About Australian School of Self Defence
Dedicated to self-protection, character building, and community resilience in Sydney since 1985.
Grandmaster John Gill
Grandmaster John Gill is an 8th Dan Blackbelt in Hapkido & Taekwondo (currently completing his training for his ultimate 9th Dan) and holds the Australian record for the most individual world title wins in Australian sporting history. He opened the world's first women's only Hapkido class in 1987 and has been a pioneer in practical self-protection ever since.
An ambassador for the White Ribbon Foundation for the prevention of violence against women, John is a seven-time nominee for Australian of the Year for his contribution to women's and children's safety.
A Legacy of Excellence
- 8th Dan Black Belt Grandmaster - Hapkido
- 8th Dan Black Belt Grandmaster - Taekwondo
- 45+ Major Championship Titles (which includes 29 World Championship Titles)
- Multiple Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee (2016-2024)
- Seven Time Nominee for Australian of the Year (for his contribution to women's and children's safety)
- “Local Sportsperson of the Year” in 2013 Australia Day Awards
- Australian Government Selected Instructor
- Pioneer in Women's Self-Defence Training
- Action Star Event Winner (2016)
- Film Industry Professional (One Shot, 2017)
Representing 45+ Major Championship Titles
An unparalleled era of martial arts dominance, consistently performing at the highest levels of global competition and bringing 29 World Championships back to Australia.
Meet Your Instructors
Each of our senior instructors was directly taught and certified by Grandmaster John Gill, ensuring the purest transmission of the S.A.F.E. System.
Mitch Bowen
3rd* Dan - Hapkido
Mitch has trained in martial arts for more than 30 years, with Hapkido as his primary discipline. He brings a broad, practical background across multiple combat systems including BJJ, Jeet Kune Do, Arnis, Krav Maga, and Taekwondo. An original student of John Gill since he was 11 years old, his approach combines traditional martial arts values with real-world application, drawing on decades of cross-disciplinary training.
* Probationary
Isaac Yeoh
2nd Dan Taekwondo / 1st Dan Hapkido
Original student of John Gill since 2014. Isaac is a highly dedicated martial artist holding a 2nd Dan Blackbelt in Taekwondo and a 1st Dan Blackbelt in Hapkido.
Janet France
2nd Dan Black Belt
Original student of John Gill since 1989. Janet holds a 2nd Dan Blackbelt and empowers students through exceptional technical instruction and decades of dedicated experience.