Born in New Zealand of Maori descent, James Phillips came to Australia as a teenager and began his training in Kyokushin-kai Karate in 1973 under the guidance of Shihan John Taylor. An accomplished instructor with 36 years experience in the martial arts, he is now regarded as one of Australia's foremost karateka.
Born 25th May, 1956, Jim retired from tournament fighting in 1991. His achievements include twice National Lightweight Champion (fighting at 69kg), National Middleweight Champion (at 80kg) and also competing in the Heavyweight division of the Grand Championships. In 1979 he represented Australia in the World Championships in Japan. He has also won the State full-contact and non-contact titles numerous times.
Jim travelled to the Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan to train under the late Sosai Mas Oyama and has also trained under many of his most prized fighters. He is also one of the few Australians to complete the 50-Man Kumite.
Jim was affiliated with Kancho Matsui, representing him in Australia in his capacity of Branch Chief and Australian Vice-Chairman of the IKO(1), until late 2000, when he decided to join the growing independent movement, and left the IKO(1). He formed the South Pacific federation with the also newly independent New Zealand group led by Shihan Kevin Pepperell and also with Sensei George Kolovos in Melbourne. They have since held a couple of successful tournaments. He has also since been awarded his 6th dan by this organisation and again, at the age of 53, completed a 30-man kumite as part of his 6th dan grading.
Jim takes the opportunity to travel as often as he can, always seeking to complement his martial arts knowledge for the benefit of his students. He regularly visits Nagoya, Japan, where the honbu dojo for the Kyokushin Union (guided by Shihan Hasegawa) is located. He endeavours to visit Honbu or sponsor visits from Japanese instructors regularly to keep the dojo abreast of the latest developments in Kyokushin-kai.
Over the years he has worked closely with Shihan Bobby Lowe, Hawaii and continues to do so, particularly in the study of self defence techniques. Jim is also keen to foster relationships with other martial art styles outside Kyokushinkai, believing that the transfer of knowledge can only benefit all martial arts.
A selection of Shihan Phillip's achievements includes:
National Champion (Australia): 1979, 1983, 1991
Runner-up: Yokozuna (Japan): 1979
50 Man Kumite (with Tony Bowden, Gary Vickers and Luke Guravich: 1986
30 Man Kumite (Japan): 2009
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