Ishinryu Karate Australia’s Founder and Head of Style
Sensei Tony Hails 8th Dan is a well-respected member of the Ishinryu community, becoming the number one student worldwide, after training with Ishinryu for over 40 years.
Sensei Tony’s journey began in England, where he competed for the national team, before emigrating to Australia and quickly becoming an Australian Citizen.
Sensei Tony’s incredible skills as a competitor have earned him numerous titles, both domestically and internationally. Competing at four WKF World Championships, two as team captain, he achieved two fourth place finishes (team and individual) in 1986 (Sydney).
Impressively, he has won many Asian Pacific medals, the most spectacular coming in 1989 (Sydney), when he won both individual and team gold medals, defeating Japanese opponents in both finals.
In addition to his success as a competitor, Sensei Tony has also made significant contributions as a coach, coaching NSW and later joining the coaching team for Australia. He has coached at four senior and two junior WKF World Championships, as well as serving as the Mentor Coach to the Fijian Karate Federation since 2006. His efforts have helped develop the Fijian squad and coaching staff, greatly improving their international performances.
As a senior black belt instructor, he has instructed on Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE 10th Dan summer course 15 times and conducted numerous camps and seminars for Ishinryu in England, Canada and New Zealand.
Sensei Tony Hails is a true master of martial arts, with his expertise recognised by Sport Australia/AIS, accrediting him as a silver (level 2) dojo instructor.
Today, Sensei Tony is the Head of Style and the most senior black belt instructor at Ishinryu Karate’s Menai dojo in the Sutherland Shire.