In WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
Gary Simpson, Hanshi, 9th Dan and Steven Andreazza, Shihan, 6th Dan are the Head Instructors of Zanshin Kai Karate Do and Kobudo.
Gary Simpson (Chief Instructor):
Training for almost 50 years, Gary Simpson first started in the early 1970’s after he was threatened by a bully in high school. Another boy stepped in and protected Gary. His name was Warren King (1956 – 1980).
Warren was one of the very first Shotokan karate practitioners in Western Australia and he also trained in ju-jutsu under the late Jan de Jong of Ju Jutsu Kan. Gary was so impressed with what Warren could do that he immediately began training with him. Sadly, in 1984, Warren was killed in a motor cycle crash.
Since 1 January, 2003, Gary has trained EVERY DAY without missing even a single day.
He specialises in self defence, Shotokan (particularly kata), ju-jutsu and kobudo (weapons). In kobudo, Gary is proficient with the bokken, kama, tonfa, bo, jo, katana, sai and several more esoteric weapons. He also spent many years practicing tai chi.
Over the years he has worked in the security industry and has trained 100’s of students, many of whom have found excellence in many and varied life pursuits outside karate including an undefeated Australian female boxing champion, a brain surgeon and even a WWE wrestler.
Today, he has his own style called Zanshin Kai Karate Do and Kobudo – a blend of everything he has learned. He has a massive library of martial arts books and videos.
PHOTO 1: Training in Shotokan in 1970-71 with the late Warren King.
PHOTO 2: Warren King, Gary’s first Sensei, enjoying a beer in Germany shortly before his death.
PHOTO 3: With David Deandrade (left), a long-term student, who Gary considers was his most talented of all time. Gary says: “David had a side kick that would rival Bruce Lee’s – explosive and incredibly fast. If you blinked you would miss it!”
PHOTO 4: Gary’s karate training has branched out into many philosophical pursuits such as motivation and self esteem.
PHOTO 5: Bodyguard to Tom Jones (left), Gary Simpson (centre) and journalist (right) – circa 1985.
PHOTO 6: Gary Simpson performing a jumping spinning outside crescent kick onto a kick pad while cross-training in styles with Goju Kai black belt – circa late 1970’s.
Steven Andreazza (Associate Instructor):
Steven’s martial arts journey commenced in Victoria in the early 1990’s under Bob Jones’ Zen Do Kai.
For the last dozen or so years he has trained virtually exclusively with Gary Simpson and his input has been invaluable to Gary. Together they pressure test techniques to see what works and what does not work under duress.
PHOTO 7: Steve Andreazza proudly displaying his 6th Dan certificate received from Kensei Barrie Revell, 10th Dan. Steve runs a children’s karate club called Zanshin Little Tigers.
PHOTO 8: Steve Andreazza with Tony Caruso, 7th Dan, after a training session in Perth.
On Steve, Gary says: “If a technique works on Steve then it will probably work on virtually everybody else. He is my sounding board for what works and what doesn’t and we have discovered many surprising things over the years. Without Steve, Zanshin Kai Karate Do and Kobudo would not be as potent as it is. Our techniques work!”
Steven Andreazza is also the current Treasurer of SOMA.
You can see videos of Gary and Steve, in action, under the VIDEO tab on this site or you can watch a sample below. [NOTE: It opens in a new window]:
http://societyofmartialarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Zanshin-Kai-Karate-Do-Ura-Tsuki.mp4
For further information, you can call Gary on O409 309 455.
