Find Trusted Sports Coaches In Your Community

Originally from Hong Kong, Sifu (“Sifu” is the Chinese word for Master) Cheuk Fai Chan established the Australian arm of Jin Wu Koon 33 years ago and has trained students here ever since. Widely respected throughout Australian and overseas martial arts circles, Sifu Cheuk Fai Chan has trained several World Champions, boasts a large collection of his own trophies and belts and is the Grand-Master of Jin Wu Koon. Trained in several forms of martial arts from Kung Fu through to Karate and kickboxing, Sifu Cheuk Fai Chan is well equipped to train and nurture students through all aspects. Hand to hand combat and weapons such as Double Butterfly Swords, Spear and Pole are all within Sifu Cheuk Fai Chan’s styles. Sifu Cheuk Fai Chan holds the Red sash in Kung Fu, 9th Dan Black Belt in Go Shin Ryu Karate, held the Malaysian Karate championship and trained Adam Watt, to become 4 times World Champion Kickboxer. Sifu Cheuk Fai Chan has appeared in several movies and commercials over the past 31 years and is constantly invited to take part in demonstrations and seminars world wide. Training since the age of 5, Sifu Cheuk Fai Chan continues to learn and grow in his art. He regularly travels overseas to seminars and training academies where he is continually asked to show his skills and pass them onto others.

Brett Fenton is a Sifu in Kung Fu Sifu Brett Fenton’s interest in martial arts started as a child in the 70's when he was enthralled by the skills of Bruce Lee and the interesting story of Monkey. From that point on his dreams were to join the Army and to train in Martial Arts. Due to living in a small country town, he was unable to train in Kung Fu and had to choose the other disciplines of Taekwondo, Boxing and Kickboxing. Eventually in the late 80's after joining the Australian Infantry, he started training in the styles of Wing Chun, Jow Ga, Lion Dance, Dragon Dance and Wy Style Tai Chi under Grandmaster Tom Lo (Blitz Magazine Instructors Hall of Fame Winner). In 1994 he opened his first branch for Grandmaster Lo. In 1997 his current school was opened. In 1998 and 1999 the school won the Quest Business Achievers Award for Fitness & Sport. In 2000 he was bestowed the honour of becoming a Sifu by Grandmaster Lo. In 2006 he was awarded once again for his business achievements by winning the Quest Business Achiever Award. In the past 15 years he has trained with BJJ expert John B Will, Jow Ga expert Sifu Randy Sullivan Bennett, American Top Team Head Coach Master Ricardo Liborio, Australian Martial Arts Acting Legend Richard Norton, World Kickboxing Legend Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Edged weapons expert Ray Floro, Extreme Martial Arts World Champion Mike Chat, Hyper Martial Arts creator Roland Osbourne and world renowned Lion Dance Sifu H.P. Siow. as well as continuing to train under Grandmaster Lo. Sifu travels internationally regularly to train and improve the standard of Martial Arts taught at Red Dragon. He was awarded the 2010 Australian Martial Arts Professional of the Year for his efforts and contributions to the Martial Arts in Australia. Later in 2010, Red Dragon was awarded Australian Top Martial Arts School by EFC in Washington DC.

Michael Heimdal, renowned in the world of martial arts as "CUTTA" CUTAJAR, stands as a true luminary in the realm of Judo and MMA-Pangration. Hailing from the picturesque town of Wollongong, New South Wales, Mick Heimdal has etched his name in history as a World-class judo competitor, holding the prestigious title of Commonwealth Judo gold medallist.

At the heart of Mick's martial arts journey lies Judo, a discipline he has masterfully cultivated over the years. Under his guidance, Judo1 Wollongong has flourished into a thriving community, offering classes to students of all ages. Mick's own competitive record speaks volumes, with an impressive 13 professional fights, comprising 8 victories and 4 draws. His prowess extends beyond the confines of the mat, as he is celebrated as a superstar of Australian MMA, boasting a string of domestic victories and a stellar international reputation, crowned by titles in Australia, Europe, and Japan.

