IGK Victoria is excited to announce the opening of the new IGK Hawthorn dojo in January 2021 with Head Instructor Jim Pantopolis Senpai. We sat down for a chat to find out more about Jim Senpai’s training background and goals for the road ahead.
IGK Victoria: Congratulations Jim Senpai on opening your first dojo. Tell us when you first began training?
Jim Senpai: As a young lad of eight or nine years old, my father (who knew Tino Ceberano Hanshi) and I, visited the original Balwyn dojo and we sat at the back watching all the action. When my father asked if I would like to join, I recall shaking my head in fear! Years later, on my own accord I walked into the Kew dojo where Terry Carberry Sensei was teaching – I decided to join and was forever hooked.
Later I transferred to the IGK North Balwyn dojo and trained for several years. A move interstate created a pause in Goju training, however, I trained in Kung Fu under Sifu Rick Spain whilst living in Sydney and when I finally made the move back to Melbourne, I put in the hard yards once again and haven’t looked back.
In recent years I’ve trained with John Ross Shihan and Lambros Kallianiotis Sensei at IGK Victoria. It’s been a wonderful journey, especially achieving my 1st Dan black belt two years ago.
IGK Victoria: What has martial arts done for you?
Jim Senpai: Martial arts has been my life. It’s been fantastic in keeping me fit, but more than that, it’s a way of life. It’s given me a template for living and I’ve even used its principals in business. It’s given me an opportunity to bond with some great people.
IGK Victoria: In this modern digital age, why is karate still relevant?
Jim Senpai: Kids need to find that balance between the virtual space and reality – life is not all about being online. There’s a real world out there and kids do need to be prepared. Karate training is excellent at providing real life skills including self-confidence, fellowship, patience and importantly discipline over the long-term.
A knowledge of self-defence is important, even if you never need to use it. One never knows, when circumstances might arise to call on those skills. Furthermore, Karate instils a quiet confidence. Most martial artists I’ve met are humble and reserved, not brash and boisterous.
For those who stick with it, they have developed their own skills that they carry with them through life’s challenges. The respect for others and that “internal combustion” that comes with karate training is priceless.
IGK Victoria: How do you suggest parents select a karate school?
Jim Senpai: A school like IGK Victoria has a traditional style, is well established and respected. It’s a fun but disciplined environment and has all the ingredients a parent can feel confident with when leaving their kids to train. A school should have a strong pedigree or historical lineage with its instructors. IGK Victoria was founded by Tino Ceberano Hanshi, who is widely respected as the father of Australian karate. You know the right standard has been taught and that instructors are experienced to teach.
IGK Victoria: Tell us about the new Hawthorn dojo?
Jim Senpai: It’s located at the Hawthorn Bowling Club, a beautiful heritage building on St James Park between Church St and Burwood Rd. We’re located on the ground floor in our own dedicated space and the Club has modern and clean amenities, with plenty of unlimited parking.
We’re starting with classes on Tues & Thurs afternoons from 4pm for kids, with adult classes following until 8pm. In addition to Karate, the plan is to also have a Martial-arts-based Fitness class for those wanting a serious pad & partner style workout, as well as a Meditation & Stretching class on Sat mornings – think Kata to music.
IGK Victoria: Can anyone join?
Jim Senpai: Absolutely. We welcome beginners with no martial arts experience, those who have trained elsewhere in other styles, kids and teens, adult of any age, women who are interested in learning self-defence and those who just want to keep fit and active. We have structured classes that incorporate general conditioning and stretching. We teach the basic stances, blocks, strikes and kicks then gradually put these in combination.
IGK Victoria: How do people contact you and get started?
Jim Senpai:
It’s easiest to call me on 0408 022 299 or via email jim@igkvic.com.au. We’ll catch a phone chat then I’ll invite them to visit the dojo and join in a class. I like to hear about everyone’s goals and aspirations and find a good fit for them. I’m passionate about building a great club where everyone feels welcomed.