IKD Australia Yudansha Program
The Yudansha level represents an important stage in the lifelong journey of traditional Shotokan karate. Black belt training focuses on refinement of technique, leadership, responsibility, and continued personal development.
At IKD Australia, Yudansha students are expected to demonstrate strong technical ability, discipline, and commitment while supporting the growth of junior students and contributing to the dojo community.
Yudan-sha – Registered Black Belts
The Yudan-sha of IKD Australia represent dedication, discipline, and years of traditional Shotokan Karate training. These black belts uphold the standards of the dojo and contribute to the development of students and the wider karate community.
Active Yudan-sha — Registered Black Belts
The following list recognises active IKD Australia Yudan-sha who have achieved black belt rank through dedication, discipline, and years of traditional Shotokan Karate training.
Black Belt |
IKD & KA – Qualification |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Name | Rank |
Qualification: Instructor/ Judge/ Examiner |
KA Coach |
| 1. | Hamid Mostofizadeh | Shichidan | A/ A/ A | Gold |
| 2. | David Mostofizadeh | Yondan | Silver | |
| 3. | Daria Mostofizadeh | Yondan | Silver | |
| 4. | Dustin Mostofizadeh | Yondan | Bronze | |
| 5. | Delara Mostofizadeh | Yondan | ||
| 6. | Johanna Mostofizadeh | Sandan | Silver | |
| 7. | Diba Mostofizadeh | Sandan | ||
| 8. | Damine Mostofizadeh | Sandan | ||
| 9. | Terry Belford | SanDan | ||
| 10. | Zachariah Belford | Nidan | ||
| 11. | Dana Mostofizadeh | Nidan | ||
| 12. | Sebastian Pirkopff | Shodan | ||
| 13. | Jake Moynihan | Shodan | ||
| 14. | Brittney Moynihan | Shodan | ||
| 15. | Rachael Belford | Shodan | ||
IKD-Australia Honorary Black Belt (Yudan-sha) |
|||
| No. | Name | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yvette Hon D’Ath MP | Shichidan 7Th Dan | |
| 2 | Max Chandler-Mather MP Member for Griffith | Shichidan 7Th Dan | |
| 3 | Tony Perret MP Member for Gympie | Rokudan 6Th Dan | |
| 4 | Glen Hartwig Mayor for Gympie | Godan 5Th Dan | |
| 5 | Fiona CR Cunningham, Brisbane | Godan 5 Th Dan | |
| 6 | Mick Curran Former Mayor for Gympie | Godan 5Th Dan | |
| 7 | Mark Newton Principle of St. Patrick College Gympie | Sandan 3rd Dan | |
| 8 | Elaine Thomson Former Chair of Bendigo Bank Gympie | Shodan 1st Dan | |
| 9 | David Gibson Former MP Member for Gympie | Shodan 1st Dan | |
| 10 | Rea Gâté Chair of Bendigo Bank Gympie | Shodan 1st Dan | |
Our Dojo Black Belts

Dr. David Mostofizadeh
Rank & Lineage
David began his journey in 2005 at the age of five. His technical advancement is marked by his "Dan" (black belt) rankings:
-
Sensei Hamid: His father and initial instructor.
-
Shihan Kanaya Sensei: A late master he trained with from 2009–2011.
-
Shuseki Shihan Kagawa & Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai: Chief instructors who oversaw his higher-level grading.
David was a highly active competitor between 2005 and 2017, eventually reaching the elite level of representing both his state (Queensland) and his country (Australia).
Major Podium Finishes:
-
2013: Silver Medal in Team Kata (New Zealand Open).
-
2013: 5th Place in Kumite (Commonwealth Championships, Canada).
-
2014: Bronze Medal in Team Kata (Australian National Championships).
-
2016: Bronze Medal in Kumite (Australian National Championships).
Professional Accreditations
Beyond competing, David is qualified in the officiating and instructional side of the sport:
-
Refereeing: Certified at State, National, and Oceania levels.
-
Coaching: Holds an AKF NCAS Silver Coach accreditation and is certified as a COVID-SAFE Coach.

Daria Mostofizadeh
Rank Progression & Lineage
Daria began training in 2006 at age four. Her rank advancement mirrors the high standards of traditional Shotokan karate:
-
Shodan (1st Dan): March 2011
-
Nidan (2nd Dan): June 2012 (under Shuseki Shihan Kagawa)
-
Sandan (3rd Dan): October 2019 (under Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai)
-
Yondan (4th Dan): November 2022 (under Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai and Sensei Hamid)
She shares a training lineage with her brothers, David and Dustin, having been mentored by her father (Sensei Hamid) and the late Shihan Kanaya.
Competitive Excellence
Daria’s competitive record is extensive, spanning from 2005 to 2020. She represented Queensland and the Australian National Team at prestigious global events.
Major International & National Highlights:
- Bronze (3rdplace) in Kata at the WKF Commonwealth Karate Championships in Sydney 2011
-
Double Gold Medalist: 2013 Commonwealth Championships (Montreal) in both Kata and Kumite.
-
Oceania Champion: Gold in Kata at the 2016 Oceania Cup (New Caledonia).
-
World-Class Standing: Placed 5th in Kumite at the 2016 WKF World Youth Cup in Croatia.
-
Consistent National Success: Between 2013 and 2019, she secured numerous Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at the Karate Australia Federation (KA) National Championships across individual and team categories.
Professional Qualifications
Like her brother David, Daria has transitioned into leadership and officiating roles within the karate community:
-
Officiating: Accredited as a State and National Referee.
-
Coaching: Holds an AKF NCAS Silver Coach certification.
-
Safety: Certified as a COVID-SAFE Coach.