A testament to his dedication, Mick Heimdal holds the esteemed rank of 5th dan in Kodokan Judo Australia, a testament to his mastery of this ancient martial art. His life story is encapsulated in the pages of "My Judo," a book that chronicles a journey marked by struggle, adversity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Judo, for Mick, is not merely a sport; it's a way of life, a philosophy that transcends the confines of the dojo and touches the lives of all those fortunate enough to know him.

The foundations of Mick's exceptional career were laid in his formative years, and his book, "My Judo," serves as a guiding light for those embarking on their own paths in life. Throughout his journey, Mick has tirelessly explored and refined countless techniques, firmly believing that a well-rounded judo player must not only envision but also execute techniques with precision and practicality.

In Mick's view, preserving the essence of Judo is paramount. He staunchly advocates for the preservation of Professor Jigoro Kano's art, ensuring that the spirit of Judo remains undiminished despite evolving contest rules and constraints. He laments the appropriation of Jigoro Kano's techniques by other martial artists, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of this martial art.

Today, Judo stands as a pre-eminent Olympic and martial art sport, and Mick Heimdal is one of its most esteemed ambassadors. He recognizes the scarcity of counters and combinations in modern Judo but encourages all practitioners to embrace creativity in their development, nurturing a commitment to learning and achieving their goals within the magnificent realm of Judo.

In the martial arts world, the name Mick Heimdal resounds with reverence. He is a man who has dedicated his life to empowering others, whether in the arena of Judo, fitness, or personal growth. Within his local community, Mick is regarded as a role model, guiding the youth onto a positive path in life. Having surmounted his own challenges during his formative years, Mick understands, perhaps better than most, the transformative power and positive impact that martial arts training can bring. His legacy is not just one of medals and victories but of inspiring generations to reach their full potential through the incredible art of Judo.

Gary Viccars, known as Shihancho, holds the esteemed rank of 7th Dan in Kyokushin Karate. He is a highly regarded martial artist with an international reputation, serving as a Branch Chief for the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association.

Shihancho Gary embarked on his martial arts journey in 1968 under the guidance of the legendary Bill Paauw in Geelong. Remarkably, he established his own dojo in Ocean Grove in 1970 when he was still a green belt. Over the years, he diligently progressed through the ranks, achieving significant milestones. He attained his Shodan (black belt) in 1973, Nidan in 1975, Sandan in 1979, and Yondan in 1983. Notably, in 1989, he became one of the pioneering Australians to undergo a physical examination for Godan (5th Dan).

Shihan Viccars achieved an extraordinary feat on November 7, 2006, when he successfully passed his Nanadan (7th Dan) examination. This historic event marked the first-ever 7th Dan test held on Australian soil and was conducted under the assessment of Kancho Yoshikazu Matsushima (9th Dan) and Hanshi John Taylor (9th Dan). His remarkable accomplishment earned him the esteemed title of Shihancho, designating him as a leader among Shihans.

Throughout his martial arts journey, Shihan Gary has consistently demonstrated exceptional proficiency in breaking techniques (tameshiwari). Together with Rowan Stephens and John Klose, he once shattered a total of 300 cement tiles in just 28 seconds. Furthermore, he became the second individual in Australia to execute a baseball bat break using a shin kick. In 1986, he completed the formidable 50-man kumite, becoming the first person to achieve this remarkable feat in the Kyokushinkai community.

Shihancho Gary Viccars is renowned for his unwavering dedication to Kyokushin Karate. His years of rigorous training, competitive excellence, and coaching have solidified his reputation as a courageous fighter and an influential leader within the Kyokushin community. He remains committed to the development of the Australian Kyokushin Karate Association through his Branch, the "Victorian Kyokushin Karate Association" (VKKA), and its members.

