Meet the team
World class coaching standards, friendly and welcoming, focused on real progress.
Shihan Jonathan Gleeson OAM
Head Instructor
Training in the martial arts since 1991, Jonathan holds 6th Dan black belt in Kaizen Ryu Freestyle Karate, plus 1st Dan ranks in Motobu Ryu Kyu Kobudo Kai and Doce Pares Arnis, Eskrima & Kali, with additional training in Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Aikido, Goju-Ryu Karate, Kendo, and Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In 2022 he was promoted to Shihan (Master-Teacher) in recognition of his continued teaching efforts.
He is Head Referee and Arbitrator for ISKA/NSKA tournaments, ISKA Referee of the Year (2006), an ISKA Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee as Martial Arts Instructor of the Year (2009), and Head Coach for the Australian Team at the US Open World Championships (2019, 2022, 2025). In 2024 he received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
He holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Information Technology.
Sensei Olivia Liu
Snr. Instructor
Training with Sydney Karate Club since it opened in 2002, Olivia holds 4th Degree Black Belt in Kaizen Ryu Karate, along with 1st Degree Black Belts in Doce Pares Arnis, Eskrima & Kali and Motobu Ryu Kyu Kobudo Kai.
In 2023 she was awarded the Kaizen Ryu Black Belt of the Year award.
She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemistry and a Masters of Science in Science Management.
Sempai Robert Bui
Instructor
Training with the club since early primary school, Robert is now one of our lead instructors, holding a 1st Degree Black Belt in Kaizen Ryu Karate.
His training also extends to Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and he teaches classes at all levels.
Sempai Mertkan Teoman
Instructor
Studying Karate since age 9, Mertkan now holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Kaizen Ryu Karate.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and often teaches a variety of classes at all levels, with an emphasis on fight work in adult classes.