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.

Father Dave Smith is best known for his work with at-risk youth, especially in his use of boxing for those suffering from substance abuse problems and anger management issues. He is also a 6th degree black belt and a professional boxer. His progression into martial arts and boxing happened while he was attempting to raise funds for the community in Dulwich Hill, where he is the parish priest. Father Dave has been twice awarded Marrickville Citizen of the Year award and was nominated for Australian of the Year in 2004 and 2009. In 2012, he broke the world record for the most continuous rounds of boxing. Born in Newtown, Sydney, in 1962, he completed an arts degree with honours in philosophy in 1984 before beginning studying theology at Moore College in 1985. He completed two degrees in theology in 1988 and was ordained a priest in the Anglican Church of Australia in 1989. After ordination, Smith spent two years in the parish of Miranda (in Sydney’s south) before being appointed to Dulwich Hill (in Sydney’s inner-west) in December 1990. He has continued as parish priest at Holy Trinity since then. When Smith became the parish priest in Dulwich Hill it was known as an area that was rife with drugs. In 1991, he began to focus on working with young people with drug problems in the area and opened the church hall as an area where local youth could do fitness and martial arts training. In 1993, he founded the Order of the Fighting Fathers as a way of encouraging other priests and religious people to use the fighting arts to help young people overcome their addictions and lead fuller lives. Smith's work in the community led him to twice be awarded the Marrickville Citizen of the Year award, in 1997 and 2009. In 2005 and 2009 he was also nominated for Australian of the Year, particularly for his work with young people battling substance abuse. In 2001, a short film was made about Smith, which is titled The Good Fight. In 2011, Smith began training to break the world record for the longest period of continuous boxing. On 1 April 2012, he boxed continuously for eight hours - against 66 opponents over 120 three-minute rounds. He succeeded in breaking the world record and received extensive media coverage, including from Fox Sports. The previous world record before this attempt was 26 rounds. On 19 February 2016, Smith returned to professional boxing to raise money for youth programs and became Australia's oldest ever professional boxer.

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.

Mark Davies is a mixed martial arts coach Mark Davies has been cross training in martial arts since 1986. His experience extends into Karate, Boxing, Kick Boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Arnis and MMA. Marks experience includes state and national titles in Karate, boxing, and kickboxing. In 2000 he opened his mixed martial arts facility in Grafton NSW, and soon after opened his second location in Maclean NSW. Mark believes in the many benefits that a martial arts training can bring individuals both young and old. He is committed to providing first class training to his community and contribute to the development, both physical and mental to his students and the local community. Mark Davies can be contacted at MD Freestyle, Grafton and Maclean.

David Zarb is a 6th Dan Black Belt in Karate and Internationally recognised Tai Chi Coach. Shihan David is a well know and respected martial artist who has a lifelong and strong passion for helping students achive succes in training and in life. Shihan David is a true master who believes in martial arts as a lifestyle & journey in itself. He has the gift to empower others with his extensive knowledge and well honed technical skills. David has dedicated his life to the advancement of Goju Ryu Karate and Cheng Ming International Kung Fu. The Martial Arts journey is long, interesting , challenging & expansive. Laoshir David is also one of five International Directors of Chinese Martial Arts, Cheng Ming International Kung Fu. Master Wang Fu Lai and Master Huang Su Chun bestowed this honour on Master David in 2016. Along with Master Eric Hung from U.S.A., Master Nir Mahli from Israel, Master Paolo Magagnato from Italy and Master Hiroko Jibiki fromJapan, the propagation of this great system internationally is in very good hands. Dedication, commitment to perfection, and the dissemination of the Cheng Ming system with absolute protocols in place, reflects their role. We are very proud and fortunate. Studying Karate since 1969 (15 yrs of age) Studying Tai Chi since 1979 (25 yrs of age)

John Trebilco is a 6th Dan Black belt in Karate! As Chief Instructor at Southern Cross Martial Arts Gold Coast Shihan John is responsible for the curriculum and quality control in all operations at his centre. As a 6th Degree Black Belt in this Freestyle Karate, Shihan John is recognised as the strength and the mainstay behind the Gold Coast Branch. Shihan John also Studies Traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and other martial Arts. As a martial arts leader he believes in the importance of continuous learning and his own professional development so he can pass on this knowledge to his students. In addition to his impressive martial arts skill base, Shihan John also holds nationally recognised qualifications as a Sport Coach and Personal trainer. Shihan John Treblico is dedicated to quality martial arts teaching and concerns himself greatly with the development, both physically and mentally of the members of his local community..