About US

Husband & wife team, Mark & Julie Connell, have been training in martial arts for 45 years each. They hold a Muay Thai rank of 7th degree from the Australian based Bob Jones Martial Arts [BJMA] organization.  Initially training in the freestyle karate system Zen Do Kai where they currently hold the rank of 7th Dan, commencing in 1985, Mark and Julie have continued within the Bob Jones organization since then. Mark & Julie expanded into learning & teaching BJMA Muay Thai. Julie & Mark have trained overseas in Japan, Indonesia & annually in Thailand.

Mark holds an instructor qualification in AEK Arnis, Kali & Escrima. He has trained in Shinkendo, Japanese Swordsmanship, for 10 years. Mark has taught adult group classes in karate & kickboxing. He has planned & delivered Active After School Programs at a number of primary schools as well as delivering martial arts classes in secondary school PE programs. Mark has taught classes overseas when travelling to share his knowledge with other like - minded instructors and students.

Julie has been a secondary school teacher for 35 years & has a passion for training juniors & women to be bully-proof. She has taught self defense courses in schools & community centers, including working with victims of abuse. Recently, she has been training women & teens to feel safe going about their daily lives learning self-defense & kickboxing skills.