Dr Richard Bradford

Dr Richard Bradford is founder and chief of one of Australia's most successful Karate organizations, the Goshin Ryu Karate organization. Dr Bradford (Hanshi) is also recognized under two other headings, firstly; no one would argue the point when I say he holds the title of "Father of Sport Karate" in Australia, and the secondly; being Australia's first martial arts karate millionaire.

Hanshi Richard Bradford's life in the martial arts began in the early 1960's when he trained in Sydney as a youth in the fighting arts of Judo, Ju-jitsu and Boxing. It was in 1963 when he officially commenced his training in Shotokan Karate, beginning a journey that would help mould the Australian martial arts industry to what it is today. After qualifying and then working as an osteopath (operating 3 clinics in the Sydney area) early in Richards career gave him an unprecedented head start that rarely saw actual medical science blended with traditional martial arts. This understanding of the human body and his prowess as a competitor and a coach saw Richard Bradford become a man not only in demand but well ahead of his time. In 1966, Dr Bradfords diverse talents saw him also manage Australia's first "American Health Studio's", ironically the same year he earned his black belt in shotokan karate. In true pioneering spirit soon after gaining his black belt, Dr Bradford embarked on a career that only the most dedicated martial arts believers would attempt. A typical working week for Richard would consist of traveling by Kombi van on a circuit that took him throughout the NSW Central West, Bathurst on Monday, Orange on Tuesday, Dubbo on Wednesday, Bathurst on Thursday and Canberra on Friday, the weekends? well Sydney of course. Years of this work ethic and dedication saw the Richards Goshin Ryu system grow to 300 schools, making the his system largest martial arts organizations at the time. It was this entrepreneurial attitude, together with persistence and dogged determination that earned him the respect from the martial arts community that carries to this day.

Goshin Ryu karate was first registered world-wide in Sydney, Australia in 1971 by Dr. Bradford and other leading instructors from China, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other Asian countries with Chan Keng Wan from the Shaolin Temple Double Dragon school in China as the Head Instructor and Master. Developed from the 'Shotokan' style, an original martial arts style from Okinawa, Japan, Goshin Ryu today is made up of two essential martial arts styles, Shotokan Karate and Double Dragon Shaolin Kung Fu.

From 1977 to 1993 he was the National coach of Australia and many champions were produced by Dr Bradford out of the Sydney Dojo’s Some of the most recognized is the former world kickboxing champion Steve Jez, who won a silver medal for Australia in 1990 in Mexico and gold medal in the Asian pacific team event 1998 as well as AKF's Brian Peakall (1992), Australia's 1st ever senior male world title holder.

Dr Bradford is a true believer in the concept of karate and martial arts being a great personal development system, teaching life skills that develop self confidence, self esteem and discipline, as well as being a great deal of fun! Specializing in his own children’s programs such as "Little Ninja's" has led him to become Australia's leading authority for children's and adults "Anti-bullying programs", now running instructor accreditation courses for the popular program, Richards foothold in the industry is stronger than ever. "We now have students coming back to training with their kids and grandkids and it shows us what an impact we had in their fun and development of growing up in the Sydney area", Dr Bradford said.

It is estimated that over the past 40 years over 300,000 students have trained in his system

Dr Richard Bradfords martial arts versatility has even extended into the movie industry, in the early 70’s he starred in two tele movies with the late Bruce Lee “World of Kung Fu” and “Kung Fu Killers”.

Richard still conducts classes 12 times per week personally in throughout Sydney and invites people of all ages to come and train in karate with Australia’s pioneer instructor.

Goshinryu Karate offers students over 200 karate and self defense classes per week throughout Australia and New Zealand. 

Dr Richard Bradford is of course also a nationally recognized sport coach and trainer and assessor for government recognized training. Many students that now enroll at Dr Bradfords school have taken advantage of training under austudy to better their career chances in the martial arts industry. Dr Bradford conducts sessions under the Kenshusei flexible learning program and is a powerful supporter of education and training for the martial arts industry.