What We Practice

A Modern Evolution of Traditional Karate

At MUKC, we practice a style rooted in Shotokan and Okinawan traditions, refined through modern training methods and practical self-defense. Our approach moves beyond rigid, repetitive basics to offer a multi-style curriculum that incorporates elements of Jujitsu, Savate, Kyusho (pressure points), and modern mixed martial arts.

From day one, you will learn the practical applications (Bunkai) behind every movement, ensuring that your training is both functional and disciplined.

Alongside training, we foster a strong sense of community through gradings, tournaments, and social events, making the club a place where you can grow, challenge yourself, and train with friends.

Shotokan karate symbol
1978 Portland Camp 1979 Portland Camp 1999 Portsea Camp 2006 MUKC Members 2003 Black Dan Gradings MUKC Water Sports MUKC Historical Photo

Our History

Founded in 1968, Melbourne University Karate Club (MUKC) is one of the oldest karate clubs in Australia and a proud member of the University of Melbourne Sports Association. Thousands of students have trained with the club over the decades.

MUKC was established under the leadership of Sensei Paul Guerillot, a French martial artist whose teaching combined Shotokan karate, savate, kendo, and meditative practice. He viewed karate as a path of self-development — a "yoga in action" — emphasising discipline, mental strength, and the cultivation of energy over competition.

After his passing in 1995, the club entered a period of transition and reaffirmed its independence. Through the leadership of senior instructors including Sensei Meng Ng and Sensei Alexander Albert, MUKC evolved into a more holistic and open martial arts community.

Today, under the guidance of Sensei Alexander Albert (training with MUKC since 1974), the club continues to honour its Okinawan and Shotokan roots while incorporating broader martial influences. Training balances kata and bunkai, sparring and grappling, traditional discipline and practical self-defence — maintaining a complete and evolving martial arts system.

MUKC remains committed to inclusivity, growth, and the lifelong journey of karate.

Kata

Kata are set sequences of movements practiced in karate, usually performed solo to develop technique, balance, and focus.
Our club teaches Shotokan-style kata, which form a core part of training and are required for gradings.

Taikyoku Shodan (1st)
Taikyoku Nidan (2nd)
Taikyoku Sandan (3rd)
Taikyoku Yondan (4th)

The kata practiced at MUKC is continually evolving. These videos serve as a foundational reference only. Students are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from our senior instructors to refine the details, timing, and intent of each movement once the kata has been learned.

Bunkai

Bunkai is the part of kata where we explore the real applications behind each movement.
At our club, this is the part we emphasize the most, helping students understand and practice techniques effectively.

MUKC Bunkai training

Kumite

Kumite means sparring in karate. At our club, we practice both point sparring and continuous sparring, allowing students to develop timing, distance, and control. We use light contact, with clear rules in place to keep training safe and controlled. Kumite is introduced progressively, helping students build confidence while respecting their training partners.

MUKC Kumite training

Weapons

At MUKC, weapons training forms part of our broader karate curriculum. We practise bo (staff) kata to develop control, coordination, and precision, and study their practical applications through structured partner drills.

MUKC Weapons training

Grading

Gradings are held to assess students' progress and award new ranks. The specific requirements for each belt level differ, however, for all gradings it is expected you perform kata and applications (bunkai).
Below are the criteria and fees for each grade.

Rank
Criteria
Cost
10th Kyu Yellow Belt
Kata: 1st & 2nd Kata Taikyokyu
Bunkai: 2 applications from each kata
$45
9th Kyu Yellow Belt (Stripe)
Kata: 3rd & 4th Kata Taikyokyu
Bunkai: 4 applications from each kata
$50
8th Kyu Orange Belt
Kata: 5th & 6th Kata Taikyokyu
Bunkai: 4 applications from each kata + continuous free flow of 6th kata applications
$55
7th Kyu Orange Belt (Stripe)
Kata: Pinan 2 (Nidan)
Bunkai: 8 applications from the kata + continuous free flow
$60
6th Kyu Green Belt
Kata: Pinan 1 (Shodan)
Bunkai: 8 applications from the kata + continuous free flow
$65
5th Kyu Green Belt (Stripe)
Kata: Tensho
Bunkai: 8 applications from the kata + continuous free flow
$70
4th Kyu Blue Belt
Kata: Pinan 3 (Sandan)
Bunkai: 8 applications from the kata + continuous free flow
$75
3rd Kyu Blue Belt (Stripe)
Kata: Pinan 4 (Yondan)
Bunkai: 8 applications from the kata + continuous free flow
$80
2nd Kyu Brown Belt
Kata: Pinan 5 (Godan)
Bunkai: 8 applications from the kata + continuous free flow
$85
1st Kyu Brown Belt (Stripe)
Kata: Naifanchi 1
Bunkai: 8 applications from the kata + continuous free flow
$90
1st Dan Black Belt
Kata: All previous kata
Bunkai: Applications from each kata
* Note: For Black Belt, there is an additional assessment such as sparring.
$95