TGK was first established by Greg Mapstone Sensei upon his return from Japan studying iaidō in Ōsaka for a number of years (mid 1980s). One of his first students, and best mate, Noel Young Sensei assisted him in establishing the Honbu Dojō his hometown of Ipswich in Queensland after a number of years teaching in the old YMCA hall in Ann St, Brisbane.  Many of the current senior instructors in Queensland were students of Greg Sensei. 

Sadly, on 15th December 2022, at the age of 67, Greg Sensei passed away. Dave Kolb Sensei, one of Greg’s original students, wrote a beautiful eulogy about his long-standing friendship with Greg Sensei.

Ten Gen Kai literally translates to sky, original/source, association. Greg Sensei said it meant directly transmitted from heaven or the truth.

TGK came to the Sunshine Coast through Steve Dodson (Doddy) Sensei. Doddy used to travel from Noosa to Ipswich (a two-hour drive each way) to train with Greg Sensei on most Friday nights. It was usually a three-hour class with dinner and conversation afterwards that went on till the early hours of the morning. In the mid ‘00s, with the blessing of Greg Sensei, Doddy Sensei established a TGK Dojō at Tewantin on the Sunshine Coast.

Today, TGK on the Sunshine Coast is taught by Mark Hewson Sensei (a student of Doddy Sensei). In September 2026,  Mark was awarded the grade of Yondan (4th degree). 

Mark Sensei is deeply grateful for Greg Sensei in sharing his knowledge and honours Greg Sensei memory though continuing the dojō name of Ten Gen Kai.