
Unstoppable Confidence & Emotional Resilience
Teaches verbal boundary setting, eye contact, de-escalation, and non-violent escapes from holds and grabs.
Sydney's premier family-friendly martial arts academy. Safe, practical Hapkido and self-defence taught without aggression, egos, or rigid fitness requirements. Feel empowered from your very first session.

Trusted by Over 10,000+ Sydney Families, Schools, and Corporate Groups Since 1985
No contracts, no expensive uniforms on day one, and zero stress.
Pick a 45-minute beginner slot that fits your schedule.
Train directly with Grandmaster John and meet our welcoming community in comfortable gym clothes.
Take home immediate, practical defensive awareness and self-respect that lasts a lifetime.
Outcome-focused training for children, women, adults and organisations — all under the guidance of Grandmaster John Gill.

Teaches verbal boundary setting, eye contact, de-escalation, and non-violent escapes from holds and grabs.

Instinctive defences against larger attackers, wrist/throat releases, ground survival, and situational awareness.

Learn Hapkido 'the Complete Art of Self-Defence and the the original Mixed Martial Art' for Real-world protection, not sport sparring.

High-energy on-site seminars tailored for corporate teams, community centres, and secondary schools.

For advanced and competitive students: teaching methodology, tournament preparation and Dan-grade Instruction under Grandmaster John Gill, 8th Dan.

Bond together while learning crucial life-saving skills. A healthy, shared activity for the whole household.

Build unshakeable confidence, resilience, and peer-pressure defense during critical years.

Grandmaster John Gill's flagship community safety seminar: situational awareness, verbal de-escalation and leverage-based escapes for all ages.
Learn About S.A.F.E.Browse upcoming classes across Chatswood and the North Shore and book your free trial directly from the calendar.
Read how everyday people transformed fear into focus.
“My son was struggling with school bullies and losing confidence. After 8 weeks with Grandmaster John, his head is held high, his grades improved, and he made wonderful friends.”
“I was nervous entering a martial arts studio. John is the kindest, most patient instructor. The techniques actually work against someone twice your size.”
“Best workout for both mind and body. No egos, just world-class instruction.”
“Both my kids beg to go to class. They've learned to use their voice, set boundaries and walk away — skills I wish I'd had at their age.”
“I used to dread school. Now I know I can look after myself and I actually feel calm about it. Grandmaster John makes every class fun.”
“Our team left the SAFE workshop energised and genuinely more aware. Practical, respectful and superbly organised.”
“I spent the better part of my 20s drinking... in between deployments to some really god forsaken places. I was looking for something to help me get out of the trap I'd made for myself in the PTSD. From the first time I stepped on the mat, time stopped. Completely. I lost myself for three hours. No anxiety. No depression. No intrusive thoughts. I found peace. Now it is more a part of me than my old self. I keep going just on the off chance I can help someone else who's lost.”
“I've only sparred twice so far... but it's like I'm no longer scared of any confrontation outside of the boxing gym. I feel immensely calm when interacting with people, and have no social anxiety at all now. I speak much slower, and more in control... getting into the ring with someone... and having them try to physically hurt you is frightening as hell. But after I get it over with, it's like I feel immensely calm and peaceful... it's like 'if I can handle that, I can handle anything life throws at me.'”
“I speak up to shitty treatment nearly everytime, and I often stand up for others who are being picked on as a small Asian woman. My logic is, if I know I can break your arms if I wanted to, why would I be afraid to stand up to verbal harassment or poor treatment?”
“Well I got sick of living in fear constantly, so I thought if I learned how to defend myself it would help me build the confidence to not be so afraid anymore. Took Judo at first and stuck with it for 8 years... after I beat the school bully, it just kinda hit me, I don't have to be afraid anymore. I can defend myself and the ones I love now.”

Grandmaster John Gill is an 8th Dan Blackbelt with more than 40 years of teaching experience and holder of the Australian record for the most individual world title wins — 11 World Self Defence Championships.
Inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, John founded the school's community safety and anti-bullying initiatives, bringing authentic Korean martial traditions to Sydney families in a warm, ego-free environment.
Give yourself or your child the gift of lifelong safety and self-belief.
Prefer to talk first? Call Grandmaster John directly at 0490 109 334.
Can't make it to the dojo? Learn directly from Grandmaster John Gill, 8th Dan, from your living room, backyard or hotel room, wherever life takes you.
💻 Online Video Series: A complete self defence video course you can purchase today and start learning straight away.
🎥 On-Demand Course: Step-by-step self defence lessons you can follow at your own pace, anytime.
🌏 Who It's For: Busy professionals, regional and interstate students, travellers, and anyone who prefers to train from home.
📞 Phone: 0490 109 334


Follow along with Grandmaster John Gill and start building real self defence skills today. Watch, practise, and repeat, then join us in person or online to take it further.
Full tutorial with Grandmaster John Gill.
Learn Hapkido techniques from a live seminar.
Practical self-defence techniques from our women's course.