A LIFETIME OF MARTIAL ARTS LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

Brief History of Graham Slater’s Martial Arts Training

A distinguished figure in the international martial arts community, with a career spanning over five decades. As the Director of Martial Arts Australia, the nation's largest martial arts organization, he has dedicated his life to the practice, instruction, and strategic growth of martial arts and combat sports.

Foundations in Combat and Dedication

Graham's martial arts journey began in 1973 on the streets of Liverpool, UK. Inspired by the legendary Bruce Lee and driven by a need for self-defence, he commenced his training in Goju Karate. After immigrating to Australia with his family in 1975, he immersed himself in the rigorous discipline of Kyokushin Karate, training five days a week while also studying Kickboxing and Ju Jitsu.

In 1979, Graham transitioned to Shotokai Karate, where he earned his black belt in 1981. His natural leadership abilities soon saw him take over his instructor's school, operating two branches while working a full-time day job. This marked his first step into professional martial arts instruction.

Forging a Professional Path

By 1982, Graham had fully committed to a career in health and fitness, quitting his day job to become an aerobics and gym instructor. This pivotal move allowed him to integrate his martial arts schools into a full-time professional operation. This period was one of exceptional development, as he dedicated himself to daily training and teaching while formally studying sports science, sales, and marketing—a combination of skills that would define his future success.

The Japanese Connection and International Recognition

A chance connection in the early 1980s led Graham to be invited to train in Japan with the Soyo Juku (Shotokai) organization. In 1983, he travelled as part of the Australian team and was awarded his 2nd Dan by the renowned Sensei Yasuo Ikeda. This experience was transformative, exposing him to an unparalleled level of intensity and discipline. Under Sensei Ikeda's direct instruction, Graham attended three training sessions daily, a testament to his dedication and resilience.

He returned to Japan almost annually until 1995, earning his 3rd Dan in 1986. During this time, he took on significant leadership roles, including Australian Coach and Chief Instructor for his style, overseeing a network of 15 branches in Australia and affiliate clubs in the UK. In 2006 Graham was invited to go to the Shaolin Temple (China) as part of a global TV program. He then took on the role as Shaolin Representative in Australia managing their Warrior Monks in the newly created Kung Fu School. From this, he set up an exchange program for students to train at the temple and more monks could come to Australia. Graham ran a number of clubs over 35 years seeking out mentors and training partners from around the globe. His biggest influence after his Japanese Sensei passed away, was becoming a private student of Sensei Stan Schmidt for nearly 15 years until his passing. Graham continues to train everyday and teach at seminars. In 2010 he made the decision to stop running clubs so he could better serve the industry by helping club owners around the globe.

Entrepreneurial Vision and Media Expansion

In 1995, after a period of balancing teaching with a corporate sales career, Graham returned to full-time instruction, specializing in corporate fitness and self-defence seminars. The flexibility of this work allowed him to pursue other business interests. He co-founded a successful commercial construction company, and the financial success from this venture was strategically reinvested to expand the reach and services of his martial arts association.

Recognizing the power of media, Graham leveraged his natural talents and industry connections to pioneer numerous projects in television, publishing, and graphic design. This led to the formation of a significant media and publishing arm, solidifying his reputation not just as a master instructor, but as a visionary entrepreneur. Today, his work continues to influence thousands of martial artists through his leadership at Martial Arts Australia and his other media networks with Fit Multimedia partnered with Silvio Morelli (Blitz Publications).

Latest News - Graham has just been honoured with his 9th degree Black Belt (Kudan) and the title of Hanshi by the Ronin Budo Association presented by Hanshi Tino Ceberano and Kancho Glen Coxon. It comes after 52 years of training and decades of service to the broader community and industry, by way of promoting martial arts, helping instructors become better coaches and club operators.

Training / Media History through publications