Dustin Mostofizadeh
Rank Progression & Lineage
Dustin began his journey in 2009 at age five. A key part of his pedigree is his direct lineage to Shihan Kanaya Sensei, a high-ranking master he trained with for two years. This establishes his roots in a traditional and respected school of karate.
Dustin has ascended through the "Black Belt" ranks (Dan) under the evaluation of world-renowned masters like Shuseki Shihan Kagawa and Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai.
-
Shodan (1st Dan): June 2013
-
Nidan (2nd Dan): December 2014
-
Sandan (3rd Dan): October 2019 (under Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai)
-
Yondan (4th Dan): November 2022 (under Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai and Sensei Hamid)
Competitive Career
Dustin is an elite-level athlete with a career spanning over a decade (2011–present).
-
Represented Queensland: Annually since 2013 at the National Championships.
-
Represented Australia: Internationally, notably at the 2016 OKF Oceania Cup.
-
Disciplines: He excels in both Kata (choreographed forms) and Kumite (sparring), often competing alongside teammates David and Daria.
Major Achievements
The text lists a consistent podium presence at major events, including:
-
Gold Medals: Australian Schools & University Championships (Kata) and Queensland State (Kata).
-
Silver/Bronze Medals: Multiple placements at the Australian Open, New Zealand Open, and various State Titles across Queensland and New South Wales.
Professional Qualifications
Beyond competing, Dustin has transitioned into leadership and officiating roles within the sport:
-
Technical Official: State & National level Judge.
-
Certified Coach: Holds an AKF NCAS Bronze level coaching accreditation and is COVID-SAFE certified.

Delara Mostofizadeh
Delara began her karate journey in 2011 at just five years old. Over the past decade and a half, she has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the art, progressing rapidly through the Dan rankings. She achieved her Shodan in 2018 and has continued her upward trajectory, most recently being awarded the rank of Yondan (4th Dan) in November 2025 by Shihan Hamid.
A seasoned competitor, Delara has represented Queensland at the National Championships every year since 2014. Her consistency and technical skill have earned her
numerous titles across Local, State, and National platforms, cementing her status as a premier athlete in both Kata and Kumite.
Major Competitive Achievements
Rank Progression
-
Yondan (4th Dan): November 2025 Awarded by Shihan Hamid.
-
Sandan (3rd Dan): November 2021 Awarded by Sensei Hamid (Approved by Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai).
-
Nidan (2nd Dan): October 2019 Awarded by Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai.
-
Shodan (1st Dan): April 2018 Awarded by Sensei Hamid.
A Legacy of Excellence
From her early days as a state medalist in 2014 to her current status as a National Champion and Oceania medalist, Delara continues to push the boundaries of her training. Her 2026 victory at the Australian Open in the U21 category marks a successful transition into senior-level dominance, highlighting her as a rising star in Australian Karate.

Dr Johanna Mostofizadeh
Rank Advancement (Dan Grades)
Johanna has steadily climbed the "Dan" (black belt) hierarchy, evaluated by high-ranking masters in the field. Notably, her higher ranks are associated with Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai, a world-renowned figure in Shotokan karate.
-
Shodan (1st Dan): August 2015 (under Sensei Hamid)
-
Nidan (2nd Dan): October 2019 (under Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai)
-
Sandan (3rd Dan): November 2021 (under Sensei Hamid, approved Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai)
Beyond her personal skill level as a practitioner, Johanna is certified to train others at a high level:
-
Silver level National Coach: This indicates she has reached an advanced tier of coaching certification, likely within a national governing body (such as the Australian Karate Federation), qualifying her to coach athletes at high-stakes competitions.
-
COVID-SAFE Coach: A specific certification ensuring she is trained in health and safety protocols for conducting classes in a post-pandemic environment.

Diba Mostofizadeh
Rank Progression
Diba has shown a rapid and disciplined ascent in her martial arts journey:
-
Shodan (1st Dan): October 2019
-
Nidan (2nd Dan): November 2021
-
Sandan (3rd Dan): November 2023
Competitive Excellence
Diba has been a member of the Queensland state team since 2017, competing at local, state, and national levels. Her record shows a strong proficiency in both Kumite (sparring) and Kata (form).
Major Career Highlights
Key Figures & Affiliations
-
Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai: The high-ranking master who presided over most of her gradings.
-
Sensei Hamid: Conducted her Nidan grading during the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
-
Organizations: Associated with the Queensland Karate Association (QKA) and the Australian Karate Federation (AKF).

