Harry Cunningham, 'Ken Bainbridge, 5th Dan'
27.9 x 35.6 x 0.5 cm
Photographic Print on Canson Rag
Edition 1/1 + 1AP
$730
Ken Bainbridge is a 5th Dan black belt and dedicated Shotokan karate instructor from Clackline, Western Australia. Seated at the Northam Recreation Centre during the 2025 International Shotokan Karate Competition, he embodies the discipline and mentorship that have defined his life’s work.
Since founding Avon Valley Shotokan in 1991, Ken has devoted over 30 years to teaching and volunteering as a karate instructor in Clackline and Toodyay. He has served as a Level 1 Coach under the Australian Coaching Council and as a State Referee for the Australian Karate Federation. Through his teaching, he has shaped generations of students, fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and personal growth.
Ken’s dedication extends internationally. He has travelled to Japan multiple times, bringing students to train in Oita, a prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu, under renowned instructors. These trips allow students to immerse themselves in traditional Shotokan practices, deepening their understanding of discipline, precision, and philosophy in a hands-on way.
Ken’s lifelong commitment to volunteering and mentoring continues to enrich both his dojo and the broader community, inspiring students while reinforcing the values of Shotokan and leaving a lasting impact on the people and place he has devoted his life to.
Harry Cunningham is a Perth based documentary and contemporary arts photographer and filmmaker, capturing the essence of people, their environments, and culture. Growing up, he travelled across Africa and Southeast Asia, immersing himself in diverse communities. Upon returning home, he found himself longing for that richness sparking a deeper desire to share stories and build meaningful connections to people and place. With a curious and open-minded approach, Harry explores the different ways people live and interact with the world, telling stories that reveal the beauty and depth of human experience.