Kon Papaioannou is a high performance martial arts coach! Kon Pappy's martial arts career spans over 30 years. He has competed at National and International levels in Wrestling, Sports Jiu-Jitsu, Pankration, Sambo, MMA and Boxing. Kon has successfully trained over 20 state and national champions. He is the current coach for the World Federation Pangration Athlima and a former 4-time World veteran's champion. Well respected among all his peers and community, Kon leads buy example, both on and off the mats. As a practitioner and coach, Kon can be described as a true master in a variety of martial arts systems which has helped him to offer one of the best martial arts training facilities around. Kon is owner and chief instructor at the “Fight Lab” in Tempe, Sydney New South Wales. Kon began his martial arts journey at a young age and grew to become a well-known competition fighter participating in competition circuits all around the world including India, USA, Europe, other countries in Asia and Australia were all countries where Kon was able to successfully compete and hone his skills to become one of the best inter-style martial artists around. Kon fights, MMA, Muay Thai, Koshiki, Kyokushin, BJJ and wrestling, something very rare in the world of martial arts, securing a place for him as a real legend of the industry. Kon's life experience’s is one of the reasons he is such a popular coach. The most important of Kon’s qualities certainly must be the care and personal attention he offers all of his clients. As a qualified sports coach and personal trainer Kon can provide effective programs that range from weight loss, general fitness, strength and conditioning, self-defence, martial arts from beginner to high performance. Through Kon’s talent as a coach he has been able to enrich the lives of many thousands of students, privileged enough to have passed through his doors. Kon Papaioannou is a coach who understands how to take any individual to the top of their game!
Sensei Shayne Findlay is the Chief Instructor for Senshido Martial Arts. He is highly qualified as an experienced Black Belt across multiple styles of martial arts and has trained extensively in Senshido, Karate, Kenpo, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido, Taekwondo, Aikido, Kobujutsu and Kendo. Sensei Shayne currently holds the below Black Belt certifications: - 2nd Dan Black Belt - Senshido - 2nd Dan Black Belt - Zendokai Karate - 1st Dan Black Belt - Freestyle Martial Arts. Sensei Shayne has 26+ years of martial arts industry experience, and is the Founder and Group CEO of Senshido Australia Group which is the parent organisation for three of his companies; Senshido Martial Arts, SenshiTac Combatives (Senshido Tactical), and Senshido Training & Consulting. In 1996, at the age of nine (9) years old, Sensei Shayne began his martial arts journey under the direct instruction of Renshi Glenn Rushton before Shihan David Reid undertook him as his Uchideshi at the age of ten (10) years old. In 2004, after eight (8) years of training, having now completed his 1st Dan Black Belt, and with a desire to expand “The Way” in which he had been taught, Sensei Shayne launched his first Dojo in July 2004 based on the Gold Coast. Findlay's professional profile includes extensive security and personal protection experience, delivering training and consultation services on an international level to a number of security organisations and registered training organisations both as an instructor and educator and as a security operator. Findlay specialises in security & risk management and the continuation of studies in martial arts across a diverse range of styles, strategies and methodologies. Findlay is highly regarded as an industry expert in Security with 19+ years’ security service in Australia and Internationally. Findlay has an eclectic wealth of experience in the industry and has worked major events, security & risk management consulting, armed protection, investigations, surveillance, crowd control and close personal protection (bodyguard) for a variety of high profile celebrities and clientele. In addition to his security and martial arts experience, Findlay is an experienced Security Instructor and, Firearms & Defensive Tactics Instructor. He was directly contracted by GOLDOC in 2018 as one of only a small group of eight industry experts within Australia, tasked with training all guards, supervisors and managers of the security specific requirements and procedures for the Commonwealth Games here in Australia. Findlay facilitates a range of seminars/ workshops covering topics such as; Specialist Tactical Security, Close Quarter Combatives, Edged Weapons, Firearms & Defensive Tactics, and Self-defence/Self-protection and the difference between the two. He teaches martial arts and security risk management seminars to beginners, intermediate, advanced, and instructor levels, and is widely considered as one of the industry's best in teaching Tactical Combatives with real world application, execution, and strategy that is relevant in today's society. Complimenting his in-depth experience within the security and martial arts industries, Findlay is an internationally certified personal trainer and fitness trainer with FISAF International (The Federation of International Sports, Aerobics and Fitness), and Fitness Australia. Sensei Shayne is surrounded by a highly skilled, experienced team of Instructors and is incredibly passionate in leading his team as the Chief Instructor for Senshido Martial Arts. His goal, and that of his Instructor panel, is to provide highly advanced, quality martial arts instruction in an environment that is fun and safe. They seek to continuously develop and foster a culture of friendship, respect, and discipline that lays the foundation for and enhances the development of positive life skills in all Senshido students.
