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!
Dr Richard Bradford, 9th Dan Karate, Hanshi Richard Bradford is a well respected karate pioneer who was the first in Australia to establish a full time professional organisation. Hanshi Richard started his martial arts training in 1959 in Judo, Jujitsu and boxing. In 1963, he formally started his Karate training and in 1966 started teaching the art. Shihan Bradford was the Austrailan Karate Federation National Coach from 1977-1993 and produced many champions, the most prestigious being World Heavyweight Champion Brian Peakal (1992), Australia's 1st ever senior male world title. Goshin Ryu Karate is the most successful Karate club in the government recognised Australian Karate Federation. Karate is a great person development system teaching life skills that develop self confidence, self esteem and discipline, as well as being a great deal of fun! Goshin Ryu Karate was first registered world-wide in Sydney, Australia in the late 1960's by Shihan Dr. Richard Bradford and other leading instructors from China, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other Asian countries with Chan Keng Wan from the Shaolin Temple Double Dragon school in China as the Head Instructor and Master. Developed from the 'Shotokan' style, an original martial arts style from Okinawa, Japan, Goshin Ryu today is made up of two essential martial arts styles, Shotokan Karate and Double Dragon Shaolin Kung Fu. Hanshi Richard Bradford is heavily engaged in the development of Karate in China through one of the country's largest organizations. As a senior coach and adjudicator Hanshi Richard Bradfords influence is world wide and he is responsibe for grading and curriculum for many tens of thousands of student in China and Australia. Hanshi Richard Bradford is committed to ongoing professional development of all martial arts coaches. He has been heavily involved in the education and development for his organisation and other organisations with his involvement in Nationally Recognised Training via the International College of Kenshusei and the Australian College of Sports Development.
Andrew Cheung is a Sifu (master) of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Sifu Cheung is a lifelong practitioner training under the tutelage of his father Grand Master William Cheung. Sifu Chief Instructor at Cheungs Wing Chun Academy and at his young age has delivered traditional Wing Chun training to thousands of practitioners in Australia and international. Sifu Andrew Cheung leads the next generation of Wing Chun training with strength, commitment and dedication to this important and significant martial arts system. Sifu Andrew Cheung conducts workshops to enthusiasts all around the globe and is sought after as an expert in his field, and with experience in teaching private groups, school groups and women's self defence, is it any wonder that the popularity of the effective art of Wing Chun is alive and growing around the world. Wing Chun Melbourne; Martial arts Melbourne; kung fu Melbourne;
Shihan George Kolovos is one of Australia's most influential martial artist leaders. He commenced his martial arts career in the Kyokushin discipline of Karate in 1975. George trained at the then head quarters of Kyokushin Karate, he swiftly progressed through the ranks, obtaining a black belt in two and a half years, a process which ordinarily takes at least 5 years. By this time George had felt it necessary to create his own centre focused solely to martial arts. He had several styles of martial arts in his arsenal and various national titles for both Kyokushin Karate and Kickboxing. From humble beginnings renting a room at Melbourne City Baths, Melbourne Martial Arts now operates as an internationally renowned independent training organisation. In 2004 George brought Muay Thai into Melbourne by running fight night promotions called Brute Force. Fighters from across Europe, China, Thailand and Japan have all competed in his shows. In 2014 George and other leading Victorian promoters of the combat sport industry created what is now the only Amateur Association in Victoria called VAMAA (Victorian Amateur Martial Arts Association) responsible for developing the sport from the junior level. He has staged the Victorian Kyokushin Karate Championships since 1987 every year without fail. And every 3 years the Australian Kyoskushin Championships. In 2015 when the Victorian Government legalised the cage for MMA, George was the second promoter to hold an MMA show in Victoria.
Grant Banister is Founder and Chief Instructor of Bukido Karate. Shidoshi Grant Bannister (shidoshi meaning, stable and independant leader) started his training in Martial Arts in 1974 under the San Chi Kai Karate group led by Shihan Mal Lomax. Shidoshi Grant has spent most of his adult life teaching karate for the benefit of his students of which many have gone on to earn their own successes in Australia and Internationally. Shidoshi Grant Bannister is responsible for changing the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of students through his heartful and articulate approach to martial arts. Grant believes in the profound effect that a well balance martial arts program has on the community when taught correctly. Shidoshi Grant Bannister has spent most of his career fefining what he considers to be his most important students, children! Grant knows that when when a child learns the value of respect for others, and committing to healthy practices early in life, their lives will be on track early and the best possible life changes are in motion. As a master of the traditional aspects of Karate and Kobudo (weapons) Shidoshi Grant bannister is able to deliver the best martial arts training around and possibly the best childrens program in the industry. Bukido Karate is located in Lilydale, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Sharelle Iversen is a 1st Dan Black belt in Karate. Sempai Sharelle began training in 1995 and proved to be a committed and strong individual. After several years of absence due to having children whe returned to fulfill her original goal of achieving her Black belt. This she did with focus and courage and now she leads as an example to others who look for a trustworthy leader. As a martial arts practitioner, Sharelle is a formidable foe, as a teacher she is a compassionate and empathetic teacher who guides her students from the heart, and as a person Sharelle, is committed, loyal and focussed. Sempai Sharelle has gained great respect from her peers and is a very popular and accomplished member of the Teshinkai karate team. Sempai Sharelle now operates regular classes and has become a favoured instructor to many students that call her their teacher.