Vale

Shihan Kyoshin Kayo

18 October 1936 - 3 May 2025

On behalf of Karate Australia, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to Dion and Michael Panossian, and the Shobukan karate family for the tragic loss of Shihan Kyoshin Kayo. 

Sensei Kayo was a direct student of Kenwa Mabuni and one of the earliest Japanese masters to move to Australia. He established Japan Karate-Do Shobukan in Perth in 1974 becoming a pivotal figure in the growth of karate in Western Australia. His contributions were instrumental in establishing the West Australian Karate Federation.

Sensei Kayo’s legacy lives on through prominent and well-respected Karate Australia officials, Dion Panossian (Chair, National Referees Commission) and Michael Panossian (National Coach & WA Head Coach). He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, especially his Shobukan karate family. 

With sympathy,

Hani Zahra

National President & Board Chair

Karate Australia