Hamersley
Get in touch.
Contact: Mitchell Durham
Phone: 0422 305 441
Email: yoseikanryu.hamersley@gmail.com
Location:
Stirling Leisure Centre (Function Room)
20 Belvedere Road
Hamersley 6022
Class Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4.15pm-5.15pm
Welcome to Yoseikan-Ryu Karate Hamersley!
Opening in February 2025, Hamersley is the newest branch of Yoseikan-Ryu Karate, led by Mitchell Durham. Continuing the legacy of Branco Bratich, we provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment for students to learn karate while building discipline, commitment, and strong core values.
Our team is more than just experienced—it’s family. Alongside Mitch, our instructors include his dad, Jerome Durham, and best friend, Nathan Blockley. Mitch’s mum, Senior Black Belt Tracey Durham run the front desk, ensuring everyone is greeted with a smile.
At Yoseikan-Ryu Karate Hamersley, community and a family-like atmosphere are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re focused on traditional martial arts, building confidence in self-defense, competing in the sport, or just having fun, you’ll find a place here. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be welcomed with open arms!
Instructor Bios
Mitchell
Began karate at 6 years old in 2004
Achieved Junior Black Belt in 2008 and then Senior Black Belt (Shodan) in 2017
Currently a 3rd Dan Black Belt
Multiple time State & National champion in both Kata and Kumite
2x Oceania Champion and Multiple time International medallist specialising in Kumite
K1 Series A Bronze Medallist
K1 Premier League Bronze Medallist
University World Championship Silver Medallist
Current Australian National Team Captain
Message From Mitch
Head Instructor Hamersley
I started karate at 6 years old under Branco Bratich, the same way my father began his journey with Yoseikan-Ryu Karate when he was 10 years old. Training multiple times a week as a young boy not only gave me regular exercise, but the martial art taught me discipline and confidence for everyday life. Yoseikan-Ryu has a unique environment and a strong supportive community. I met people who I now call lifelong friends, and consider this club as a second family.
The opportunity to compete in sports karate took me by storm and I quickly knew that I wanted to pursue a career as an elite athlete of the game. Competing as a dual-discipline athlete in Kata & Kumite, and then specialising in kumite to take it to the international stage. I feel very lucky to have represented my club, state and country for many years, and I am proud of my achievements along the way. Becoming Australian national team captain was a huge honour, and I believe that I can influence the karate world for years to come on and off the tatami.
Teaching is a passion for me, from assisting as a junior black belt at 11 years old to now running my own classes at the Hombu dojo. I also take sport & fitness classes for children aged 2-5 at Care For Kids daycare centres throughout the day. The greatest part about teaching is witnessing the development of both children and adults, physically, mentally and emotionally.
It has been a vision of mine to open a dojo for a long time, and it’s exciting that time is finally here! Training closely under Branco has inspired me to continue sharing the amazing things Yoseikan-Ryu Karate has brought to my life, and provide a safe environment for everyone to achieve their goals no matter what they may be.
Jerome
Began karate at 10 years old in 1979
State Champion 1983
Represented WA State Team as the first group of Juniors to participate in a National Championships in 1983
Achieved Junior Black Belt in 1984 and then Senior Black Belt (Shodan) in 2007
Currently a 5th Dan Black Belt
Jerome started karate with his 3 siblings in the early days of Yoseikan-Ryu Karate at the Girrawheen Recreation Centre. While traditional Shotokan was a key focus, competitions started taking over the karate world and Branco incorporated new-aged and fast sports karate training for Jerome and the other students. After participating in events and training for many years, Jerome stepped away from karate to pursue his career and raise a family. 20 years had passed before Jerome brought his son, Mitchell, back to Yoseikan-Ryu and he has never looked back. Jerome became the main instructor for the beginner belts for many years before specialising in developmental kumite (sparring) training. It is clear that Jerome’s experience is invaluable and extremely versatile as he now teaches the adults at the Hombu Dojo as well as the kids at Hamersley.
Nathan
Began karate at 6 years old in 2003
Achieved Junior Black Belt in 2007 and then Senior Black Belt (Shodan) in 2018
Former National Team Member
Multiple State, National & International medallist (Kata & Kumite)
Current State Coach
Nathan’s karate journey was born from the moment he saw his Dad’s old kung fu certificates. His Dad, Owen, who is now a 5th Dan and Senior Instructor for this club, brought Nathan to Yoseikan-Ryu to couple karate with his soccer commitments. After doing both for many years, Nathan fell in love with karate and decided to focus on state and national competitions. Paired with Mitchell, Nathan travelled to and competed in many national and international events among other members of the club who are now considered our closest lifelong friends because of those amazing experiences. Inspired by the world of competition karate while also holding a deep love for the traditional martial art, Nathan gives his all to the community and wants to see the next generations succeed. Which is why he is such an incredible and valued instructor for Hamersley.