Hugh Doherty is a 7th Dan Black Belt in Ju Jitsu and holds black belts in a variety of other systems. Shihan Hugh and his wife Elizabeth own and operates Qi (Chi) Martial Arts and Fitness Gym in Bayside Melbourne. Qi Martial Arts and Fitness is a beautifully presented traditional style dojo that offers various forms of martial arts as well as other health and fitness services including weight training and massage. Hugh is a pioneer of Martial Arts in Australia having travelled yearly for the past 20 years to expand his knowledge into the various martial art systems. The training he received was right from the source; Jujitsu, karate, Sword and Filipino Martial Arts of Escrima were all styles that make up the range of disciplines that he teaches. Hugh became National Representative of 4 of these disciplines ensuring himself a place as one of the original multi style masters. As well as a life-long commitment to martial arts, Hugh Doherty has been an advocate for ongoing professional development. Training undertaken and completed includes but not limited to Diploma in Fitness, Diploma in Sports Coaching, Diploma in Sport Development, Level 3 Sports Coach, Instructor Trainer in Scuba (NAUI,) undergraduate and post graduate qualifications in Health and a certified OHS professional by AIHS. Its easy to see that Hugh Doherty doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk and is an industry leader dedicated to the continuance of tradition and integrity in the systems he dedicates himself. Hugh Doherty and his wife Liz are committed to serving the local community by providing the best martial arts program around. School groups, women’s self-defence, fitness, kickboxing, jujitsu and karate, cover just about every sector which is an indicator of the knowledge and expertise held within the facility.
Richie Ivory is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and accomplished MMA coach Richie Ivory began his martial arts training at an early age, his father supported his efforts and encouraged the young athlete as he competed in Irish and European Championships in Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. In 2005 Richie deided to expand his knowledge and left for Australia where he continued his Brazilian jiu jitsu training under the Ben Hall / Carlson Gracie BJJ Academy. It wasnt long before Richie was noticed as he began to make a strong impact in the local BJJ and MMA competitions. Richie was offered a job to manage the Bendigo Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Bendigo Central Victoria where he drew a large number of students, many of whom went on to chalk up some significant wins in the tournament circuits. Richie himself entered some of Australia's most significant MMA circuits and became a local celebrity amongst enthusiasts. Richie Ivory is not just a champion fighter he is also a family man who needed to move his Irish family back home and continue down his chosen path of teaching martial arts. Richie Ivory opened his school in Gorey County Wexford, and it has grown ever since. His wealth of knowledge and compassion for his students have made him a well sought after coach on two continents. Richie Ivory believes in ethical and professional practices in martial arts, and is an advocate for child safety and positive physical and mental development through martial arts. Richie has a variety of titles in Brazilian jiu Jitsu and muay thai and competes at a professional level in MMA. Richie has already trained a very strong stable of fighters in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, many going on to compete well in regional and state titles. Richie operates the Richi Ivory Jiu Jitsu Academy in Ireland where he has already gained a great following that includes junior and senior students.
Jet Tranter is a Muay Thai Coach and Personal Trainer. Jet Tranter has recently made her mark in the movie world starring the recent 2020 movie "Lady Blood Sport!" As an exponent and coach in martial arts jet mixes her philosophy of the East with hard physical training to gain great results with clients. Jet is also highly recognised and well respected amongst her many peers and is also known for her sound knowledge in nutrition, not just boring foods either, her culinary expertise sets her well apart from the rest. Jet Tranter draws clients from near and far for health and fitness workshops and one on one personal training.
Edji Zenel is a 5th Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. Edji began his karate training in 1974 in Melbourne, Victoria. Today he is the chief instructor of Thornbury Dojo (Club) which was established in 1977. Edji is passionate about karate and has devoted his life to martial arts. Training is the integral part of his daily routine. He has traveled extensively around the world to train under renowned karate masters in the pursuit of expanding his knowledge. Edji was first graded to black belt (1st dan) in July 1978. In January 2008, he was graded to 5th dan black belt. The Japan Karate Association (JKA) Internationally certifies his qualifications. The JKA is one of the world’s largest traditional karate organisations clearly defining itself as 'The keeper of karate's highest tradition' with member organisations in over 100 countries across all continents around the world. The standards taught are of the highest level in keeping with the technical requirements set by JKA Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Over the years, Sensei Edji’s passion and commitment has led to his personal involvement in competing, judging, and coaching in competitions. He competed in several AKF (all styles) and JKA competitions and won gold medals in their National & State competitions. Edji first opened his own karate club in July 1977, and has coached State, National and International Champions. But more importantly he has seen many students excel in their personal life, in which, many of those students attribute their success because of their karate training and the discipline it provides. Edji has completed and passed level 1 and 2 “General Principles” and “Karate Specific” coaching courses which are Government approved. He is dedicated to promoting the art of karate-do as well as spreading the philosophy and spirit of Shotokan Karate.