Sensei Kon began his martial arts study at the mere age of six (6) in 1982 under his father Shihan Theodore Tsanidis. Sensei Kon slowly made his way up the grades and obtained his blackbelt (Shodan) in 1990 at the age of fourteen (14). As a boy, Sensei Kon suffered from Asthma. This respiratory disorder made it difficult for him to breathe especially during training sessions and so his father taught him the Sanchin Kata. The Sanchin Kata taught Sensei Kon how to control his breathing as well as his thoughts while conditioning his body. Sensei Kon continued his study in Karate through his schooling and then entered the University of Western Sydney in 1995 the same year he obtained his 2nd Dan (Nidan). He completed his University studies in 1999 obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Science (Computing) and then obtained his 3rd Dan (Sandan) in 2003.
Sensei Kon started teaching at the Earlwood, Carlton and Lakemba dojo’s as an assistant instructor to Shihan at the age of seventeen (17). He then became the head Instructor at the Dulwich Hill dojo between the years of 1994 till 2002. Sensei Kon found teaching Karate rewarding especially seeing the transformation of students before his eyes. Teaching has developed more of Sensei Kon’s knowledge on Goju-Ryu Karate and has also given him a greater understanding of himself.
Sensei Kon’s inspiration comes from seeing his father’s total commitment to the art and seeing him train hard even though his father is over sixty years of age. Sensei Kon’s boyhood battle and victory over Asthma has provided him with revelation and first hand experience at the power of goju-ryu Karate. Sensei Kon believes that Karate is more than just learning how to fight. He believes that it is also a tool for focus and self discipline.
