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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”

Charlotte Johnston is a 4th Dan Black Belt in Karate. 

Charlotte Rice is a remarkable individual who has made significant contributions to the world of martial arts and education. With a strong background in both karate and teaching, Charlotte has left an indelible mark on the lives of her students and the communities she has served.

With a 4th dan in Karate, Charlotte possesses an exceptional level of skill and expertise in the martial art. Her dedication and commitment to her craft have propelled her to the forefront of the karate community. Not only has she achieved a high rank, but she has also become a pioneer in developing karate programs specifically tailored for preschool-age students. Through her innovative approach, Charlotte has revolutionized the way young children engage with martial arts, fostering their physical fitness, discipline, and self-confidence from an early age.

As a Bachelor of Education, Charlotte has channeled her passion for teaching into making a positive impact on the lives of students. Her notable teaching experience includes working with Aboriginal students in Far North Queensland at the prestigious Abergowrie School. Her ability to connect with her students and create a nurturing environment has earned her widespread respect and admiration from both students and parents. Charlotte's dedication to supporting and empowering her students extends beyond the classroom, allowing her to make a lasting difference in their lives.

Charlotte's influence extends beyond her role as a school teacher. She gained international recognition as the face of the Cage Fitness program in Australia, captivating audiences around the world with her dynamic presence. Her image appeared in prominent locations in London and New York, further solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the fitness and martial arts community.

Currently, Charlotte is spearheading the garage dojo concept, a groundbreaking initiative that assists martial arts and fitness enthusiasts in setting up their own home training spaces. Through this unique approach, she not only supports individuals in pursuing their personal fitness goals but also empowers them to train their children through her Little Ninja preschool karate program. This innovative concept allows families to cultivate a love for martial arts and fitness within the comfort of their own homes.

With her pioneering spirit, expertise in karate, and passion for education, Charlotte Rice continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of students, parents, and martial arts enthusiasts alike. Her dedication to excellence, coupled with her unwavering commitment to fostering growth and empowerment, has cemented her position as a beloved and respected figure within her communities.

Dr. Barry Broughton, Ph.D., is a renowned expert in Ju Jitsu and the proud owner of AKT Combatives Academies. With his extensive background in martial arts and years of experience in orthopedics and sports medicine, Grandmaster Barry Broughton, Ph.D., has revolutionized the world of self-defense by creating AKT Combatives-Jujitsu—an all-encompassing, reality-based martial arts system.

During his time in the US Army, Dr. Barry Broughton served as a Combat Medic and a Battalion Medical Officer. He holds black belts in multiple martial arts styles and has earned prestigious honors such as induction into multiple Martial Arts Halls of Fame and the Worldwide Martial Arts Council. With his dedication to the martial arts community, Dr. Broughton has served on the Board of Directors for various martial arts organizations, currently holding the position of Northeast Regional Director for the American Sport Jujitsu League. Notably, his accomplishments have been recognized in The Martial Directory: International Instructors Edition.

As the owner of AKT Combatives Academy, Dr. Broughton oversees several locations across New York State. He also serves as the head coach of Team AKT sport jujitsu team. Driven by his passion for education, he teaches his Self-Defense and AKT Combatives curriculum as Physical Education credit courses at a State University of New York (SUNY) college and conducts seminars nationwide. Dr. Broughton's comprehensive expertise is distilled in his book, "Beyond Self-Defense: AKT Combatives Reality-Based Personal Protection," which offers a concise and accurate exploration of human anatomy, valuable concepts, and effective techniques for real-life self-defense. It serves as a valuable college text and a practical resource for anyone seeking to learn real-world personal protection.

Dr. Broughton's extensive training extends beyond Ju Jitsu, encompassing disciplines such as Modern Army Combatives, Kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, American Kenpo, Jujitsu, Tai Chi, Wrestling, French-style classical fencing, Combat Knife Fighting Course (by the Pacific Jujitsu Alliance), Escrima Stick Fighting, Close Quarters Combat, and more. His diverse skill set sets him apart as not only a martial arts coach but also an exceptional educator with real-life experience in self-defense.

With a strong following and high regard from his students, Dr. Broughton is highly respected within the martial arts community. Special thanks are extended to Dana Stamos from USA Dojo's (USAdojos.com) for recognizing and sharing information about the remarkable achievements of Barry Broughton with Coach Check.

Introducing John Bastable, a highly accomplished martial arts instructor specializing in Wing Chun Kung Fu and boxing. With roots in Melbourne, Australia, John embarked on his Wing Chun journey under the guidance of esteemed masters Sifu William Cheung and Rick Spain. Through the wisdom of these traditional martial arts teachings, he has cultivated an impressive skill set and inspired countless fighters, enthusiasts, and individuals on their path to personal growth.

