Draft:Jonathan Scott Gleeson

Jonathan Gleeson (born 10 May 1984), is an Australian Karate master, sport administrator and promoter. He is currently the Australian national director for the International Sport Karate Association, the managing director of National Sport Karate Australia and the promoter of several martial arts tournaments. He also manages and teaches at the Sydney Karate Club in Ultimo.

Background
Gleeson began training in the martial arts in 1991. Since then he has reached the level of 6th degree black belt (Dan) in Kaizen Ryu Karate and holds the title of Shihan. He has also achieved 1st Dan ranks in Ryu Kyu Kobudo Kai, and in Doce Pares Arnis, Eskrima and Kali.

Gleeson has also trained in the following martial art styles:


 * Muay Thai at the Phuket Muay Thai Camp in Thailand
 * Kung Fu at the Bu Bi Zhen International Kung Fu School in Yangshuo, China
 * Aikido at the Aikikai Hombu, Tokyo, Japan
 * Goju-Ryu Karate at the Doushikan Dojo in Kyoto, Japan
 * Kendo in Kyoto, Japan, with Shibagaki Haruo Sensei 7th Dan K.S.K
 * Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

He has trained with martial artists Bill Wallace, Roller Gracie and Tino Ceberano.

In July 2019 and again in July 2022 Gleeson acted as the head coach for the Australian team to the US Open World Martial Arts Championships the largest martial arts tournament in the world. At this event Gleeson and his team of 30 athletes were so successful that every team member returned home with at least a first place from one of their events.

Aside from martial arts, Gleeson holds a Bachelor degree in Information Technology, a Master of Business Administration and has a successful career in the Australian telecommunications industry.

Battle of Canberra
Held each April since 2010, and boasting the strongest completions in the Australian Capital territory, this event commonly attracts competitors from both New South Wales and Victoria making a mini state of origin event for the martial arts.

Victorian Championship
The longest running martial arts event in Victoria, held every year in September this event brings the best martial arts in the state to Melbourne.

River City Rumble
Bringing martial arts competition to Brisbane every year the River City Rumble showcases the best talent in Queensland.

Australian National Championship
Australia's largest annual seeded martial arts tournament is held in Sydney every year on the first weekend of December, completing the annual season for National Sport Karate Australia. Only competitors ranked in the top 10 for a division throughout the prior year's competition earn an invite to this event.

International Sport Karate Association

 * ISKA Australia Referee of the Year 2006
 * ISKA Australia Karate Instructor of the Year 2009
 * ISKA Australia Hall of Fame 2014

==== Order of Australia  ==== In the 2024 Kings Birthday honours, Gleeson was recognised for his significant service to the martial arts with the Medal of the Order of Australia.