William (John) Collett

William Collett, widely known as **John Collett** or simply “JC,” is a highly respected figure in the martial arts community with a career spanning over five decades. His journey into martial arts began in 1963, though his early years were marked by a search for direction and purpose, moving from one discipline to another. It wasn’t until 1972, when he encountered **Professor Raymond Lea**, that his path became clear and his commitment to martial arts deepened. This pivotal moment led to a lifelong dedication to the practice and teaching of various martial arts, with a focus on traditional systems and the integration of their principles into modern teaching.

Since his initial training with Professor Lea, **JC** has had the privilege of studying under some of the most esteemed martial arts practitioners in Australia. In addition to his ongoing mentorship with **Professor Raymond Lea**, which began in 1972, **JC** also began training under the renowned **Tino Ceberano Hanshi** in the early 1980s. These two influential figures have played a significant role in shaping his martial arts philosophy, training methodology, and overall approach to the martial arts as both a practitioner and a teacher.

**JC**'s deep knowledge and experience encompass a wide range of martial arts disciplines, but his primary focus lies in **Hyou-ha Bankoku Jujutsu**, **Goju-Kobujutsu**, and the traditional arts of **Kuatsu** (martial resuscitation) and **Hakuda Kenpo**. His long-standing relationship with Professor Lea has allowed him to play a key role in assisting with the instruction of **Hyou-ha Bankoku Jujutsu**, a traditional martial art that emphasizes fluidity, adaptability, and efficiency in self-defense. **JC**’s dedication to preserving and promoting this rare martial art has made him an invaluable resource to Professor Lea and the broader martial arts community.

A particularly significant aspect of **JC**'s work has been his efforts to preserve and formalize the teachings of the late **Professor Kam Hock Hoe**, whose traditional methods of **Kuatsu** and **Hakuda Kenpo** hold a unique place in martial arts history. **JC** has taken on the responsibility of developing structured courses that present these ancient techniques in a modern, accessible format, ensuring that the knowledge and wisdom of these systems are passed on to future generations. His meticulous research and dedication to preserving the authenticity of these teachings have made him a key figure in their revival and dissemination.

In addition to his work with Professor Lea, **JC** has been an active and essential contributor to **Tino Ceberano Hanshi’s Goju-Kobujutsu syllabus**. This comprehensive system integrates the principles of **Karatejutsu** (the art of karate as a martial discipline) with the traditional weaponry techniques of **Kobujutsu**. **JC**’s involvement in the formal development and teaching of this syllabus has been instrumental in demonstrating the inter-connectedness of empty-hand karate techniques and traditional Okinawan weaponry. His teaching emphasizes the seamless transition between these two aspects of martial arts, highlighting their shared principles of balance, timing, and efficiency.

Now retired from a successful career in the information technology industry, **JC** devotes his time fully to the martial arts, focusing on both teaching and research. His teaching style is characterized by a deep respect for tradition, combined with a modern, analytical approach to instruction. His classes are known for their attention to detail, their emphasis on both physical and mental development, and their commitment to the preservation of the core principles of martial arts. Whether teaching the ancient techniques of **Kuatsu** or demonstrating the dynamic movements of **Goju-Kobujutsu**, **JC** remains dedicated to the holistic development of his students, believing that martial arts is not just about self-defense, but about cultivating discipline, respect, and self-awareness.

As a mentor, **JC** has inspired countless students to pursue their martial arts journeys with the same passion and dedication that he has demonstrated throughout his life. His unique blend of traditional knowledge, modern teaching methods, and a lifetime of experience make him a highly sought-after instructor, both in Australia and internationally. His contributions to the martial arts community, particularly in the areas of **Jujutsu**, **Kuatsu**, **Karatejutsu**, and **Kobujutsu**, have left an indelible mark, and his efforts continue to inspire the next generation of martial artists.

William "John" Collett’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the martial arts, deep respect for his teachers, and a lifelong commitment to the preservation and teaching of traditional martial arts systems. Through his work with **Professor Raymond Lea** and **Hanshi Tino Ceberano**, **JC** has become a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the valuable teachings of previous generations are not lost, but continue to evolve and thrive in the modern world of martial arts.