Inducted into the A.M.A.H.O.F. (Inc) for 2011
Budoka of the Year – United Taekwondo

Inducted into the W.K.U.H.O.F. for 2011
Budoka of the Year – United Taekwondo

My martial arts journey began in 1982 when I enrolled in Judo at the Woden YMCA in Canberra under the instruction of Peter Chung. Within two years, I had attained an intermediate rank and developed a deep appreciation for the philosophy and discipline of the martial arts. This early experience ignited a lifelong commitment to martial study and personal development. In 1984, I commenced training in Rhee Taekwondo at Woden under the direct instruction of Grandmaster Chong Chul Rhee. Initially drawn to Taekwondo because of its renowned kicking techniques, I quickly adapted from Judo and immersed myself in the Ch’ang Hon style of traditional Taekwondo, developed by General Choi Hong Hi in 1955. This system became the foundation of my martial arts practice.

Between 1984 and 1994, I expanded my training beyond empty-hand techniques, developing proficiency in a range of traditional martial arts weapons, including the bo staff, nunchaku, bokken, knife defence, and later the sai. In 1994, I joined National Taekwondo (Australia) in Canberra under Master Instructor Allen Byrne. During this period, I was promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt and appointed Assistant Instructor for the Tuggeranong region under Instructor Mark Hourigan. This marked the beginning of my formal instructional career and strengthened my passion for teaching others.

By the late 1990s, I had attained the rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt with National Taekwondo. Seeking to broaden my martial knowledge, I commenced training in Kokusai Jujitsu at the Australian National University under Hanshi John Bear. I found the practical grappling and self-defence principles of Jujitsu complemented the striking and kicking techniques of Taekwondo, creating a more complete and balanced martial arts system.

In 1999, I relocated to the Kingdom of Tonga, where I immediately began teaching and became the first instructor to introduce the Ch’ang Hon style of Taekwondo to the country. Between 1999 and 2001, I privately instructed students while also conducting self-defence seminars for schools and women’s community groups. These initiatives enabled me to promote the benefits of martial arts, particularly among young people and more vulnerable members of the community, reinforcing my belief that martial arts can build confidence, resilience and personal responsibility. Returning to Brisbane in 2001, I commenced training with Ninjitsu Australia under Sensei Wayne Roy. Having previously studied several Japanese martial arts, Ninjitsu provided a unique and diverse addition to my martial education, broadening my understanding of traditional budo and practical self-defence. I continued this training until an opportunity arose to return to Tonga.

In early 2003, I relocated to Tonga for a second time, determined to realise a long-held ambition of establishing my own martial arts academy. Within months, I founded the Tonga National Martial Arts Academy (T.N.M.A.), a system that integrated the principles of Taekwondo and Jujitsu into a contemporary self-defence curriculum designed to address modern threats. The academy quickly established a strong reputation within the community. During this period, I attained the rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt within the academy’s system and was honoured with a Certificate of Recognition from the Tongan Amateur Sports Association (T.A.S.A.) for providing alternative sporting opportunities for the community, with a particular emphasis on youth development.

In 2005, I returned to Sydney and resumed training in Rhee Taekwondo after a twenty-year absence. Following a successful trial grading, I was awarded 1st Dan Black Belt and continued my training under Grandmaster Chong Yoon Rhee. Around this time, through my longstanding friendship with Chief Instructor Rory Hogan, I became acquainted with Master Instructor Paul Mitchell and observed the establishment of United Taekwondo (formerly Sydney Taekwondo). In 2007, I formally joined United Taekwondo under Master Instructor Paul Mitchell and was subsequently promoted to 2nd Dan Black Belt.

In 2009, I attained the rank of 3rd Dan Black Belt with United Taekwondo. During the same period, I commenced private study in the internal Chinese martial art of Liuhebafa Kung Fu. After many years devoted primarily to external martial systems, the study of an internal art provided a valuable new perspective on movement, balance, timing and energy. The principles of Liuhebafa have continued to influence and enhance my understanding and teaching of Taekwondo. Also in 2009, following discussions with Master Instructor Paul Mitchell, I began integrating my students in Tonga into United Taekwondo, providing them with the opportunity to become part of an internationally recognised organisation. Later that year, with the assistance of Chief Instructor Rory Hogan, I established United Taekwondo’s first international branch in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

In late 2010, together with Chief Instructor Rory Hogan, I co-developed a new martial art known as Shugyo and designed the four-day intensive Shugyo Immersion training program. Over the following years, I continued to support the development of the system by assisting with instructor gradings, mentoring practitioners, and helping establish a Shugyo branch in Tonga.

Commencing in 2013, I regularly assisted Chief Instructor Mark Stevens with student gradings under Pro Martial Arts, a role I continued for the next decade. This experience further strengthened my commitment to maintaining high instructional standards and mentoring the next generation of martial artists.

Over more than four decades, my martial arts journey has encompassed the study of multiple disciplines, international instruction, school development, leadership, mentoring and community engagement. Throughout this time, I have remained committed to the traditional values of respect, discipline, humility and continuous self-improvement while embracing innovation and lifelong learning.

It is my hope that sharing this journey will inspire current and future members of the martial arts community, particularly young people, to pursue martial arts not only as a means of self-defence, but as a lifelong path of personal growth, resilience, leadership and service to others.