Richard Chew is a lifelong martial artist and leader within Karate Budokan International (KBI), with decades of experience as a competitor, instructor, and mentor.

He represented Australia in international competitions and achieved national success in both kata and kumite, as well as coaching at a high level. Beginning his teaching journey at a young age, he developed a reputation for clarity, simplicity, and technical understanding.

As a coach, he guided his students to achieve Australia’s 4irst World Championship medal and coached Australian athletes who went on to become World Champions.

He also gained recognition in the fitness industry, coaching several sports aerobics athletes to World Champion level in the 1990s, applying principles and experience drawn from karate.

As the son of KBI founder Chew Choo Soot, Richard was shaped by early exposure to diverse martial arts disciplines, including Chinese martial arts and weapons. Over time, his focus shifted from competition and rank to teaching, character, and continuous improvement.

He now leads KBI with a clear philosophy — prioritising integrity, humility, and high standards over titles or organisational size.

His focus is simple: to build an organisation defined not by size, but by standards that earn genuine respect.

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