Damine Mostofizadeh
Damine began her training at age five and has reached an elite level of technical proficiency over a decade of practice:
-
Shodan (1st Dan): October 2020 (under Sensei Hamid)
-
Nidan (2nd Dan): November 2021 (under Sensei Hamid)
-
Sandan (3rd Dan): November 2023 (under Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai)
Competitive Career & Resilience
A significant portion of Damine's profile focuses on her tenacity. In2018, at just eight years old and holding a 5th Kyu (Blue Belt), she achieved the impressive feat of
making the Queensland State Team. Although a knee injury forced her to withdraw from the 2018 National Championships, she successfully returned to the podium in subsequent years.
d
Key Competitive Results
Core Themes
-
Early Excellence: Gaining state selection at only eight years old while still a mid-level kyu rank.
-
Recovery: Overcoming a significant knee injury early in her career to continue competing at a high level.
-
Team Synergy: Her 2026 Gold medal in Team Kata alongside Diba and Delara suggests a strong collaborative partnership with her peers.

Terry Belford
Terry is an experienced karateka with a background in both Karate and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). His modern Shotokan journey is defined by his long-term student-teacher relationship with Sensei Hamid.
Organizational History
-
2016 – 2018: Trained under Sensei Hamid at JKS-Australia.
-
2018: Took a brief hiatus from training.
-
March 2019 – Present: Rejoined Sensei Hamid under his new organization, IKD-Australia (International Karate Daigaku).
Rank Progression (Dan Gradings)
Terry has shown consistent dedication, advancing through the black belt ranks over the last four years:
-
Shodan (1st Dan): November 2021 (Graded under Sensei Hamid).
-
Nidan (2nd Dan): November 2022 (Graded under Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai and Sensei Hamid).
-
Sandan (3rd Dan): November 2025 (Graded under Shihan Hamid).
Competitive Record (2025)
Terry was highly active in the 2025 tournament circuit, specifically excelling in Kata (forms):
Note: At the National level, Terry narrowly missed the podium, finishing in a respectable 5th place among the top competitors in the country.

Zac Belford
Zac is a dedicated karateka who began his journey with IKD-Australia at the age of five. Since joining the organization in 2019, he has transitioned from a young beginner to a high-level competitor and Shodan practitioner.
Rank Progression
-
Shodan (1st Dan): Achieved in November 2023.
-
Grading Officers: Examined and promoted by Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai and Shihan Hamid.
Competitive Achievements
Zac has established himself as a versatile athlete, securing medals in Kata (forms), Team Kata, and Kumite (sparring) at the regional, state, and national levels.
2023 Season Highlights
The year 2023 was a breakout period for Zac, marked by success across multiple major tournaments:
-
QLD Cup: Gold Medal (Kumite).
-
QLD State Titles: Gold Medal (Team Kata) and Bronze Medal (Kumite).
-
QLD Open Championships: * Gold: Black Belt (BB) Kata & Team Kata.
-
Silver: Black Belt Kumite & Kyu Kumite.
-
Bronze: Kyu Kata.
-
-
KA National Championships (Perth): Silver Medal (Team Kata).
2026 Season Highlights
Continuing his trajectory of success into 2026, Zac performed strongly at the state level:
-
QLD State Titles: Gold Medal (Team Kata) and Silver Medal (Kumite).
Summary of Skills
Zac demonstrates a well-rounded proficiency in Shotokan Karate. His ability to medal in both individual Kumite and Team Kata at a National level highlights his technical precision, physical timing, and ability to perform under pressure within a team dynamic.

Dana Mostofizadeh
Dana is a highly accomplished karateka who began training with IKD-Australia at just four and a half years old. Since joining in 2018, she has emerged as a standout competitor and a high-ranking practitioner within the organization.
Rank Progression (Dan Gradings)
Dana has demonstrated rapid growth and technical mastery, reaching senior black belt status by 2025:
-
Shodan (1st Dan): November 2023 (Graded under Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai and Shihan Hamid).
-
Nidan (2nd Dan): November 2025 (Graded under Shihan Hamid).
Competitive Record & Achievements
Dana maintains a dominant presence in regional, state, and national circuits, consistently securing "Triple Gold" performances across Kata, Team Kata, and Kumite.
2023 Tournament Season
-
QLD Cup: Gold (Kata).
-
QLD State Titles: Gold (Kata), Gold (Kumite), and Gold (Team Kata).
-
QLD Open Championships: Gold (Kata), Gold (Kumite), and Gold (Team Kata).
-
KA National Championships (Perth): Silver Medal (Team Kata).
2025 Tournament Season
-
QLD Cup: Gold (Kata).
-
QLD State Titles: Gold (Kata), Silver (Kumite), and Bronze (Team Kata).
-
QLD Open Championships: Gold (Kata) and Gold (Kumite).
d2026 Tournament Season
-
QLD State Titles: Gold (Team Kata) and Silver (Kumite).
Summary of Expertise
Dana is a remarkably versatile athlete. Her consistent Gold medal placements in Kata and Kumite over several years indicate a rare balance of technical form and combat effectiveness. Her progression to Nidan by late 2025 further cements her position as a leading junior/senior figure within the IKD-Australia ranks.
