Four age streams, never mixed
Tiger Cubs (3–6), Warriors (7–12), Martial Teens (13–16) and Adults (16+) each have their own curriculum.
Founded 1997 · Maddington
Our story
A volunteer-run academy with the widest range of martial arts styles in Australia, built over more than two decades in Maddington.
The academy
Sensei Paul Marston founded Sozokan Academy of Martial Arts & Fitness in 1997 to share his passion with others. Since then the academy has grown into the largest gym of its kind in Western Australia, offering the widest range of classes in Australia, open seven days a week.
We do things differently. Sozokan places its emphasis on high-quality, practical and accessible training, not on profit. The academy is staffed entirely by volunteers who give their time for the art and for the community. There are no guaranteed black-belt programs and no belts handed out on a timetable. Gradings are based on skill and merit, so you can be sure your training, and your rank, is the real thing.
We run dedicated classes across four age groups, from Tiger Cubs aged three through to adults, so every student trains at the right pace with the right people.
The founder
Sensei Paul Marston
Paul Marston
Founder and owner
Paul has over 47 years of martial arts experience. His own journey has included karate, judo, aikido, jujitsu, BJJ, taijitsu, boxing, traditional weapons, kung fu, South-East Asian arts, arnis and silat, and the reality-based systems of America and Israel.
His specialties are practical combatives, edged-weapons training, and self-defence for women, children and the elderly. Through the academy's specialist arm, the Australian Defensive Tactics Institute incorporating The KAPAP Academy, Paul trains security, law-enforcement and defence personnel. He is the only recognised representative of the International KAPAP Federation in Western Australia.
- Over 47 years of martial arts experience
- Founded Sozokan Academy in 1997
- Specialties: practical combatives, edged-weapons training, self-defence for women, children and the elderly
- Only recognised representative of the International KAPAP Federation in W.A.
How we teach
Four principles we train by
Train across styles
Students are encouraged to study as many systems as they like. This range and flexibility is unique in Australia.
Merit, not money
Rank is earned. Membership is a one-off $95 for life, with no annual renewal.
For everyone
Concession, student and FIFO packages keep training affordable, and our women-only Fightbak! program and youngest classes are built around real-world safety.
Reputation
Where to hear from our community
Most of what students say about Sozokan lives on our social channels and review profiles. We would rather point you to the real, unedited word from members than publish a hand-picked quote here.
Arjuken Karate competition record. Academy students have a strong record of national and international wins in Arjuken Karate, our full-contact style.
For day-to-day updates, photos from the floor and member comments, see our Facebook page. If you train with us and would like your review featured here, let us know.
Come and train with us
Book your first class, or see the full weekly timetable.