Paul Veldman is a 6th Dan Black Belt in Karate. Shihan Paul began training at the age of 13 in Freestyle Karate. He later started training in the traditional karate of Shukokai, achieving his black belt in 1995. Shihan Paul is a committed full time instructor who is also the motivation behind the successful martial arts chain of schools Kando Martial Arts. Shihan Paul believes that the focus, camaraderie, and personal growth that is fostered in a well balanced martial arts program has the potential to change lives for the better. Paul should know, because as a career senior ranking police officer up until 10 years ago, he has seen the result of misguided youth and lack of structure in peoples lives and insists that martial arts can make the difference that is greatly needed in today's society. Having also achieved ranking in Kickboxing, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Floro Fighting Systems and Kinetic Fighting, Shihan Paul is well qualified to create an inclusive program that provides maximum benefit for the maximum demographic. During his time as a member of Victoria Police for 17 years, he spent time as an operational general duties member, as a member of the Force Response Unit, and later as a Police Instructor and “Train the Trainer” in Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Conflict Management and Forced Building Entry. As part of these duties he would conduct research and development into Police Tactics and Training, Forced Building Entry, Siege and Hostage Negotiator, and Close Personal Protection Officer. Shihan Paul has a mission to share his quality martial arts program to as many people as possible and contribute in a positive way to the people of Melbourne.

Master Michael Matlijovski is a 5th Black belt in Taekwondo, 4th Degree in Hapkido and Brown Belt in BJJ. As Founder, Director and Master Instructor of Infinity Combat Systems Michael has trained many students in and around the Illawarra district of NSW. Over the past 30 years Michael has grown from a young enthusiast to a master instructor owning his own martial arts enterprise. Michaels interest in martial arts led him on a lifelong journey of self-development where he has trained under many well-known and respected martial arts masters in Australia. Michael now dedicates himself to improving the lives of others through his mixed blend of fighting arts. Michael believes in his work and specifically in the power that a well balance martial art style has in developing healthy strong bodies and calm, focussed minds. Traits that is needed in today’s world. Martial art styles taught by master Michael Matlijovski include; Hapkido, Tukkong Moosool, Hosinsul Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kali. Michael has programs specifically designed for all age groups.

Mark ‘The Hammer’ Castagnini is Founder and Head Instructor of Hammer’s Gym and is one of the most highly respected names in Australian Muay Thai Kickboxing. Mark began his martial arts training under Shihan Emin in Kyokushin Karate. His competitive nature lead him to kickboxing and then Muay Thai kickboxing. Castagnini’s fight career peaked in 1995 when he won the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Australian Cruiserweight Muay Thai title against Romolo Pio. In the same year Mark won the National All Styles Victorian Black-Belt Championship, which he won again in 1998. Mark has been appointed the VAMAA (Victorian Amateur Martial Arts Association) Vice President, which is a Victorian Government recognised association. Castagnini regularly travels to Thailand under the umbrella of the World Muay Thai Council (WMC). His trips allow him to keep up to date with the latest training methods and bring back the improvements to share with Hammer’s Gym’s students. In 2006 Mark received an award from the president of the WMC for his dedicated promotion of Muay Thai in Australia. As well as this he also was given the award for the development and popularization of Muay Thai in Australia. Mark has been an ongoing ambassador for the sport and continues to receive recognition from the WMC. Mark has many years experience working in the martial arts industry. He was previously general manager for Blitz Publications which produces the “International Kickboxer”, which was named the best fight magazine in the Oceania by the WMC. As well as this Mark hosted his own show on Fox Sports called “Hammer Time”

