Instructors

Jim Vafakos - 1st Dan (right)

Scott Martin - 2nd Dan (left)

Jim and Scott both trained in karate in their younger days, before returning in 2013 when the Dee Why dojo was established by Jon sensei (see below). 

They both decided to recommence as white belts again due to the years away from karate and subsequently progressed to successful dan gradings with the club.

In 2023, Jon sensei passed the club into the hands of Jim and Scott, who now share the responsibility for instruction.

Dee Why Dojo Founder - Sensei Jonathan Rabinovitz - 4th Dan

Sensei Jon was born in South Africa in 1956 and commenced training at university. Emigrating to Australia in 1986, his interest in the martial arts ignited when his son Joshua started training at the age of nine.

He achieved 1st dan in 2001 (Soke Kanazawa), 2nd dan in 2004 (Sensei Cox), 3rd dan in 2007 (Soke Kanazawa) and 4th dan in 2013 (Shihan Murakami).The third dan grading had a special moment when Soke Kanazawa paired Senseis Jon and Josh up for free fighting. This symbolised the closeness of their karate journey which was cemented further at their 4th dan grading.

In 2008 Sensei Jon opened a dojo in West Pymble on Sydney's North Shore which saw three of its students attain the rank of 1st dan, two the rank of 2nd dan and one the rank of 3rd dan at national grading seminars.

Dee Why dojo on Sydney's northern beaches opened early 2013 and membership has grown to 30 karateka over this period. The club has a wonderful atmosphere, the people are really friendly and close friendships have been formed.

Our approach to membership is to not overtly seek to grow the club by finding members through advertising channels, but rather let people find us through their own initiatives.

In 2009 Sensei Jon represented Australia in kata in the Masters division at the 10th S.K.I.F. World Cup held in Athens. He has also competed in State and National competitions in Australia.

In addition to karate, Sensei Jon is a keen classical musician (guitar and piano), an amusing stand-up-paddler and is one of those people you see swimming in the ocean in the middle of winter!