has trained in Thailand, Philippines, Israel. Has worked with mentally challenged kids, teens, & adults. Has been giving back to community by volunteering to teach them once a week. Has a deep passion to see his students grow and reach their full potential.
Our Black Belts and dojos
AKWIU
Karate clubs throughout the world. Have you found yourself not connected to a world organization through no fault of your own? Would you like to give your students the security of being connected to a world body? If you have your own curriculum and would like to carry on running your school as you have always done, but would like to be connected to a world Ashihara organization, maybe Ashihara karate world independent union (AKWIU) is for you. But we are always here if you need technical advice. Plus your dan rank will be listed on our Dan list below.
World Dan list. ** Updated September 4th 2025 **
AKWIU Directors:
Cho-Shihan Harry Gorter - Netherlands
Shihan Mark Cousins - Australia https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16aECZuw1n/ cous1961@yahoo.com
Special Advisor:
Hanshi Chris R Dessa - New Zealand 9th dan (H) https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ErXEWkQNq/?mibextid=controlMsg 64.09.0212019357 KYOSHISHIHAN@GMAIL.COM
Nanadan:
Harry Gorter - Netherlands
Mark Cousins - Australia
Rokudan:
Nicolae Costin - Romania
Godan:
Alain Fontaine - France
Satan Shrestha - Nepal (P)
Rajendra Kumar - Nepal (P)
Anthony Pousset - France (P)
Yondan:
Franco Tigele - Netherlands
Brad Cousins - Australia
Rajesh Joshi - Nepal (P)
Madhu Lama - Nepal (P)
Sandan:
Tim Malloch - Australia
Niels Bergervoet - Netherlands
Dennis Bergervoet - Netherlands
Andrew Whitford - Australia
Jochem van Erkelens - Netherlands
Luke Bryant - Australia
Anit Neupane - Nepal (P)
Chandra Khadka - Nepal (P)
Sarita Shrestha - Nepal (P)
Ram Kumar Tharu - Nepal (P)
Babu Ram Lama - Nepal (P)
Gobinda Shrestha - Nepal (P)
Rajendra Kumar - Nepal (P)
Anju Hachhethu - Nepal (P)
Gajendra Bahadur Khapangi - Nepal (P)
Susanta Das - Northest India (P) Ashihara Karate School of India
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BazYzP1p6/ rbnsinha16711@gmail.com +91 9707186146
Ilyassov Shamil - Kazakhstan (P)
Nidan:
Michael Hogan - Australia
Annastasi Stavropoulos - Australia
Andre van de Hulst - Netherlands (P)
Henk de Vries - Netherlands (P)
Biplav Lal Shrestha - Nepal (P)
Sharmila Shresth - Nepal (P)
Shodan:
Annastasi Stavropoulos - Australia
Darren Meyer - USA Denver Ashihara Karate Denver / Grappling Zone https://Grapplingzonekj.com Kijitsu01@gmail.com +1.713.294.8410
Amber Kenyon - Australia
Harris Tigele - Netherlands
River Whitford - Australia
Dale Wright - Australia
Sait Kose - Netherlands
John Wery - Netherlands
Eric Kunst - Netherlands
Ruby Neupane - Australia
Andreas Lee - Netherlands (P)
Rojita Dhungel - Nepal (P)
Bikash Shreshtha - Nepal (P)
Manisha Kunwar - Nepal (P)
Nirupa Dong Tamang - Nepal (P)
Van Jacob Murallon - Philippines Mindanao(P) vandacsai@gmail.com 09551422862 / 09934428544
Ana Anastasia Costin - Romania
Nicolae Alwin Costin - Romania
Dan Constantin Bulbuc - Romania
Elena Petrea - Romania
Note that this list is not complete as it does not contain all international dan members. Members in other countries will soon be added. Effort is being made to award all members with recognition. Osu
Join a Community
When you join Ashihara World Independant Union Karate School, you become part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals. You'll make new friends and have the opportunity to participate in fun social events.
Get Started Today
Don't wait to start your Karate journey. We offer classes for students of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Contact us today to schedule your first class!