Hugh Doherty is a 7th Dan Black Belt in Ju Jitsu and holds black belts in a variety of other systems. Shihan Hugh and his wife Elizabeth own and operates Qi (Chi) Martial Arts and Fitness Gym in Bayside Melbourne. Qi Martial Arts and Fitness is a beautifully presented traditional style dojo that offers various forms of martial arts as well as other health and fitness services including weight training and massage. Hugh is a pioneer of Martial Arts in Australia having travelled yearly for the past 20 years to expand his knowledge into the various martial art systems. The training he received was right from the source; Jujitsu, karate, Sword and Filipino Martial Arts of Escrima were all styles that make up the range of disciplines that he teaches. Hugh became National Representative of 4 of these disciplines ensuring himself a place as one of the original multi style masters. As well as a life-long commitment to martial arts, Hugh Doherty has been an advocate for ongoing professional development. Training undertaken and completed includes but not limited to Diploma in Fitness, Diploma in Sports Coaching, Diploma in Sport Development, Level 3 Sports Coach, Instructor Trainer in Scuba (NAUI,) undergraduate and post graduate qualifications in Health and a certified OHS professional by AIHS. Its easy to see that Hugh Doherty doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk and is an industry leader dedicated to the continuance of tradition and integrity in the systems he dedicates himself. Hugh Doherty and his wife Liz are committed to serving the local community by providing the best martial arts program around. School groups, women’s self-defence, fitness, kickboxing, jujitsu and karate, cover just about every sector which is an indicator of the knowledge and expertise held within the facility.
Amelia Zarb is a 4th Dan Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. Dai Shihan Amelia is a senior martial arts coach who has dedicated most of her adult life to providing traditional and, professional martial arts progrms to her community via her business "The Arts of Defence" which she runs with her husband, renown karate-ka Shihan David Zarb. Dai Shihan Amelia has travelled the world many times over the years to gain the knowledge and affiliations to ensure her students are given the best credentials available. . Dai Shihan Amelia and Shihan David have both notched up an impressive number of years 30 in fact, dedicating their lives to teaching martial arts and changing the lives of many thousands of students that attend their sessions in Sunbury and bacchaus Marsh in Victoria. Traditional martial arts that emphasise human values is important for Dai Shihan Amelia, her training in Tai Chi Chuan (an internal Chinese martial arts practiced for defence, health and meditation) reflects her passion for the wholistic benefits that martial arts bring. Dai Shihan Amelia believes in the theraputic benefits that her martial art brings to individual clients and communites, and she is able to eloquently blend a mix of the hard and the soft techniques of martial arts to create a balance that only few understand. The strong following and longevity in the martial arts that Shihan Dai Amelia has gained over the years is clear testament to her popularity as a teacher and mentor. Dai Shihan Amelia believes the martial arts to be a life changing programand, and also believes it should be taught via professional coaches. Dai Shihan Amelia advocates ongoing professional development for martial arts practitioners and has been responsible for helping many of her student gain nationally recignised and industry recognised qualifications. She believes that we all have a responsibility to train our young correctly to prepare them for the modern world of coaching, and eventually a career path, just like she has enjoyed.
Shihan George Kolovos is one of Australia's most influential martial artist leaders. He commenced his martial arts career in the Kyokushin discipline of Karate in 1975. George trained at the then head quarters of Kyokushin Karate, he swiftly progressed through the ranks, obtaining a black belt in two and a half years, a process which ordinarily takes at least 5 years. By this time George had felt it necessary to create his own centre focused solely to martial arts. He had several styles of martial arts in his arsenal and various national titles for both Kyokushin Karate and Kickboxing. From humble beginnings renting a room at Melbourne City Baths, Melbourne Martial Arts now operates as an internationally renowned independent training organisation. In 2004 George brought Muay Thai into Melbourne by running fight night promotions called Brute Force. Fighters from across Europe, China, Thailand and Japan have all competed in his shows. In 2014 George and other leading Victorian promoters of the combat sport industry created what is now the only Amateur Association in Victoria called VAMAA (Victorian Amateur Martial Arts Association) responsible for developing the sport from the junior level. He has staged the Victorian Kyokushin Karate Championships since 1987 every year without fail. And every 3 years the Australian Kyoskushin Championships. In 2015 when the Victorian Government legalised the cage for MMA, George was the second promoter to hold an MMA show in Victoria.
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.
Jet Tranter is a Muay Thai Coach and Personal Trainer. Jet Tranter has recently made her mark in the movie world starring the recent 2020 movie "Lady Blood Sport!" As an exponent and coach in martial arts jet mixes her philosophy of the East with hard physical training to gain great results with clients. Jet is also highly recognised and well respected amongst her many peers and is also known for her sound knowledge in nutrition, not just boring foods either, her culinary expertise sets her well apart from the rest. Jet Tranter draws clients from near and far for health and fitness workshops and one on one personal training.
Grant Banister is Founder and Chief Instructor of Bukido Karate. Shidoshi Grant Bannister (shidoshi meaning, stable and independant leader) started his training in Martial Arts in 1974 under the San Chi Kai Karate group led by Shihan Mal Lomax. Shidoshi Grant has spent most of his adult life teaching karate for the benefit of his students of which many have gone on to earn their own successes in Australia and Internationally. Shidoshi Grant Bannister is responsible for changing the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of students through his heartful and articulate approach to martial arts. Grant believes in the profound effect that a well balance martial arts program has on the community when taught correctly. Shidoshi Grant Bannister has spent most of his career fefining what he considers to be his most important students, children! Grant knows that when when a child learns the value of respect for others, and committing to healthy practices early in life, their lives will be on track early and the best possible life changes are in motion. As a master of the traditional aspects of Karate and Kobudo (weapons) Shidoshi Grant bannister is able to deliver the best martial arts training around and possibly the best childrens program in the industry. Bukido Karate is located in Lilydale, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.