“Shihan Alex was our karate instructor in Sydney for over 15 years, guiding our two sons, my husband, and myself from white belts all the way to black belts. She started teaching our boys when they were just five and played a pivotal role in their development, both in the dojo and beyond. With care and patience, she supported them through the ups and downs of training, gradings, and competition—helping them build confidence, discipline, and resilience, while encouraging a mindset of striving for excellence.
Shihan Alex is one of the most skilled and knowledgeable martial artists I’ve ever met—always learning, always growing, and deeply committed to helping her students thrive. She truly embodies the spirit of budo and Kyokushin Karate. Her attention to detail is remarkable, and she has a unique way of sharing her knowledge that just clicks with people. We often refer to it as her “magical gift.” Her classes are challenging, engaging, and fun. She has a talent for turning even the dullest parts of the syllabus into something enjoyable and rewarding. I always found myself leaving her classes inspired and wishing I could stay longer.
Over the years, Shihan Alex became much more than just our karate teacher. She’s a role model, a trusted friend, and part of our family. We’re so grateful to have her in our lives.”
Nora Lotter
“We just wanted to say how gifted Alex is and what a wonderful mentor and guide she has been to our son Nathan. Having role models at such a young age is crucial to the self-confidence of any child, and Alex exemplifies the ideal role model: warm, caring, firm and steady. Thank you, Alex, for helping our son Nathan become the fine upstanding man that he is today!”
Michelle & Ari Galper
“Alex is the hardest person to put into a category because she isn’t just a teacher.
From a parent’s perspective, she is someone you instantly trust with your children. A dedicated professional whose calming demeanour allows us as parents to enter into a trusting partnership from the moment our children set foot onto that dojo mat.
My son took his first step onto Alex’s mat as a white belt at the tender age of 6 and I can honestly say that his journey, from that day, to a strong, self-assured, agile, disciplined black belt at 17 years old was a testament to Alex’s dedication and belief in him as a student, as a person and most of all as a friend.
Without Alex, our world of karate may have lasted a year or two, but to have a mentor like her made us want to be the very best version of ourselves. Her dedication is infectious. So much so, that I myself joined the dojo a few years ago and with her guidance, have now become a green belt.
We are so thrilled that Alex is opening in Colorado so that she can enhance the lives of many more students. Australia’s loss is most definitely America’s gain and we miss you very much Alex.”
Justin Benson
“Alex has been more than a karate teacher to our 3 sons - she was their mentor. She has this way about her that she is able to connect with the children. She is a true professional. Teaching isn’t a job for Alex. It’s her calling. She does it with passion and a wicked sense of humour.”
Orit Guiney
“I cannot say enough positive things about Alex. She really has a special way with kids that instills discipline and respect but with humour and love. My son trained karate with Alex in Australia from 5 years old until he was 12 and we moved cities. This wasn’t just any old karate club, it was a community created by Alex! Today my son is 18 and happens to live in Boulder. The bond between Alex and him remains strong and I know she is proud to be attending his graduation this year.”
Linda Antonsson
“Having had the privilege of knowing Sensei Alex for over 15 years, I can say without hesitation that she is one of the most inspiring, motivating, and skilled mentors that my son Brandon has ever encountered.
Sensei Alex is not just a karate instructor; she is a life coach, a role model, and an unwavering source of encouragement.
Her passion for karate and her positive, bubbly personality create an environment that is both fun and challenging, making learning both rewarding and enjoyable for all students.
She has an innate ability to connect with people of all ages and skill levels, making every student feel valued and capable, regardless of where they start.
My son, who has been training under Sensei Alex from the very beginning of his karate journey as a white belt, is a perfect example of her transformative impact. Over the years, she has guided him through countless challenges, not only teaching him the physical techniques required to earn his black belt, but also instilling a strong sense of resilience, discipline, and confidence.
Under her guidance, he learned how to face setbacks with determination, to push through self-doubt, and to rise stronger each time.
These lessons have served him well, not just in karate, but in all areas of his life.
Sensei Alex has the rare ability to balance toughness with kindness, pushing her students to achieve their personal best while always supporting them with patience and understanding.
As she opens her dojo in Colorado, I can say with certainty that any new student will be incredibly fortunate to train under her leadership. Her dedication, expertise, and motivational approach will help students achieve their goals. I have no doubt that Sensei Alex will make a positive and lasting impact on everyone who walks through her doors.
To any prospective students or families looking for a dojo that offers both exceptional martial arts training and a truly supportive community, I highly recommend Sensei Alex. Her passion for teaching and her genuine care for each student's success will help them not only reach new heights in karate but also in their personal growth.
Best wishes to Sensei Alex on this exciting new journey in Colorado. I know she will continue to inspire, motivate, and lead her new students to success in every aspect of their lives.”
Mandy Benson
Alex taught my three sons Karate for over 6 years. During that time, it was incredible to watch them learn and grow, not only as karateka but also as people. My two older sons won numerous kata and kumite competitions. As much as it was rewarding to see them develop their skills, it was wonderful to see their confidence, discipline, values and strength grow. She was the perfect blend of an ‘iron fist in a velvet glove,’ expecting high standard, commitment and respect, but with empathy, and an ability to relate to young people. She was very inclusive ensuring she pushed those capable of high achievement, whilst supporting and getting the most out of those who may have been more challenged. This extended to children on the neurodiversity spectrum.
Over our years of training we developed a warm relationship with Alex personally and she always took a broader interest in the boys’ growth and success.
She demonstrated the highest integrity, warmth, care and honesty. I have no hesitation recommending Alex to anyone looking for a teacher, a sensei, or frankly any role aimed at getting the best from young people.