Ishinryu Karate
Founded by Sensei Ticky Donovan (England, 1973)
Ishinryu Karate: “All of One Heart”
Founded in 1973 by the renowned Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE 10th Dan, Ishinryu Karate blends the powerful techniques of Kyokushinkai, Wado-Ryu, and Shotokan. Drawing from his deep training under Japanese masters, Sensei Donovan developed his own dynamic system and opened his first dojo in Dagenham, London.
Ishinryu quickly gained a reputation for excellence, particularly in the competitive karate world. Sensei Donovan himself was a dominant figure, clinching multiple British, European, and World championships. However, his legacy was truly cemented through his unparalleled success as a coach. Under his guidance, the British men’s and women’s teams achieved five consecutive World men’s team titles and three World women’s team titles—establishing Britain as a karate powerhouse and earning Sensei Donovan an OBE in 1991.
Ishinryu’s influence extends far beyond Britain. With numerous champions in Kumite and Kata at the British, European, and World levels, the Ishinryu family has expanded globally. Today, Ishinryu clubs thrive across England, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and Fiji, continuing to produce world-class competitors.
At its core, Ishinryu places equal emphasis on tradition and competition. Rigorous training in technique and fundamental karate principles are seen as the cornerstone of success. Led by Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE, 10th Dan, Ishinryu remains a respected name in global karate, combining discipline, heritage, and competitive excellence.
Sensei Tony Hails 8th Dan
Head of Style, Ishinryu in Australia
Sensei Tony Hails trained under the legendary Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE in London during the 1970s, Sensei Tony achieved the rank of 2nd Dan and represented England in competition before emigrating to Australia in 1980. There, he founded Ishinryu Karate Australia, expanding the reach of the style across the continent.
As a competitor, Sensei Tony represented Australia in four WKF World Championships, twice as team captain. At the 1986 World Championships in Sydney, he secured 4th place in his division, cementing his status among the world’s top karate fighters. Even at the age of 38, during his final World Championships, he placed 10th, demonstrating his enduring skill and determination.
In the 1980s, Sensei Tony was a standout fighter, captivating audiences with his unique flair, unmatched athleticism, and sharp technique. The pinnacle of his international career came in 1989, when as captain of the Australian team at the Asian Pacific Karate Championships, he defeated his Japanese opponent 6-0 to claim the individual title in his weight division. He then led the Australian Men’s Team to a historic victory over Japan—a result that was unprecedented in Australian karate history.
Nationally, Sensei Tony captained and coached the NSW team for many years, securing seven individual National Titles. He also mentored numerous Ishinryu students, including three current Sensei, helping them represent NSW and Australia over the course of three decades. His expertise extended to coaching the NSW and Australian teams, earning him a WKF coaching award. Since 2009, Sensei Tony has served as mentor coach to Karate Fiji, guiding coaches toward WKF accreditation and leading competitors to success at the Pacific Games and Oceania Championships.
In 2022, Sensei Tony began transitioning his NSW responsibilities to Sensei Alison Peachey, 6th Dan, while continuing his role as Head of Style for Australia. He remains the highest-graded student of Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE, 10th Dan, worldwide.
Sensei Tony holds silver-level dojo coaching qualifications from Sport Australia/AIS.
Sensei Alison Peachey 6th Dan
Chief Instructor, Ishinryu NSW
Sensei Alison Peachey began her karate training with Ishinryu in 1989, earning her black belt in 1992. Soon after, she launched her competitive career, representing NSW at numerous National Championships. As part of the NSW Women’s Team, she secured multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals, and individually, she achieved five consecutive bronze medals at the Australian Open Karate Championships. In 1999, Sensei Alison represented Australia at the Oceania Championships, winning a bronze medal.
While competing, Sensei Alison pursued accreditation as a referee. She attained national accreditation in 2005 and continued her studies through progressive championship experience, earning her World Karate Federation credential in 2018. In 2019, she officiated at her first World Championships (U21, Junior, and Cadet) in Santiago, Chile, and has since refereed in over a dozen countries. Currently, she serves on the Australian Karate Federation’s Referee Commission and is the Chair of the NSW Karate Federation’s Referee Commission.
As a 6th Dan, Sensei Alison is the highest-graded woman in Ishinryu Karate and the highest-graded referee in Ishinryu Karate worldwide. In 2022, she was appointed Chief Instructor for Ishinryu NSW, marking another significant milestone in her distinguished career.
Sensei Alison also holds silver-level dojo coaching qualifications from Sport Australia/AIS.
