At HDMA, we are lucky to have a strong team of Instructors with a passion for helping others improve and reach their goals. Between our Instructing Team, there is a vast array of knowledge, talent and specialities that help us offer our community the best Martial Arts Instruction possible!
I began Taekwondo in 2004 with Hills District Martial Arts after I was first introduced to the art through my high school. I had some minor previous experience with Martial Arts, however I instantly discovered my true passion for it when I began my training under Grandmaster Sam Loiacono. Master Sam's knowledge and passion in addition to the friendships I made with other like minded individuals inspired me to train harder every day.
I was proud to receive my Master Certification from World Taekwondo Jidokwan and Grandmaster Sam on 23rd December 2023 and the Korea Kido Association on 30th July 2018.
Through my membership at Hills District Martial Arts, I have had many great accomplishments, through training, high level competition and eventually becoming an Instructor, Head Instructor and Master I have made life-long friendships, attained ranks in multiple arts, medals in many international competitions and managed to turn my passion into my career.
World Taekwondo Jidokwan Master 3rd Class
Korea Kido Association Master
Taekwondo (Kukkiwon) – 5th Dan
Taekwondo (Jidokwan) – 5th Dan
Hapkido (Korea Kido Assc.) – 5th Dan
Hapkido (Korea Hapkido Fed.) – 4th Dan
Hapkido (International Self-Defence) – 4th Dan
Haidong Gumdo – 4th Dan
HDMA Weaponry – 5th Dan
Arnis de Mano – Black Belt
Working with Children Certified
First Aid Certified
Domestic Competitions
16 Time State Poomsae Champion
2010 Australian National Champion (Poomsae)
2013 Inaugural Australian National Champion (Freestyle Poomsae)
International Competitions
2011 Japan WATA Open Champion (Poomsae)
2011 Japan WATA Open Silver Medallist (Sparring)
2012 Japan WATA Open Silver Medallist (Poomsae)
2013 Australian National Team Representative for US Open
2014 Commonwealth Championships (Scotland) Silver Medallist (Freestyle Poomsae)
2014 Commonwealth Championships (Scotland) Bronze Medallist (Poomsae)
2018 Japan WATAICTO Open Champion (Poomsae)
Other Previous Titles Held
Gold Coast Open Championships
ACT Open Championships
South Coast Open Championships
Port Stephens Championships
Sydney Taekwondo Festival
Sydney Taekwondo Championships
I began my Taekwondo career in 1977, after attending a Taekwondo demonstration by Master Jeong Tae Kim, who had just migrated to Australia from Korea, after winning the First World Heavy Weight Championship. (Gold Medalist in 1973). I was so impressed by the dynamics of the demonstration, that I immediately wanted to commence lessons. Master Kim's ability inspired me to train 110%. I began classes at Gladesville, the suburb where I grew up, went to school and also ran my own business. After having trained for 18 months, I attained the level of Black Belt, having previous martial arts experience, (reaching the level of Black Belt in Karate). Soon after attaining my First Dan, Master Kim invited me to teach at some of his classes and also encouraged me to open my own school.
I began teaching in the Hills District at Kellyville, where I began my career as an Instructor. As a competitor, I participated in State and National Competitions. I ended my career as a competitor in 1984 at the Australian National Championships in Perth. I attained my Class 4 Refereeing Accreditation and from there I proceeded to First Class National Referee. In 1993 I attained my International Referee status as a P Class Referee in Madison Square Garden, New York. I have had many memorable experiences as an International Referee, my major experience being representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
I cannot compare Taekwondo with anything else in this world! I owe so much to this art, for everything that I have experienced and achieved. I have had many opportunities to enrich my life and the same opportunities are available to each and every one of you today. It is no coincidence that most Black Belts run businesses and/or hold key positions and are good at their school work.
Taekwondo (Kukkiwon) – 8th Dan
Taekwondo (Jidokwan) – 8th Dan
Hapkido (Korea Kido Assc.) – 7th Dan
Hapkido (Korea Hapkido Fed) – 5th Dan
Hapkido (International Self-Defence) – 4th Dan
Haidong Gumdo – 4th Dan
Arnis de Mano – Black Belt
World Taekwondo Hall of Fame Inductee
2000 Sydney Olympic Referee
2008 Beijing Olympic Referee
Working with Children Certified
First Aid Certified
2013 International Taekwondo Hall of Fame Inductee
2000 Sydney Olympic Games Referee
2008 Beijing Olympic Games Referee
Previous Positions Held
Treasurer – Australian Taekwondo Association
Secretary General – Australian Taekwondo Association
National Referee Chairman – Taekwondo Australia
Technical Advisor – Australian Sports Commission Olympic Athlete Program
We are proud to raise the next generations of Leaders in both our club and the community. Leadership Team members work hard every week to hone their skills in Martial Arts and Leadership to assist you and your children in reaching your goals!
Taekwondo (Kukkiwon) – 6th Dan
Taekwondo (Jidokwan) – 6th Dan
Hapkido (Korea Kido Assc.) – 4th Dan
Hapkido (Korea Hapkido Fed.) – 2nd Dan
Hapkido (International Self-Defence) – 3rd Dan
HDMA Weaponry – 4th Dan
Arnis de Mano – Black Belt
International World Taekwondo Referee
Working with Children Certified
First Aid Certified