Frank Monea is an esteemed figure in the world of martial arts, known as the chief instructor and proud owner of Challenge Martial Arts and Fitness Centre. With an illustrious martial arts journey, he has achieved the remarkable rank of 7th Degree in Ryukyu Kempo Karate, a testament to his dedication, expertise, and lifelong commitment to the martial arts discipline.

Frank's martial arts odyssey is a tale of relentless pursuit and unwavering passion. His journey commenced with humble beginnings, as he embarked on the path of martial arts at a young age. Over the years, he has honed his skills and knowledge, evolving into a true martial arts virtuoso.

As the chief instructor and owner of Challenge Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, Frank Monea has assumed a pivotal role in imparting the art and wisdom of Ryukyu Kempo Karate to aspiring martial artists. His leadership extends beyond the physical aspects of martial arts, encompassing the development of character, discipline, and mental fortitude.

Frank's dedication to his craft is evident in his 7th Degree black belt, a prestigious achievement that reflects not only his proficiency in Ryukyu Kempo Karate but also his years of rigorous training, teaching, and mentoring within the martial arts community.

Within the walls of Challenge Martial Arts and Fitness Centre, Frank serves as both a mentor and a role model, inspiring students to embrace the values of respect, perseverance, and self-improvement that are integral to the martial arts ethos.

Beyond his role as an instructor, Frank Monea is a guardian of martial arts traditions, ensuring that the essence of Ryukyu Kempo Karate is preserved and passed down to future generations. His contributions to the martial arts community extend far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those he has touched through his teachings.

As a 7th Degree black belt holder in Ryukyu Kempo Karate, Frank Monea continues to be a beacon of excellence, guiding students and enthusiasts on a journey of self-discovery, self-improvement, and martial arts mastery. His legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the art, a testament to the transformative power of martial arts, and an inspiration to all who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

1 / 2

Ivan Zavetchanos stands as a towering figure in the world of martial arts, revered for his remarkable achievements and contributions both in Australia and on the international stage. With an impressive 9th Dan in Judo, Ivan's legacy is deeply etched into the fabric of martial arts history.

As the Secretary General to the World Judo Federation, Ivan's influence and impact are undeniable, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the promotion of martial arts over the years. Judo, with its worldwide following of over 8 million students, has reached the pinnacle of sporting recognition, including a coveted place on the Olympic stage. However, it's crucial to remember Jigoro Kano's original vision for Judo – a lifetime art, a personal journey to train both the mind and body.

The emergence of Judo in Australia, particularly after World War II, mirrored its global popularity. This growth owes much to tireless efforts and advocacy by key figures like Sensei Ivan Zavetchanos. Beyond Judo, Hanshi Ivan Zavetchanos has played a pivotal role in introducing and promoting various martial art systems in Australia.

In the mid-1950s, Ivan trained at the renowned Kodokan in Japan under the tutelage of Kyuzo Mifune Sensei, one of Jigoro Kano's senior students. During one of his visits, he was captivated by the power demonstrations of another Judo student, Masutatsu Oyama, a 3rd Dan black belt who also ran a Karate school at the facility. This chance encounter sparked a friendship that led to Ivan bringing Masutatsu Oyama's senior student, Sensei Kato, to Australia, introducing the Kyokushinkai style.

Ivan also played a significant role in the early days of the Australian martial arts scene, facilitating the introduction and promotion of the Oh Taekwondo System and the Ashihara system. It's safe to say that Ivan Zavetchanos' martial arts DNA is ingrained in the journeys of approximately 80% of martial arts practitioners in Australia and the South Pacific today, with many high-profile martial artists commencing their martial arts odyssey under Ivan's guidance.

The profound influence that Ivan wields over the martial arts industry is unparalleled and is unlikely to ever be surpassed. Even in his mid-90s, Ivan remains actively involved, overseeing the training of Judo practitioners and participating in major events. If there ever was a living treasure of Australia, Ivan Zavetchanos unquestionably deserves such an honor.