I have been training Shotokan Karate with Jean since 2013 in Australia. As a Sandan since 2003 in America, I have trained with many top instructors from different parts of the world, including Japan, England, Israel and France. Sensei Jean has been a significant influence in my training and has provided the opportunities for me to grow and continue to develop my own karate through his unique perspective. He emphasizes and demonstrates core strength, proper breathing, and developing strong techniques at both basic and advanced levels. Through intense training sessions, I have experienced the challenges of pushing myself to my limits as well as the relaxed calm feeling that tends to be generated by the end of a class. Sensei Jean promotes good health and fitness and always speaks in a calm and reassuring manner which I believe comes from a lifetime of his own dynamic training history. His classes are often tempered with kumite (sparing) and contact as appropriate, in order to develop resilience and the ability to respond appropriately if one ever needed to protect themselves in a real fighting situation. In class, we train hard and also laugh together, keeping good camaraderie among ourselves. I enjoy training with Sensei Jean. I have come to respect him as a senior instructor and a friend who is truly dedicated to inner peace and harmony through improving character through Karate.

I am a 2nd Dan Black belt in Shotokan Karate, I obtained my Shodan with JKA Australia & my Nidan with TSKFA Australia and have trained for over 14 years, I would like to take the opportunity to express how beneficial it is and appreciative I am, to train with Sensei Jean Boussard. His training encompasses all aspects of the physical body while incorporating a layered approach to application, self-defence, breathing, stretching and emotional health. His teachings are tailored to all students’ levels, needs and understanding and his support is always positive. I highly recommend Sensei Jean's training and guidance as an essential steppingstone for a healthy, safe, well-balanced body and life.

After many years of training in various styles and dojos in Martial Arts I took a break of some 12 or so years. Back now for the last 13 months training with Sensei Jean of Byron Shire Shotokan, I believe my level of expertise has been extremely enhanced with the knowledge that Sensei Jean has imparted not only with the technical side which is based on the Kase-Ha system but more importantly in true self defence style. Sensei has a very calm and collected approach to his teaching with strong emphasis on deep controlled breathing and core strength plus the ability to show the true essence of Karate. To summarise the yin/yang flow, with calm attitude/explosive effective defence if required.

At 33 years old I started Karate here at the Bangalow Dojo in April 2021. I absolutely love it. It’s so much more than just a physical practice. It’s a discipline, a philosophy, a way of life. For me it’s improving confidence, power, coordination and focus. Sensei Jean makes everyone feel welcome, creating a truly supportive environment to learn and grow in, and also a lot of fun. I feel part of a family here and have made friends with some great people. I couldn’t recommend this enough for anyone, of any age!

My two sons are really engaged with karate with Sensei Jean Boussard at the Byron Shotokan Dojo. Initially I was struck by the rigour and physical discipline during the weekly sessions but now I observe a stronger mental stamina and resilience that has been wonderful to witness. My eldest son has just graded to his first brown belt and his commitment to learning more challenging kata is impressive. As is the poise, power and focus that karate demands.  My son gets so much out of these sessions: he is far more in tune with his body and its capabilities, and he feels supported by his sensei and the fellow karatekas. Karate with Sensei Jean Boussard has had a profound and very positive effect on my son, and I know he will take these learnings of respect and self-defence into his adolescence and beyond.

I took my son to Byron Shire Shotokan Karate as a martial arts novice. I had no idea what to expect but thought it would be a good form of exercise for a boy not interested in “running around a field after a ball”. What I found was a supportive and encouraging environment fostering respect, strength and mindfulness. Jean Boussard Sensei holds the class with calm strength and a lightness that brings out the best in the kids.

Since starting Karate-Do here at Byron Shire Shotokan, I have felt the massive impact it has had on my attitude and behaviour. It has shown me the valour in being honourable, and the strength in doing the right thing.  Sensei Jean is great with anyone, and I greatly look forward to lessons twice a week. The energy around the dojo is always great and fun, and Byron Shire Karate-Do and Self Defence attracts many great people. I would highly recommend joining and trying Karate for yourself. A great place full of great people. (and from his parents: it is an absolute pleasure knowing you and the Karate experience enriches Shlomi in many ways. Many many thanks and respect)

My son, Indigo: age 10, orange belt.
How I feel about karate:
It's helping me get fit, it helps me focus, Its great to learn new things
I enjoy it. 
I feel more confident knowing karate.
  I feel stronger, it helps develop my muscles.
I feel like I’m accomplishing growth when I practice and pass my gradings.
I like being told by Sensei Jean that I’ve done well.

My daughter, Dune: age 8, orange belt
I love karate because I make new friends.
It teaches me how to defend myself, 
I can tell it makes me stronger, and happy.
I feel confident in karate because i have been doing it for a long time.
I love my sensei.
I love to practice it, even at home.

Billy and Charlie began learning Shotokan Karate with sensei Jean 2 years ago. Sensei has been a very positive role model for the boys  with the perfect balance of patience, fun, kindness , discipline. The twins really look forward to attending weekly classes. They have been training extra hard the last month for their orange belt. Thanks to sensei teaching of martial arts Billy and Charlie have both grown in fitness, strength, flexibility, self-confidence, focus. Since starting Shotokan Karate Self Defence my then 6yr old twin grandsons Billy and Charlie have been warmly welcomed and inspired by the Shotokan Community. When watching their classes I witness the teachings of a gentle blend of encouragement, self- awareness and discipline. The boys are constantly improving and learning new techniques whilst displaying focus and enthusiasm as they continue to practice, I look forward to watching them grow in strength of mind and body. It is beautiful to see all those little guys having so much fun. Billy and Charlie are very happy. They say you are a good teacher.