Inducted into A.M.A.H.O.F. (Inc)
AMAHOF Exemplary Martial Artist
W.K.U.H.O.F for 2026
AMAHOF Exemplary Martial Artist
John Tysoe began his martial arts journey as a small child, inspired by his grandmother, Beatrice Phelps, who had trained in Jujitsu in Africa before the First World War. At the age of ten he commenced Judo, Jujitsu, and Japanese sword training at the Chinese Judo
Club under Sensei Ian Counihan and Sensei Tommy Chun, later expanding his studies into Karate and Kung Fu with Grandmaster Malcolm Sue and Master Chun Zing. His early fascination with the sword, purchasing his first at age ten and his second at fifteen, would
ultimately shape the direction of his life.
John later discovered Haidong Gumdo and devoted himself fully to the art. Training under Grandmaster Jung Il Oh, he went on to win multiple national and world championships, achieving numerous podium finishes and becoming the highest-ranked Western practitioner in the style. Based in Brisbane, he serves as Vice President of Haidong Gumdo Oceania and is one of a select group of Westerners to hold international referee qualifications with the World Haidong Gumdo Federation.
Across more than five decades, John has taught and coached students at state, national, and international levels, contributing to the development of martial artists across a wide range of disciplines. He holds Certificate IV qualifications in Sports Coaching and in Training and Assessment, and has long been recognised for his ability to design curriculum, guide instructors, and build strong, community-focused clubs.
John Tysoe holds Dan grades in Haidong Gumdo (8th Dan), Taekwondo (5th Dan), Teukgongmoosool (4th Dan), and Kodokan Judo (1st Dan). He continues to lead Swordsmen Martial Arts and remains committed to teaching, mentoring, and supporting the growth of Haidong Gumdo throughout the Oceania region.