Martial Arts Magazine Australia

The Year of the Fire Horse Step into 2026 with the spirit of the Fire Horse—unbridled passion, unwavering courage, and relentless determination. Issue 10 takes you on a journey from ancient Chinese battlefields to modern dojos across Australia, exploring what it truly means to be a martial artist. Featured: The Fire Horse Legend Discover the legendary tale of Red Hare, the magnificent crimson stallion who carried China’s greatest warriors—the mighty Lü Bu and the righteous Guan Yu. This epic story reveals timeless lessons about loyalty, honour, and the difference between mere fighting skill and true martial character. As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse, this ancient legend speaks directly to modern martial artists seeking deeper meaning in their practice. Inside This Issue: Wing Chun Ling Tung Gong – Unlock the secrets of internal power development Building Courage – How martial arts cultivates bravery beyond the physical From the Ground Up – Building unshakeable foundations in your practice Women in Martial Arts Workshop – Breaking barriers and building community Champions Made at Shaolin Kempo – The making of true champions Honouring Experience – Wisdom from senior practitioners who’ve walked the path My Outlook on Karatedo – Personal reflections on the way of the empty hand Teaching with Understanding – The art of transmitting knowledge with wisdom …plus essential guides, mentor profiles, inspiring personal stories, and insights that span traditional and contemporary martial arts. Why Issue 10 Matters This isn’t just another martial arts magazine. Issue 10 brings you authentic voices from real practitioners—no corporate sponsorships, no product placements, no hidden agendas. Just genuine insights from people who live and breathe the martial arts. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical guidance, philosophical depth, or simply connection with fellow martial artists, Issue 10 delivers content that respects your intelligence and honours your dedication to the arts. Embody the Fire Horse Spirit in Your Training Order your copy today and discover what happens when passion meets purpose, when ancient wisdom informs modern practice, and when martial artists share their truths without filter or pretense. Australia’s Only Ad-Free Martial Arts Magazine http://www.martialartsmagazineaustralia.com

AWMA Writing Competition Winners The finest voices in Australian martial arts storytelling shine in our featured competition results. From Jaime Gill’s visceral exploration of Kun Khmer fighting culture to young Patrick Allison’s adventure tale “The Golden Ninja,” these award-winning pieces capture the raw emotion and transformative power of martial arts across all ages. Master Interview: Grandmaster Oscar Higa at 80 An intimate conversation with one of Okinawan karate’s living legends. After 75 years of training and teaching across five continents, Higa Sensei shares hard-won wisdom about tradition, evolution, and what it truly means to walk the martial path. Technical Deep Dive: “What is Kata?” by Brad Weston A comprehensive analysis spanning multiple karate systems, exploring how traditional forms function as combat blueprints rather than mere choreography. Includes detailed breakdowns of Genseiryū’s unique approach and cross-style applications. The Fighter’s Eye: Combat Intuition in Karate Don McKay examines the neurological and psychological aspects of martial awareness—how experienced practitioners develop the ability to read opponents before attacks are even consciously formed. Personal Journeys From Paul White’s candid account of training with Parkinson’s disease to Hannah Borrell’s moving story about memory and legacy in “Forgotten Kata,” these narratives reveal how martial arts provide strength through life’s most challenging moments. Practical Guidance Amy Lynch’s complete guide to starting your own karate school offers real-world advice on everything from insurance requirements to student retention strategies—essential reading for aspiring instructors. Historical Preservation Dan Newcombe unveils 20 years of research tracing Tsutsumi Hōzan Ryū jujutsu from 14th-century Japan to modern Australian dojos, while David McLeary explores the resurgence of traditional Chinese sword arts. This issue represents the full spectrum of Australian martial arts: championship competitors and weekend warriors, children taking first steps and masters still training in their eighth decade. Each contributor offers authentic insight into what makes our community unique—proving that the strongest traditions are those that continue to evolve. 100+ pages of ad-free content celebrating the depth and diversity of Australian martial arts culture.

JOURNEY ACROSS THE MARTIAL WORLD: FROM ANCIENT WISDOM TO MODERN MASTERY Discover the extraordinary lives and insights of martial arts legends in our most comprehensive issue yet. Meet 90-year-old Sei-Shihan Wonho, who survived World War II bombings, served in the Korean War, and revolutionised Australian martial arts by bringing Iaido to our shores. His remarkable journey from war-torn childhood to Grand Master status embodies the resilience and wisdom that martial arts cultivation promises. Gain rare insights from Shihan Tomiyama’s exclusive interview, where the 9th Dan Kofukan legend shares training secrets that transformed him from sport karate competitor to true martial master. Learn why he believes “proper basics and basic kata” are the foundation of all advancement. Explore the hidden dimensions of your practice with our in-depth features: · Uncover the twelve essential attributes for true martial mastery · Discover how the tactical use of the 45-degree angle can transform your combat effectiveness · Journey inside the Shaolin Temple to understand the true meaning behind “All martial arts under heaven come from Shaolin” · Learn how the Year of the Snake’s qualities can enhance your training approach. Whether you’re a dedicated practitioner or passionate enthusiast, Issue 8 delivers the perfect blend of technical knowledge, philosophical wisdom, and inspiring stories to fuel your martial journey.

