Instructor, Competitor,
Dojo Operator
No. 6
Camilla Barker
Discipline is the foundation of perseverance.
It is the strength to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles.
Camilla began Kyokushin Karate in 2011 at the age of 30, inspired by a family member who wanted to train. With previous sporting injuries and the challenge of keeping up with younger students, the beginning was not easy. Yet her determination quickly turned into a disciplined training routine—four nights a week in the dojo and daily practice at home. That commitment became the bedrock of her journey.
Camilla Barker
Starting later in life gave me an urgency to apply myself fully. I wanted to achieve my goals as quickly as possible, so I pushed myself hard from the beginning. Training wasn’t just physical—it also became a way to build resilience and confidence in myself. Over time, I came to realize that the inner strength Kyokushin develops is something you carry with you through every part of life.
The turning points came with testing moments. Achieving Shodan was a milestone, but earning Sandan after years of dedication stands as a symbol of perseverance. Competing nationally and internationally brought some of her proudest memories—winning a State Title in 2018, placing 3rd at the AFKO Tournament in Malaysia in 2019, and again at the KWF Grand Prix in Chiba, Japan in 2020. Competing in Japan, the birthplace of Kyokushin, after months of training twice a day, six days a week, was the ultimate challenge—and reward.
Yet perhaps her greatest test came outside the ring. In 2019, Camilla became the dojo operator of Southern Warriors Martial Arts. When COVID struck, most of her support team left. The responsibility of leading through such uncertain times was immense, but she persevered and not only kept the dojo alive, she grew it. That leadership under pressure became one of her proudest achievements.
Why did she continue to push forward, despite the challenges?
No matter how difficult the path, progress comes one step at a time. Kyokushin has taught her to face challenges with calmness and courage, to trust in discipline when strength is tested, and to keep showing up no matter the odds.
Now, with her Sandan achieved, her focus turns to guiding her students and shaping the dojo environment, while also pursuing professional teaching accreditation to expand her skills both inside and outside the dojo.
One step at a time is progress.
If I can do it, you can too.
Camilla Barker
Victoria, Australia
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Every day, she continues to practice and teach, driven by the philosophy of "Osu no Seishin" — the spirit of perseverance.
