JKA JKA Brisbane has a team of dedicated and knowledgeable instructors with years of experience. Check out our instructor profiles and get to know who you will be training alongside-
Head Instructor: Shihan Jason Naylor (7th Dan)
When did you start Karate? 1978.
Why did you start Karate? I first started boxing with my brothers when we lived in the Northern Territory. We then we moved to Queensland and Karate was the only thing that was available in the area we lived in. That’s when I started training in Karate and never looked back.
What’s your favourite thing about being an instructor? Seeing students achieve their goals.
Favourite Kata and why? This changes regularly, however my favourite at the moment is Kanku Sho.
Any other interesting facts? Karate is a major part of life and I am very lucky to have the support of my wife and kids.
Instructor: Sensei Kasey Naylor (3rd Dan)
When did you start Karate? Approximately 2001- when I was 4 or 5 years old.
Why did you start Karate? My father is Sensei Jason Naylor, who is the head instructor of our club so it was a given that I would get involved when I was younger. I just continued it from there ever since.
What’s your favourite thing about being an instructor? The satisfaction of being able to help a student grasp a technique or improve on a kata etc. It’s a great feeling to be able to pass on your own knowledge to others and see their love of karate grow.
Favourite Kata and why? Empi. It’s not the kata that I am best at but I really enjoy practising it and performing it. I believe everyone has a kata that ‘speaks to them’ in a way and Empi just feels natural to me.
Any other interesting facts? I have been teaching for roughly 6 years now and teach our tiger cub classes every Tuesday and Wednesday nights. I also enjoy other forms of exercise other than Karate, such as: yoga, boxing and HIIT classes. Karate has been a great foundation for other physical activities all throughout life. I highly recommend it for everyone as it is extremely empowering and teaches you a lot of lessons you can carry all throughout life.
Instructor: Sensei Lincoln Chowdhury (2nd Dan)
When did you start Karate? 1989.
Why did you start Karate? Because my Uncle said “you will like Karate, you are coming with me to our next class” and that’s how it started. My parents didn’t know.
What’s your favourite thing about being an instructor? Helping students and pushing them to do better.
Favourite Kata and why? Kanku Dai- because I am not good at it and need to work on it a lot.
Any other interesting facts? I am a Geek! I enjoy programming, music (60’s, 70’s and 80’s rock) and I love fishing!
Assistant Instructor: Sensei Dan Geoghegan (4th Dan)
When did you start Karate? 2003.
Why did you start Karate? Because the wife and kids did it.
What’s your favourite thing about being an instructor? Having the opportunity to pass on the knowledge that has been passed on to me.
Favourite Kata and why? Don’t have one favourite in particular as it changes with my interests. Jion is my go to Kata as it seems to be the Kata that suits my body type.
Any other interesting facts? I have a passion for travel whether its hiking, self-drive or another form. I’ve been lucky enough to make the most of the opportunities given to experience old and new cultures and to meet people with similar interests from around the world. I’m always looking to seek out the next destination.
Assistant Instructor: Sensei Katarina Heywood (4th Dan)
When did you start Karate? 2001 in London
Why did you start Karate? My 3 kids trained and I was the parent that watched every training session. Decided to have a go myself and haven’t regretted it.
What’s your favourite thing about being an instructor? It’s brilliant to see students grow- both as karatekas and as individuals. It’s very rewarding to see that they understand what you are teaching and most of all, that they enjoy it.
Favourite Kata and why? Chinte because there are no kicks and it’s short. No, I do really enjoy that Kata as it has some different techniques.
Any other interesting facts? Karate is my meditation. You have to concentrate throughout the whole class which I enjoy. You never know ‘everything’ so it’s a continuous journey to learn more.
Assistant Instructor: Sempai Michael Chalmers (2nd Dan)
When did you start Karate? During the 1990’s. After several years had a long break due to work commitments. Returned to training 2019 with JKA Brisbane.
Why did you start Karate? Interest in a traditional style of martial arts.
What’s your favourite thing about being an instructor? Engaging with students and observing their progress over time as they become increasingly confident with their karate skills and knowledge.
Favourite Kata and why? Hangetsu. A spectacular kata with the demonstration of fast and slow techniques, coordination of hand and food movements with breathing and contracting displays of power.
Any other interesting facts? Enjoy many outdoor sports and activities. Passionate about pursuing a healthful lifestyle.