Martial Arts Magazine Australia

The Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (AMAHOF) is a unique organisation recognising and celebrating the achievements of influential martial artists in the Australasian region. What sets AMAHOF apart is that it is independent, not-for- profit, volunteer-run, and apolitical. President of AMAHOF Ed Scharrer frequently emphasises this group was “started by martial artists, for martial artists.” Since its inception in 1996, the organisation has been committed to promoting ethical standards, fostering fellowship, and upholding teaching excellence throughout the martial arts community.

The annual Presentation and Gala Event is the highlight of AMAHOF’s calendar. This grand event brings together martial artists, friends, family, and supporters to witness the induction of new members into the Hall of Fame. The event serves as a platform to highlight the remarkable achievements of existing members, facilitating networking opportunities amongst industry peers, and hosting an evening of entertainment and celebration for the martial arts community.

The 2022 AMAHOF gala event held in Perth in September was a resounding success. Guest-of- Honour Mr. David Kelly, Minister for Youth from the WA Government, graced the occasion, adding prestige to the event. The Taiko On drummers, led by inductee Simon Vanyai, delivered a powerful performance that ignited the festivities, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Following the hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 gala saw the induction of a significant number of individuals for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022. Among the esteemed martial artists honoured were Peter Wong, Sean Allen, Alan Pond (Posthumously), Wayne Spear, Victor Stuart, Tom Bellamy, Diana LaTorre, Wayne Swanton, Lionel Daley, Lincoln Harris, Matt Geister, Benjamin Pollet, Paul Veldman, Andrew Coatsworth, Colin Wee, Dean Woodhams, Peter Hunt, Simon Vanyai, Tom Johnson, and Vince Cordeiro.

 (Peter Hunt, pictured)

Looking ahead, AMAHOF’s upcoming Presentation and Gala Event in Sydney over the weekend of 18-20th August 2023 promises to be an even bigger celebration.

The festivities kick off on Friday afternoon with an Annual General Meeting, where Board Members come together to discuss the future of AMAHOF and its initiatives. Following the meeting, a special ‘Meet and Greet’ session is organised, offering attendees the opportunity to interact with soon-to-be inducted members. This casual gathering fosters connections and camaraderie among participants, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere right from the start.

The following day, a diverse range of workshops and demonstrations awaits eager participants. Led by each esteemed AMAHOF inductee, these seminars delve into various martial art topics, catering to practitioners of all levels. From exploring traditional applications and honing weapon skills to mastering self-defence techniques and ground fighting strategies, these sessions provide a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. Regardless of one’s martial arts background, there will be something valuable to learn and apply to their own practice.

The Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (AMAHOF) is a unique organisation recognising and celebrating the achievements of influential martial artists in the Australasian region.

What sets AMAHOF apart is that it is independent, not-for-profit, volunteer-run,  and apolitical. (Ed Scharrer, President)

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the weekend is the prestigious gala awards ceremony. This elegant black-tie affair serves as the crowning moment of the event, formalizing the induction of new members into the Hall of Fame. The ceremony also serves as a platform to recognise significant milestones and key developments among existing members. As attendees gather in their finest attire, the ambiance exudes glamour and sophistication, adding an air of prestige to the proceedings. Witnessing the heartfelt speeches and seeing the honourees take their rightful place among martial arts legends creates a truly unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

The event transcends the glitz and glamour of the gala awards ceremony. The morning following the ceremony, prominent instructors take the stage to lead a series of seminars that close off the immersive journey for attendees. These sessions are a rare opportunity for participants to train under renowned master instructors, delving into advanced techniques and refining skills. This invaluable opportunity should not be missed by any enthusiast seeking to expand their skills and knowledge. Nominations for induction into the Hall of Fame are open to all who have made significant contributions to the development of martial arts across Australasia. This includes individuals who have excelled in their chosen martial art style, are noted for  their community involvement, or who have demonstrated a dedication to promoting martial art values and ethics. The nomination can be submitted until the cut-off date in March of each year. 

Visit https://amahof.asn.au for more information.