Instructor Profile
Michael Noonan
Principal Instructor • Renshi
Noonan Sensei has spent his life studying martial arts and in particular traditional karate, the ancient Okinawan form of Toudi now known as Chito-Ryu Karate-Do. After beginning training in Australia, he travelled to Japan in 1985 to deepen his knowledge and has returned every year since for intense training, teaching, and grading. Promoted to 7th Degree Black Belt in 2017 and holding the title of Renshi, he has taught in Japan, Ireland, Scotland, and across Australia.
Training Philosophy
In 1985, after 5 years of training in Australia, Noonan Sensei travelled to Japan in search of deeper knowledge. Since that first visit, he has returned to Japan every year for intense training, further education, teaching, and grading. Through this long-standing teacher-student relationship with Soke Sensei, he has built a deep connection to the tradition and continues to train within the lineage at the highest level.
Achievements & Competition
Promoted to 7th Degree Black Belt in 2017, a rank recognised worldwide. Holds the title of Renshi and is a member of the Sohonbu specialist teaching staff, one of the few non-Japanese ever appointed. Has taught in Japan, Ireland, Scotland, and nationally.
Specialties
Traditional Chito-Ryu Karate-Do, technical refinement, instructor development, deep lineage-based karate instruction, long-term student progression, and advanced traditional training methods.
Classes Taught
Little Dragons, Karate Kids, Teens and Adults, Kobujutsu, Kumite
Training in Japan
In 1985, after 5 years of training in Australia, Noonan Sensei travelled to Japan in search of deeper knowledge. Since that first visit, he has returned to Japan every year for intense training, further education, teaching, and grading. Through this long-standing teacher-student relationship with Soke Sensei, he has built a deep connection to the tradition and continues to train within the lineage at the highest level.
Outside Karate
Traditional karate is more than self-defence. It builds discipline, confidence, focus, patience, and resilience through long-term commitment. Correct training develops both technical skill and personal character, helping students grow from the inside out.