Hakan Manav

Hakan Manav is a distinguished 6th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a multiple-time World Martial Arts Champion with over 25 years of training in martial arts. A former member of the Australian Taekwondo Team, Hakan has traveled extensively to compete globally and has secured the title of National Taekwondo Sparring Champion three times. His expertise in martial arts led to an invitation to the USA, where he produced a comprehensive five-volume instructional DVD series titled “Modern & Creative Kicks,” in collaboration with Century Martial Arts, the world's largest martial arts supply company. 

In recognition of his contributions to the field, Hakan is a proud inductee into the ISKA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He serves as a Master Instructor and Managing Director at the Australian Martial Arts Academy, founded by his father, Grand Master Ridvan Manav, in 1982. Under Hakan’s leadership, the academy has garnered the prestigious Global Top Single Martial Arts School Award by the EFC for four consecutive years, reflecting its excellence in martial arts education.

Hakan is dedicated to sharing his knowledge through seminars, camps, and private tuition. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with double majors in Finance and Management from the University of Sydney, where he achieved an impressive ATAR score of 99.25 upon completing his HSC (Higher School Certificate). His multifaceted skills extend beyond martial arts; Hakan is also a skilled instructor, studio manager, and the lead performer and choreographer of the **X-Treme Team**.

Hakan's foray into the entertainment industry includes a notable role in the film *Dying Ice*, which was showcased at the New York City International Film Festival and the HollyShorts Film Festival in Hollywood. He gained further acclaim through his participation in the hit TV series *Australia's Got Talent*. Additionally, Hakan showcased his talent as a Gladiator in the multimillion-dollar production of *Ben Hur*, narrated by Russell Crowe, and performed in a live stage production in Dubai, spanning multiple shows over five weeks. He has also received training in the Meisner Acting Technique, enhancing his performance skills.

The X-Treme Team, founded by Hakan, is a performance-based martial arts group that has reached the finals of *Australia's Got Talent* (Channel 7) and has appeared on various other television programs, including the *Morning Show with Kerri-Anne* (Channel 9), *Saturday Disney* (Channel 7), and *Weekend Sunrise* (Channel 7). The team was even invited to perform exclusively for the Sheikh in Abu Dhabi and has showcased their talents on *The X-Factor* (Channel 7).

Hakan remains committed to innovation and excellence in martial arts instruction, continually evolving the systems and teaching methods at the Australian Martial Arts Academy. His extensive travel and training in various styles enrich the knowledge and expertise he brings to the AMA instructing team, ensuring world-class martial arts tuition for all its members.