Thomas McKinnon Soke

9th Dan Founder & Chief Instructor of Torakan Karate-Do

Thomas McKinnon Soke is a former British Parachute Regiment soldier, and a multi-accredited international Martial Arts Specialist with more than 60 years’ experience: Boxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Bushido, Muay Thai and Close Quarter Combat.  

During the above period, Thomas McKinnon Soke has taught Karate, Muay Thai, close quarter combat to the security industry, and self-defence in government and private schools throughout NSW and

North West Tasmania.  Thomas Soke has also designed developed, and taught a Women’s Self-defence System; and produced an instructional video.

In high-risk security, McKinnon Soke was an international Close Personal Protection Operative (CPPO or Bodyguard) for thirty years, with a client list that included European Royalty and a United States President.

T.D. McKinnon Soke is also an accomplished writer and author, with an eclectic list of publications; his most recent being ‘A Budōka Odyssey’, a memoir.  T.D. McKinnon, Lifelong Budōka, shares with you this very personal narrative.  Details are available on the link. 

McKinnon Soke also writes a monthly Karate Essence Blog: ‘Reality Check’, where he shares his abundant martial arts knowledge bank with a worldwide audience. 

• ​9th Dan Black Belt Torakan Karate-Do

• 5th Dan Black Belt Karate Union of Australia

• 5th Dan Black Belt Chinese Karate Association (honorary)

• 2nd Dan Black Belt Bushido (Jujutsu & weaponry)

• 1st Dan Black Belt Japan Karate Association

• British Army Boxer

• Muay Thai Instructor

• Honorary Black Sash Award Shaolin Temple

Current Objectives

“I have combined my life’s martial experience with my philosophical understanding for the need for a peaceful co-existence in an increasingly aggressive society.

I have developed a way of training that strengthens, and helps to prepare you for the worst situations in life, while creating a quiet confidence within, which helps to smooth your path, assisting you to live a balanced, healthy and value filled life.

Torakan (School of the Tiger) is my way of training.  After studying and training in the martial arts for nearly 65 years; I understand that, in the cold hard reality of today’s world, one needs to be prepared for any eventuality.  However, our ‘Dojo Kun’ best explains the Torakan Karate-Do philosophy, the ‘Oath of Honour’ binds us to a certain code, and the ‘Escalation of Force’ gives us a moral sanction.”