Soke Les Elliott.
Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame, 1999
World Karate Union Hall of Fame, 1999
Professional Karate Coach of the Year 1999
Australian Sports medal 1999
"If you want to know what type of teacher a person is,
you do not have to study him directly.
Simply look at his students.
The character and personality of a teacher is always reflected in the students.
When I look at my students it is like looking in a mirror.
If they don't look good - invariably something is wrong with me".
Always an involved sportsman, Soke Les did not discover Karate until his early 30's.
Soke says, "Karate was the sport that I had unknowingly been looking for. From the first class I realised that Karate could give me a sense of fulfillment that I had not found in other sports. I have never lost that feeling".
Soke Les was extremely motivated and trained 6 to 8 times a week.
For several years his life revolved around the Dojo. This hard work paid off and he attained his Black Belt in the Goshin system, going on to become a Senior Instructor.
In 1990 Soke made the decision to change direction and devote more time to his Karate. This led to a new lifestyle and a move to Tasmania where he opened a Dojo.
Goshin's main club at this time was going through a turbulent period with many changes being made and was evolving in a new direction that was in direct conflict to Sokes beliefs.
Soke Les then made the difficult decision to break away from Goshin, and with the support of his students continued on as an independant club.
The late John Newman MP and AKF President, Soke good friend and fellow Martial Artist, was of great help and guidance during this period.
At this time the name "Toshi" was chosen by the students as the club's new identity, it was a very apt choice as it means "Fighting Spirit".
Soke then undertook the search for a style that would fulfill his expectations and which would provide an ongoing source of learning for himself and the students.
Hayashi Ha Shito Ryu Kai Karate -Do of Japan met the high standards that Soke was seeking and we followed it's teachings until the club became independant in 2009 as part of it's natural development.
In 2010 Soke Les achieved his 4th Dan and his 5th Dan in 2011, His 6th Dan in 2016, awarded to him by the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
He is continuing to work towards higher levels. However he does not see this as a high priority.
He says, "It is very hard to teach and at the same time train for higher Dan gradings.
I now take pride in seeing the triumphs and successes of my students".
Soke is very proud of the fact that his daughter Shihan Kathy Gangemi and Grandaughter Sempai Elise are now members of his Academy.
Soke Les Elliott's Personal Profile
Graded to Rokudan ( 6th ) Dan by Australasian Martial Arts of Fame Sokeship Council Aug 2016
Graded to Yondan (4th Dan) Jodo - November 2012 in Japan
Yondan, ( 4th Dan) Seitei Iaido 2011
Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Sokeship Council sanctioned 5th Dan Karate 2011
Black Belt Godan 4th Dan Shito Ryu Karate, awarded by Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2010
Black Belt, Sandan 3rd Dan in Hayashi Ha Shito Ryu Kai of Japan.
Black Belt, Sandan Seitei Jodo
Black Belt, Yondan Seitei Iaido
Shodan Tamiya Ryu Iaido (graded in Japan in 2004 directly by Soke Seirin Tsumaki (dec)
Budokan Academy, Sandan
Black Belt Nidan Shotokan Karate
Black Belt in Goshin Karate.
Black Belt, Australian Karate Federation 1993
Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee: Professional Karate Coach - 1999
(Nominees selected from 33 countries in the Australasian region. Soke was the first Tasmanian to receive this honour.)
Iaido Kyu Grade Champion 2002 and 2003.
Jodo Pairs Champion 2002 (partner Christine Cash)
Australian Iaido Jodo Championships 2013 Hobart, Second place 4th Dan Iaido div.
Finalist, Tasmanian Sports Star Awards ,1999-2000-2001.
Assistant National Coach 1999 to 2004.
Tasmanian State Coach 1992 to 2004
Tasmanian State Coaching Co-ordinator 1992-2004.
Level 2 National Coaching Council Australia
Former Safety consultant to the Department of Corrective Services Tasmania (Risdon Prison).
Australian Sports Medal for services to Sport 1999