John Bastable is recognized for his direct and pragmatic training approach, solidifying his position as a dedicated and accomplished coach in the realm of combat arts. His exceptional record highlights his role in mentoring and training numerous state, national, and international champions. However, John's impact transcends the boundaries of the ring. As the principal trainer at the United Boxing Club, he actively promotes safety and advocates for awareness of the risks of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) which refers to a broad term used to describe any abnormality or dysfunction of the brain that leads to changes in cognition, behavior, and neurological function. It encompasses a range of conditions that can born from brain injuries as within any contact sport. He firmly believes that he, alongside other coaches, bears the responsibility of safeguarding the long-term health and well-being of all athletes.

Beyond his expertise and accomplishments, John Bastable is renowned for his unwavering commitment to his students' welfare, serving as both a mentor and a friend to aspiring athletes as they navigate the challenges of both the sport and life itself.

Residing in South East Queensland, Australia, Chris Clayton, alongside his wife Maree, operates a Remedial Therapy Clinic nestled in the regional City of Toowoomba. With a wealth of expertise, Chris is a certified Anatomy Trains Teacher and Structural Integrator, employing Anatomy Trains in Training principles as the cornerstone of his movement therapy approach. Despite his diverse professional pursuits, Chris's enduring passion lies in martial arts, a devotion cultivated over four decades. He generously shares his knowledge as a martial arts instructor, continuously evolving as a student under the guidance of esteemed mentor Tino Ceberano Hanshi.

Chris's journey into holistic healing began in his formative years of martial arts training when he witnessed his instructor effectively treating fellow students' injuries. Captivated by this healing art, Chris sought guidance on how to embark on the path of a healer, leading him to delve into the intricacies of anatomy—an exploration he has fervently pursued since.

With over 35 years of experience in coaching and training, Chris holds Diplomas in Sport Development, Sport Coaching, and Fitness. His tenure includes teaching Sport Coaching and Fitness qualifications for esteemed institutions such as the Australian College of Sport Development and YMCA Brisbane. Recognizing the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in athletes and clients, Chris embarked on a journey of integrating manual therapy into his practice, culminating in his accreditation as an ATSI practitioner.

Chris's commitment to continuous learning has seen him collaborate with AP Lindberg of Anatomy Trains in Training on multiple occasions, including a groundbreaking venture to Taiwan in 2018—the inaugural introduction of Anatomy Trains in Training to Asia. Alongside his martial arts pursuits, Chris and Maree have embarked on numerous adventures, exploring martial arts landscapes in the Philippines, Okinawa, and across Australia.

As a member of Tino Ceberano's research and development team (RDT), Chris remains dedicated to advancing the field of martial arts and holistic therapy. Grounded in a genuine desire to empower others, Chris's daily routine is a blend of rigorous training sessions and the joy of imparting martial arts wisdom in disciplines such as Karate and Tino Ceberano's Go Ju Kalis and Arnis (Filipino Dulas Madirigma). Through his teachings and practices, Chris Clayton embodies the spirit of martial arts—a journey of perpetual growth and enlightenment.

Craig Robinson is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and a highly respected professor in the martial arts community. With decades of experience, Professor Robinson has become an elite coach and educator within the Australian Qualifications Framework, blending his passion for martial arts with a deep understanding of education. His journey in BJJ has spanned most of his adult life, and he now runs successful martial arts schools in Benalla and Geelong, Victoria, as well as Broome, Western Australia.

Craig's unique approach to teaching is shaped by his extensive background in education. He has spent many years training both youth and adults, helping them achieve nationally recognized qualifications across a wide range of subjects. This educational expertise seamlessly translates into his martial arts instruction, where he ensures that every student receives the attention and support needed to succeed. His personable and engaging teaching style, combined with his ability to adapt to each student’s learning pace, makes Craig a sought-after coach in the martial arts world.

As a martial arts instructor, Professor Robinson believes in the importance of delivering a well-rounded curriculum that not only hones physical skills but also positively impacts the lives of his students. His schools are known for their structured and individualized training programs, which are designed to guide students toward extraordinary results both on and off the mats. Whether working with beginners or experienced practitioners, Craig is committed to helping each student achieve their full potential, instilling discipline, confidence, and resilience along the way.

Professor Robinson's schools emphasize inclusivity and personal growth, creating an environment where every student feels welcome and supported. His teaching philosophy is built on the principle that martial arts should be accessible to all, regardless of experience or background. With a focus on individualized training and structured progression, Craig fosters a culture of camaraderie and continuous improvement, ensuring that no student is left behind in their journey.

As a successful operator of multiple martial arts schools, Craig Robinson’s influence extends beyond his local communities, with students coming from far and wide to benefit from his expertise. His commitment to quality instruction, personal development, and ethical practice has earned him a stellar reputation in the martial arts and education sectors. Professor Craig Robinson continues to shape the future of BJJ in Australia, empowering his students to not only become skilled martial artists but also better, more confident individuals in every aspect of life.