Issue 7 of Martial Arts Magazine Australia delivers essential reading for practitioners at all levels. Learn practical strategies for training in the Australian summer, discover the fascinating history behind the colored belt system, and find inspiration in stories of personal transformation through martial arts. Featuring expert advice from leading instructors, academic insights into martial arts concepts, and practical guides for both students and teachers, this issue bridges the gap between traditional wisdom and modern practice. Don’t miss our special feature on competing at any age and exclusive coverage of Australia’s martial arts heritage through the story of Jan de Jong. Plus, enter our exciting writing competition with chances to win valuable prizes and recognition in the martial arts community. Whether you’re running a dojo, advancing your training, or just beginning your martial arts journey, Issue 7 provides the knowledge and inspiration to support your path.

Welcome to this exciting and thought-provoking issue of Martial Arts Magazine Australia, where we explore the multifaceted world of martial arts through diverse perspectives and experiences. In our feature articles, we delve into the profound impact of mindfulness on martial arts training, examine the challenges facing women in today’s dojos, and investigate the science behind force and technique. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of Maxwell Montieth, Australia’s young champion at the World Championships in Korea, and explore the powerful philosophy of Kaizen for achieving mastery. We also tackle important topics like respect in the dojo, the decision to retire from training, and the unexpected benefits of walking for martial artists. From insightful pieces on coaching methodologies to personal reflections on training experiences, this issue offers something for practitioners at every level. Read about the reality of kung fu in China, discover how to prevent hamstring injuries, and learn about the importance of biomechanics in martial arts techniques. With contributions from experienced martial artists, coaches, and experts across Australia, this issue continues our tradition of providing valuable insights and practical knowledge to help you grow in your martial arts journey. Let’s continue the conversation about what makes martial arts not just a practice, but a way of life.

Discover the warrior within in this issue of Martial Arts Magazine Australia! Journey through the rich traditions and modern innovations of martial arts, from the hidden legacy of Wing Chun to the empowering story of Ronda Rousey. Explore the wisdom of Mr. Miyagi, the strategic genius of Miyamoto Musashi, and gain insights from experienced practitioners on topics like self-defense, injury recovery, and being an inspirational role model. Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or just beginning your path, this issue offers something for everyone – practical techniques, philosophical depth, and stories of perseverance that will motivate you to push your limits. Unlock new levels of skill, knowledge and personal growth with Martial Arts Magazine Australia!

Power. Precision. Possibility. Martial Arts Magazine Australia guides you to transformation through traditional arts and modern science. In this edition: Harness your inner warrior. Free your hips to unlock power. Decode the secrets of the Octagon, symbolism, the power of the Dragon and blend Samurai tradition with modern life. Discover how Wing Chun sharpens mental focus and Kundalini Yoga builds inner strength. Join our authors’ journeys of courage through Jiu-Jitsu, spreading the art of peace worldwide, and bringing martial arts to more people. Get insider tips from the Dojo Doctor on managing competition nerves and committing to training. Plus, home workouts, beginner survival guides, and safeguarding youth. Whether rebooting your practice or just starting out – Martial Arts Magazine Australia will motivate you to new heights of skill, fitness and self-mastery. Unlock your potential now

Power. Precision. Possibility. Martial Arts Magazine Australia guides you to transformation through traditional arts and modern science. In this edition: Harness your inner warrior. Free your hips to unlock power. Decode the secrets of the Octagon, symbolism, the power of the Dragon and blend Samurai tradition with modern life. Discover how Wing Chun sharpens mental focus and Kundalini Yoga builds inner strength. Join our authors’ journeys of courage through Jiu-Jitsu, spreading the art of peace worldwide, and bringing martial arts to more people. Get insider tips from the Dojo Doctor on managing competition nerves and committing to training. Plus, home workouts, beginner survival guides, and safeguarding youth. Whether rebooting your practice or just starting out – Martial Arts Magazine Australia will motivate you to new heights of skill, fitness and self-mastery. Unlock your potential now

We are very pleased to include two articles from our favourite award winning author, Mike Clarke- The Watching Tree, and Don’t be a Frog; Master Marco introduces IMBA to WA; Fight Spur join us from Singapore; Rod Power talks of his upcoming movie release – Hard Ride; Brian Chambers sits down and talks to Shihan Tomiyama; Sam Sujanta is on our cover and shares part II of his Tai Chi series; Al Ghoniem tells us about the heartfelt significance of Seventy Lashes; Sensei Don Godwin returns with part II of Early Shukokai training; Maria Francis, yoga teacher and author, shares her favourite poses for MA; Duncan Mitchell talks about finding Aikido and himself; Andy Kent tells us how Karate Saved his Life following a motorcycle accident in Cambodia (both of these are remarkable stories of recovery); Grant Brechney joins us with his article on The Place of Traditional Karate-do in the Modern Martial Arts Landscape; Don’t miss part two of Daniel Fellow’s Possibilities; South West Go Ju-Ryu report on their recent Women and Girls in Martial Arts Workshop (this is definitely one to put in the calendar for next year!)

In this edition Award winning author – Michael Clarke writes about Learning the Japanese Way; Colin Wee talks about his journey writing the award winning book Breaking Through – The Secrets of Bassai Dai; Natasha Fabian gives us her tips on training remotely; Danni McCullough and Lance Spice write about Aikido and Mindfulness; Don Godwin talks about early Shukokai Training; Chris McVay writes about his personal journey in martial arts; Sam Sujatna gives us an introduction to Tai Chi; we learn the history of Kendo Renmei from Ron Bennett and Bob Brown; Iain Humphreys shares his experiences and challenges teaching home school classes; thriller author Daniel Fellows teases us with part one of Possibilities; The Dojo Doctor answers your questions; Amy Lynch talks about the Dojo kun; and so much more…