Sam Greco is a 4th Dan Black Belt in Karate and world class MMA fighter and now coach. Greco is internationally famous as one of the key fighters in the illustrious K1 martial arts tournaments held around the globe and culminating in the Grand Prix final in Japan. Greco recently retired from tournament fighting but is still revered in Japan by fight fans and recognized throughout the martial arts community around the world. Sam is a dedicated coach to a hand full of privileged fighters, dedicating his services to quality training with the view of gaining titles for fighters on the world stage. Sam Greco is also in demand as a professional speaker, motivating all groups from business groups to youth and sports people. Sam is a fine example of what hard work and dedication to a cause can bring. Sam had keen interest in sports from a young age, especially soccer which was the football game of choice amongst the European community in Australia. Sam trained in Kyokushin karate (renowned for its tough training regime and full contact sparring routines) and soon amassed numerous title wins and became a very popular competitor in Australia, along with fellow Melbourne based heavyweight fighter Stan Longinidis culminating with the two of them meeting in "The Crowning" at Crown Casino in Melbourne. "Slam 'Em" Sam competed in the K-1 competition for over a decade with a reputation as a fiercely competitive fighter with Sam notching up numerous wins over many international opponents. “In our industry,” Sam says, “Fighters are a dime a dozen, but world champions are the true elite. It’s every fighter’s dream to fight for a world title; it gives you the ultimate recognition and exposure.” Sam understands through experience that the preparation for a professional world championship level fight is extreme, the coach needs to recruit numerous trainers, sports psychologists, nutritionists, you name it. It’s the professional level fighting that is different to the conventional competition or tournament and if anyone is qualified to deliver such a level of training it has to be Sam. Sam has used his success in kickboxing to form the platform for a successful life after sport; he has worked as an actor in both film and television, experienced success in running restaurants, works as a personal trainer and does public speaking engagements for corporate groups. During his public speaking, he uses his career to illustrate the principles of success. Finally, he reduces the spectrum of principles to one thing, the one idea that throws a light on all the others.

Shihan Gavin Samin is a 6th Dan in Karate. Shihan Gavin is GKR Karate’s Assistant Chief Instructor and International Vice President. Gavin started his Martial Arts training as a teenager in a Chinese Martial Art known as Hsing-I. After leaving high school he began training in a Shotokan school before finding GKR Karate in 1992. He has been an essential part of the GKR Karate organization ever since. In 2004, Gavin became GKR Karate’s International Vice President, assisting in the continuing development of both karate training and management standards worldwide. He currently holds the rank of 6th Dan black belt and was awarded the title of Shihan in 2018. Over the years, Gavin has been heavily involved in creating GKR’s teaching and refereeing manuals, as well as developing many of the class formats and children’s programs. He has also been the chief co-ordinator and Tournament Director of several GKR Karate World Cups, which attract between 1000 and 1500 competitors. Whether its kata, kumite, kick training, close quarter combat, strikes, defence or attack, he has outstanding knowledge and proficiency in each, and an ability to articulate his knowledge in an entertaining and easily digestible fashion. Gavin now resides in QLD, and continues to travel around Australia, New Zealand and the UK conducting seminars, training camps and Black Belt gradings. Gavin Samin Shihan is a martial artist committed to quality training and attaining the highest possible standards with all students. As a leader, his commitment and dedication to spreading the great benefits of Karate to all people has endeared him to GKR students, as well as many others in the martial arts industry.

Sensei Ian Matthews is a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Teshinkai Karate. Sensei Ian began his martial arts journey over 20 years ago with the Teshinkai Karate Organization. Sensei Ian always believe in giving his all in his training and has become a major contributor to the growth and development of many students. Sensei Ian has competed successfully in heavyweight divisions of full contact karate and has been able to turn that experienc into sound advice for those who wish to follow a similar task. Its fair to say the Sensei Ian imposing fram and size plays a big part in his reputation of being a fierce fighter, whilst at the same time being a person of compassion as he demonstates the empathy needed in providing encouragement to others. Sensei Ian hasfor many years contributed to the teaching of hundreds of students that pass through the Teshinkai club. He is respected by all for his attention to detail when teaching technique and is able to break movement down to teach even the most uncoordinated. Sensie Ian also enjoys teaching in the Teshinkai famous school programs and is often requested for his instruction capabilities. Sensei Ian is always keen to empart his knowledge for the betterment and development of others. His personality and demeanor contribute to his teaching style of "Iron Fist, Velvet Glove!"

Bruce Haynes is an 8th Dan in Karate. Hanshi Haynes is currently the 35 times Undisputed World Tamashiwari Champion and twice veterans Kumite Fighting Champion. He leads an organisation that has boasted many dojo’s across the globe including Australia, USA, South Africa, Russia and New Zealand. Presenting as the strong and fearsome leader, Hanshi Haynes is actually better known by those who know him personally as a warm and caring instructor who has changed the lives of many thousands of students for the better. Hanshi Haynes started in martial arts at seven years of age with jujitsu, under Shihan Mathew Komp 8th Dan, and reached the rank of Black Belt at the age of seventeen. He then went to Kyokushin Kai under Shihan Eddie Emin and started again from white belt and stayed there until reaching 5th Dan when he went to Japan to train under Kancho T.Azuma. Sensei Azuma broke away from Kyokushin Kai in 1990 and out of loyalty Shihan Haynes chose to stay with him as a 6th Dan and in 1994 was promoted to 7th Dan.

Mark ‘The Hammer’ Castagnini is Founder and Head Instructor of Hammer’s Gym and is one of the most highly respected names in Australian Muay Thai Kickboxing. Mark began his martial arts training under Shihan Emin in Kyokushin Karate. His competitive nature lead him to kickboxing and then Muay Thai kickboxing. Castagnini’s fight career peaked in 1995 when he won the World Kickboxing Association (WKA) Australian Cruiserweight Muay Thai title against Romolo Pio. In the same year Mark won the National All Styles Victorian Black-Belt Championship, which he won again in 1998. Mark has been appointed the VAMAA (Victorian Amateur Martial Arts Association) Vice President, which is a Victorian Government recognised association. Castagnini regularly travels to Thailand under the umbrella of the World Muay Thai Council (WMC). His trips allow him to keep up to date with the latest training methods and bring back the improvements to share with Hammer’s Gym’s students. In 2006 Mark received an award from the president of the WMC for his dedicated promotion of Muay Thai in Australia. As well as this he also was given the award for the development and popularization of Muay Thai in Australia. Mark has been an ongoing ambassador for the sport and continues to receive recognition from the WMC. Mark has many years experience working in the martial arts industry. He was previously general manager for Blitz Publications which produces the “International Kickboxer”, which was named the best fight magazine in the Oceania by the WMC. As well as this Mark hosted his own show on Fox Sports called “Hammer Time”

Susie commenced training with Jindokai Karate-Do, in November 2012; and currently holds the Rank of 2nd-Dan Black Belt. Susie is a classic example of a parent that joined Karate, to support her kids; but, long after the kids have grown up (and moved on), mum is still hooked on Karate. As time has passed, Susie’s role within the Dojo has continued to evolve; and is currently the Business Manager at Jindokai. • Managing Membership Plans • Inducting New Members • Teaching New Members • Teaching Children Pretty-much every current coloured-belt member at Jindokai, would have started their journey with Susie’s guidance.