Senshi Kai Martial Arts began in Townsville in 2016 by Shannon Higgins and Shane Chambers. Since starting this system of self-defense, we have gone from freestyle martial arts and incorporated aspects of Ju Jitsu, Kick boxing, Judo and Muay Thai techniques. The system was originally based off of Zen Do Kai, of which both Shane and Shannon have studied for over 35 years.
We strive to train all our students in mixed martial arts, to allow them for the best possible outcomes in real life situations.
All Instructors have trained in multiple disciplines. Shannon and Shane both hold Trainer and assessor qualifications. All Instructors within the style hold Blue Cards and have current first aid training.
We pride ourselves on delivering training in a clean and SAFE environment for all students.
We pride our club following the virtues of Bushido, every student is equal and every achievement in their budo journey is deserved.
Our Senshi Kai Instructors have spent many years studying the arts, in order to bring the best training to our community. All Instructors hold the relevant credentials to be able to run their clubs safely and professionally.
All instructors have over 10+ years instructional experience and hold multiple martial arts qualifications. With over 80 years of combined experience and education being placed into the system.
Our instructors are all professional and approachable to ensure a high level of training is delivered.
Shannon is the founder of Senshi Kai Martial Arts. Shannon currently holds the rank of 4th Degree black belt within Senshi Kai Martial Arts. His passion for martial arts started in 1984 under Sensei Craig Dabrowski in Gawler, South Australia. Under Golden Knights Dojo, Zen Do Kai, Shannon achieved both his Junior Black Belt and then followed on to achieve his 2nd Degree Black Belt as a senior. After 7 years of studying other arts, as well as fighting amateur boxing, Shannon returned to Martial Arts. It was under Anderson Bushi Kai that Shannon found his passion again for instructing and commenced his Muay Thai journey and competition. After 2 years with ABK, Shannon decided it was time to expand and start his own club and style, that being the start of Senshi Kai Martial Arts. The syllabus of which makes up Senshi Kai Martial Arts was established by 3 experienced Martial Artists and put through the International Budo Federation for endorsement.
Shannon was a SGT in the Australian Army and has had combat experience deploying to Afghanistan as a Troop SGT, Search commander and Explosive Reconnaissance Technician. Shannon has also conducted operations in Timor Leste, Philippine’s and Domestic (Commonwealth Games, G20). Shannon has worked with Comat Engineer Regiments and Special Operations Engineer Regiment.
Shane started training under Renshi Ken Olm at the Zen Do Kai Dojo in Caloundra in 1986. Many years later he returned to training, firstly under Sensei Bruce Morris at the Anderson Bushi Kai Dojo Townsville and finally under Shihan Shannon Higgins when he took over ABK Townsville and then eventually started his own club. As a joint founding member of the club Shane has worked closely with Shannon to compile a system that incorporates the best of many styles. Dai Sensei Shane Chamber graded Tyson to Black belt in 2018 and 1st Degree Black belt in 2020. Shane is a qualified Instructor within Senshi Kai Martial Arts Townsville, and holds a 1st degree black belt in Jissen Budo International Mixed Martial Arts.
Tyson started training under Sensei Bruce Morris at the Anderson Bushi Kai, Sinclair Dojo in Townsville. Tyson trained under ABK achieving his Black Belt and Youth Black Arm Band in Muay Thai. When his father Shannon started his own club, Tyson then switched to accommodate the new and enhanced style of mixed martial arts. Tyson began boxing and kick boxing from a very young age and then was drawn into the versatility of mixed martial arts. Within the Senshi Kai system, Sensei Shane Chambers graded Tyson to Black belt in 2018 and 1st Degree Black belt in 2021. Tyson is now a qualified Instructor within Senshi Kai Martial Arts, Jissen Budo International Mixed Martial Arts and Assistant Instructor in Muay Thai.
Sempai Elijah commenced training under Sensei Shane Chamber as one of the original crew when the club opened in 2018. Elijah has continued to train up to 4 days a week and achieved major milestones within his martial arts journey. Elijah achieved his black Gi with a 2 hour grading which incorporated 75% of the grading being full contact sparring. Elijah become a qualified instructor passing his black belt grading in 2022, which incorporated instructing a set number of lessons under training and assessment criteria. Sempai Elijah can now instruct classes and 1 on 1 in freestyle martial arts, basic BJJ and wooden weaponry.
Senshi Kai Martial arts syllabus and training style has been endorsed by the International Budo Federation and the WKA. We provide affordable self defence for the community.
