Inducted into the A.M.A.H.O.F.(Inc) for 2008
Budoka of the Year – Jujutsu & Kobudo
Inducted into the W.K.U.H.O.F. for 2008
Budoka of the Year – Jujutsu & Kobudo
Hugh Francis Doherty was born on 30th November, 1961, and currently resides in Brighton, Victoria.
JAPAN
Commencing in Goju karate in 1976 and Jujitsu in 1978 Hugh has continually trained in these disciplines to the present day. Along the journey, Hugh has achieved Menkyo Kaiden in Yawara, the self defence system often used by military groups globally; achieving the Rokudan competency in 20/1/2008 and the highest level assessed by the
founding presidents of the Australian Jujitsu Association. Hugh trained with the DNBK certfied Myo Shin Ryu an Aiki Bujutsu system graduating from Sandan to Shichidan and the developer of Jo, Tessen and syllabus for the Soke of the style. He is one of 5 Menkyo in the style and a direct student and uke demonstrating in the Butokuden in Kyoto to Japanese royalty.
Upon the passing of both Sensei Hugh was invited to be a student of the Samurai system Shinden Ryu formally known pre–World War Two as Kumiuchi Heiho Enshin Ryu deemed prohibited after the war. Hugh is a qualified Yudansha and Menkyo holder.
Hugh holds a Hachidan 8 th degree Hanshi certification with Seibukaikan Budo dated 14 January 2023 in Jujutsu and Hachidan 8 th Degree Hanshi certification in Karate do dated 13 June 2024. Hugh competed successfully in the All-Japan Open Full Contact Karate Championship with the Australian team in 2001. Kaicho Koji Yada (Daido)
Shihan Heiho Niten Ichi Ryu (Iwami) and former South Pacific Director of Seidokaikan of K1 fame.
Iai.
Sword training for 5 years with a Yondan Hontai Yoshin Ryu Sensei to Shodan in Toyama Ryu 29/6/2007 and 14/12/2007 in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu by Soke Tattersall and presently Dai Nippon Iaido Kyokai grading Godan 13/1/2019 and Rokudan 27/1/2023 respectively by Soke Atushi Shimojo.
Kenjutsu.
Niten Ichi Ryu
Direct transmission-Takanori 2017-2018. Koji Yada 2017-2025. Atushi Shimojo.
2nd Transmission – Matusuo Haruna – Allan Tattersall.
Enmei Ryu. Yagyu Shinkage Ryu. Naginata.
Akabane- 2018- present.
Filipino Martial Arts
Commencing in the early 90’s with Modern Arnis and Doce Pares until Hugh escorted a group to the First Kombatan Camp in 1999. Hugh was the only person to receive the following from Ernesto Presas directly.
(a) 1999 Lakan – Arnis /Mano de Mano.
(b) Licenced Instructor IPMAF.
(c) Certificate of Affiliation.
Hugh again escorted another group as the Australian Director in 2003 and received the following and wrote the foreword to the new printing of the Knife fighting book at GM Presas request.
2003 / May 1 st . License Kombatan Military and Police Combat techniques.
2003 / May 5 th . 5 th Degree Ikalimang Antas, Daga Sa Daga.
2003 / May 7 th. Lakan Anim 6 th Degree. Kombatan, Australian Director.
Hugh trained directly with GT Gaje in 2002 and specialised in Dumog (Grappling) and spear techniques as well as covert small arms applications.
Pekiti Tirsia ~ Qualifications Obtained.
2002. Tri V formula instructor. Edged weapons and Combat Sports.
Pit Bull Charter – Founding Group in Australia.
1 st Recon Marine firearms training- Captain Faldo.
Hugh led a team to train with the Tortal family and compete in the Philippine National Police Complex for the 1 st World Arnis Championship in 2004 representing Dekiti Tirsia Serrada.
In 2005, Hugh accepted a Global Director position with the International Philippine Eskrima Arnis De Mano Confederation. (Founded 2003) which he presently performs as the Secretary General. Sponsored the 1 st IPEAC Camp in Victoria Australia. Upon examination Hugh successfully graduated in the following two systems by
Grand Birador Rogelio Solar.
2009 – 2 August. Lakan Siyam – 9 th Degree Kombatan ~ Arnis De Mano. IPEAC.
2009 – 1 st November. Lakan Siyam – 9 th Degree Sistema Birada. IPEAC.
2014 – PNP Manilla SWAT training with Chief Inspector Colonel Ariel Caramoan
PCP Commander and 2 nd IPEAC camp Ligo Island Batangas City. Co-designer of Quantum Force edged system with Rodney Bradley South Africa Special Branch and Richard Smith UK/ SA military.
Hugh has demonstrated to publicly to Federal Ministers, Premiers, Senators, Lord Mayors and temples for religious occasions the art that is indigenous to the many islands that are identified as the Philippines. He instructed Victoria Police in conflict resolution of edged weapons for single manned stations for Superintendent Gerry Rudkins and covert applications for criminal analysts.
Hugh with Andrew Bruce Leader of AMAHOF participated in the world bodyguard championships in 2011 in Ukraine. The International Bodyguard Championships consist of all aspects in looking after dignitaries and property in a dynamic environment.
Further accomplishments.
Oriental Boxing Qualifications under the Ringside Combat Gym network.
Australia – Bando / Saya. 1993 – Kevin Junior.
Thailand – Kru.1995- Nongkee Pahuyuth. Burriam.
Burma – Saya. Intermediatory person for the Japan Vs Burma contest. Rangoon 2004.
Official Coach approved by Myanmar Government. Coach Win Zin Noo.
Consultant to Victorian Combat Sports Board. Western Australian Combat Sports
Board on MMA cage risk management.
Professional referee MMA.
1990-2010. Security detail for Federal and State politicians, Celebrities globally and nationally and discreet court witness escorts for prominent legal firms.
2020-Present. Designer of tactical cutlery and media chorography / screen writing and mentor for First Nations creative artist’s network.
Hugh runs a consultancy company “Risk Safe Global” as a certified professional in Health and Safety and a professional member of Australian Organisations of Quality providing compliance and mentoring structure to business. Qi Martial Fitness houses both Seibukaikan Budo and Ringside Combat Gym and provides tuition and therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Oriental Massage.
Updated: 13 Jan 2026