20/05/2026
31 Years on the Frontline:
Port Macquarie Pioneer Named Region’s #1 Martial Arts Studio Two Years Running
PORT MACQUARIE, NSW —
While the bright lights of Sydney and Melbourne are often credited with the birth of Australian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the mid-1990s, one pioneer made the life changing move from Sydney to Port Macquarie to engineer a combat revolution of his own.
Arriving in Port Macquarie in 1995, long before MMA became a mainstream global phenomenon, he founded the region's first and only true Mixed Martial Arts school.
Today, that lifelong dedication has been officially recognised, with the academy being awarded the #1 Martial Arts Studio in Port Macquarie for two consecutive years (2025 and 2026).
Thirty-one years and thousands of students later, the founder who is still teaching, simply loves what he does every single day on the Mid North Coast.
At the heart of this 31-year journey is the development of the Close Quarters Street Combat (CQSC) system, a reality-based self-defence methodology that represents 80% of the academy’s lifelong work.
"When I moved up from Sydney and opened the doors in 1995, I broke away from the rigid, traditional martial arts styles of the past," says the founder. "Real-world violence does not happen in a ring and it doesn't follow a rulebook. I’ve spent three decades stripping away the fluff, pressure testing techniques and refining a biomechanically sound system engineered specifically for high-stress, close-range survival.
To still be on the mats doing what I love every day and to have the Port Macquarie community back us as #1 for two years running, is incredibly humbling."
While 80% of the academy’s focus has been the relentless scientific evolution of the CQSC system, the remaining 20% represents its vital human impact. The founder successfully adapted these elite tactical concepts into powerful grassroots initiatives: The 'Empowering Youth' and 'Empowering Women' programs.
These tailored programs shift the narrative from sport fighting to Personal Safety and psychological resilience.
Over three decades, they have provided local youth with critical life direction and equipped many of Port Macquarie Women with the physical and mental tools to reclaim their safety.
"We proved that world-class combat science didn't just belong in metropolitan hubs. More importantly, we've showed that combat science could be used as a vehicle to build safer, more resilient regional communities," stated founder.
With a 31-year track record and back-to-back local awards, this milestone marks over three decades of dedication to local safety, innovation and community empowerment.
TRAIN * EMPOWER * PROTECT
CQSC PRIVATE COACHING, Limited numbers.
Ph: 0413 527 181 ☯️