Sensei Bruce Hyland began his karate training in 1972. Having a grounding in Sport & Traditional Karate, and Coach Development. Bruce has always sought out the most advantageous methods for his own self-development and his students. Karate is neither sport, traditional or a reality-based self-defense, it is all these! Karate parrels life with principles and philosophies that are like having your own life coach every step of the way as you grow into the complete karate-student and person. Early Bruce realised that his calling was to have an impact on others’ lives that meant by doing or seeking out the best in Sensei Ticky Donovan OBE 10th Dan or immersing himself in the sport and education, for 46 years plus he has competed, coached, trained and traveled the World extensively to reach that goal. He has competed in numerous open tournaments since 1975, retiring in 2015 a forty years winning 29 Gold-21 Silver and 14 Bronze, along the way placing third at the 1985 Asian Pacific Championships and representing Australia in 1984 at the World Championships and winning national and state titles. Winning USA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2011. As a coach, he was National Kumite Coach from 1992 – 2005 taking 15 teams to international events, including three World Championships. At State level he has enjoyed a successful role as Senior State Coach from 1987 to 2000; he was appointed Head Kumite Coach 2009-2015. His students have won or placed in International, National, and State Championships since 1975 with many of his students holding positions of state-level coaches – this is a testament to his methodology and philosophy one being that; “we do not build champions-we build champion people”. The perception is that martial arts are a destructive and dangerous activity, no doubt it has that potential, however, Ishinryu programs have been designed for 4-5 years, children 6-12, teenagers, adults. Discipline, fitness, self-control, confidence, self-defense are the benefits of training and karate practice. Ishinryu has Coloured belt system that assists the student to progress at their own pace without trepidation, each student has the potential to become a Black Belt. "As a student matures with grade, so also will his/her manners and etiquette, outwardly and even more important inwardly".

Rod Purcell is a 4th Dan Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate. Sensei Rod Purcell comes from a strong lineage of quality instructors within the Kyokushinkaikan (Organisation) such as Brian Ellison and Gary Viccars. Sensei Rod is a proud Kyokushin practitioner who believes in the life changing power that comes from hard training in the style. As the senior instructor of Geelong Karate INC, Sensei Rod operates the Norlane Dojo in Geelong ate the Waterworld complex and has developed a strong following over the many years of leading students. Kyokushin Karate has a reputation for being a hard style, and is well respected for its effictiveness in a real life self defence situation. Sensei Rod is true to the art and dedicated to providing all students with the opportunity to be the best they can be. Sensei Rod's longevity in the martial arts is testiment to his committment to deliver the best program around.

Sensei Bradley Wagner is a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate Sensei Bradley is respected both in Australia and internationally as the branch chief of the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association South Australia (AKKA SA) working directly under Kancho Yoshikazu Matsushima and Hanshi John Taylor of the IKO. Sensei Wagner is a committed karateka who fully focussed on teaching others in the style as well as continuing to follow his own training. South Australia is a growth area for Kyokushin, Sensei Bradley believes and he is committed to building a strong and progressive Kyokushin style under his guideance. Sensei Bradley Wagner's martial arts career first began in 2006 under the guidance of Sensei Owen Povey and he worked tirelessly to rise through the ranks of Kyokushin. This included travelling from his hometown to attend training over 100Kms away multiple times per week and eventually moving towns to be closer to the dojo allowing him to spend even more time focusing on his karate. During this time, he made several trips around Australia to further his studies including travelling all around SA and interstate to NSW, Victoria and Queensland for competitions, training camps and other events. Sensei Wagner earnt his Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) in 2011 in a traditional Kyokushin grading which included the 40-round kumite (fighting) and Tameshiwari (board breaking) testing. In 2014 he was successful in gaining his Nidan (2nd Dan) grade and later tested and awarded the rank of Sandan (3rd Dan) in 2017, earning him the official title of Sensei. In 2019, Sensei Brad’s commitment, determination and perseverance was rewarded when he was elevated to the official status of IKO Branch Chief. Outside of his martial arts training, Sensei Bradley is passionate about helping others achieve their best and as a result spent several years studying to become a personal trainer. He works full time in his own business, BWPT, as a personal trainer and strength coach while continuing to develop his own skills and qualifications. This career path has allowed him to work with some of the best trainers and coaches in Australia to expand his knowledge in the field and compliment his martial arts. As a true testament to his courage and strength and a dedication to his continual improvement and development, Sensei Wagner still pushes the limits of his own training by testing himself with regular board & baseball bat breaking demonstrations and competing in Full contact Karate and strongman events around the country at both state and national level.