KMAA Instructing Team

Our Instructing Team at the Korean Martial Arts Academy are professional, experienced and welcoming. We are passionate about Taekwondo and helping students on their journey at KMAA. Our team teach engaging, educational and practical martial arts classes. KMAA's Instructing Team regularly participate in training and development sessions to ensure the highest standard of martial arts instruction is provided.

Mr James Tallon (Sir)
Role: Senior Chief Instructor & Director
Primarily teaches: Black Belt Classes 
Belt Level: 7th Dan Black Belt ​
Sir started his martial arts journey over 42 years ago after being inspired by a local Taekwondo demonstration. Since then, he has been heavily involved in the Australian martial arts community and has been instructing for 34 years. Sir believes that Taekwondo offers not only a physical but mental challenge which continues long after a student has reached their Black Belt. 

​In 2021, Sir will be grading for his 8th Dan Black Belt. He holds a Level 9 Certificate (highest level) in Bongsul and Kumsul. He is the current President of ACT Taekwondo and the former Poomsae Manager for the 2013 and 2014 World Poomsae Championships in Indonesia and Mexico. Sir is a Level 2 Australian Coaching Council approved Sports Coach and an NDIS approved service provider. He currently holds a Certificate IV Training and Assessment, First Aid and a Working With Vulnerable People's check.  

Sir strives for excellence in all levels of his instructing. He has been awarded the Australian Sports Medal (2000), the Best Spirit Award at the 2014 WTF Recognition Championship, and the EFC Platinum Leadership Award (2016). Sir was commended for his contribution to the team at Belconnen Community Service who were awarded the ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Award for Excellence in Inclusive Services and Disability Support.

"Be present in training, be engaging." - Sir
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Ms Rachel 
Role: Operations Manager
Belt Level: 5th Dan Black Belt

Ms Rachel joined KMAA over 20 years ago, when classes were run out of community and school halls. Ms Rachel is passionate about ensuring our students are having the best possible experience and learning valuable life-skills.
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​"Balance is just as important as power and speed - slow down movements and work on core body strength." 
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​Mr Lachlan
Role: Instructor
Primarily teaches: Pandas, Tigers, Dragons, Cadets, Adults & Junior Black Belts
Belt level: ​4th Dan Black Belt

Mr Lachlan is a dedicated member of the KMAA community and has been involved in running classes since he was 13 years old. Mr Lachlan enjoys watching his students develop and move through the programs and is committed to ensuring they enjoy and benefit from their training.
"My favourite part about being an instructor is seeing my students progress."
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Mr Patrick
Role: Instructor
Primarily teaches: Pandas, Tigers, Dragons, Cadets & Junior Black Belts
Belt level: 3rd Dan Black Belt

Mr Patrick is an enthusiastic and passionate instructor. His classes are always energetic, and he always ensures his students enjoy learning new techniques. 

​"My training tip is to never be afraid to ask questions."
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Mr Stephen
​Role: Instructor
Primarily teaches: Adults, Sparring & Cadets
Belt level: 3rd Dan Black Belt 

Mr Stephen is a friendly and welcoming Instructor. He supports new students at the beginning of their martial arts journey, and teaches using his wealth of martial arts knowledge.
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"My training tip is to stay focused and believe in yourself."
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Miss Laura 
Role: Instructor
Primarily teaches: Tigers & Dragons
Belt level: 2nd Dan Black Belt

Miss Laura is a positive and hard-working Instructor who enjoys sharing her martial arts knowledge and passion with students. Miss Laura has returned to KMAA and Instructing after living interstate in 2019.
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"Try your hardest in EVERY class!"
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Ms Christine 
Role: Instructor
Primarily Teaches: Adults & Weapons
Belt level: 4th Dan Black Belt 

Ms Christine has impressively attained the highest graded level for two weapons styles and is currently working on her third. She has contributed to the creation and improvement of the weapons and self defence program requirements. 
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"Train hard but have fun!"
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Mr Tim
​Role: Instructor
Primarily teaches: Adults and Weapons
Belt level: 3rd Dan Black Belt 

Mr Tim is an enthusiastic Instructor and a Nunchuku master! He has an in-depth knowledge about all aspects of Taekwondo taught at the Korean Martial Arts Academy and is committed to ensuring all his students are learning and progressing at the correct level and pace.

​"My favourite part about being an instructor is being part of the KMAA team!"
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Miss Annika
Role: Instructor
Primarily teaches: Tigers, Dragons & Cadets
Belt level: 2nd Dan Black Belt 

Miss Annika is a dedicated and passionate Instructor, who strives for excellence in all classes. She brings a wealth of technical knowledge to instructing. Miss Annika has lots of ideas to incorporate into classes, and enjoys watching students develop skills and progress.

"The enthusiasm of the kids and the community is my favourite thing about instructing."
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Miss Netti
Role: Instructor
Primarily teaches: Pandas, Tigers & Dragons
Belt level: 2nd Dan Black Belt

Miss Netti is a positive and engaging Instructor who brings enthusiasm, energy and encouragement to her teaching. 

"Don't be afraid to make a mistake."


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Mr Matthew
Role: Instructor
Primarily teaches: Tigers, Dragons and Cadets
Belt Level: 1st Dan Black Belt

Mr Matthew is a patient, friendly and creative instructor who loves to push his students to try new, fun and challenging things. ​

"Ask questions if you need help."

Assistant Instructors

KMAA's Assistant Instructors are a fantastic team of students who have demonstrated dedication and focus in their own training. They have been selected by the Instructing Team as potential Instructors and undergo continual training to enhance their leadership skills. They are enthusiastic in their role and a valuable asset for all students and Instructors.
 
KMAA's Instructors and Assistant Instructors have completed the Korean Martial Arts Academy's Leadership Program as well as attending regular training sessions. All KMAA's Instructors are committed to their individual training and improvement as well as the training and development of the students.
Miss Aarushi 
​3rd Poom ​Black Belt​
​Assistant Instructor
Mr Callum
​2nd Dan ​Black Belt​
​Assistant Instructor
Miss Chandah
Brown Belt Black Stripe​
​Assistant Instructor
Miss Shea
​2nd Dan Black Belt
​Assistant Instructor
Mr James
Brown Belt ​Black Stripe​
​Assistant Instructor
Miss Sonia
​1st Poom ​Black Belt​
​Assistant Instructor

Administration Team

Our Instructing Team, students and families are supported by our welcoming and hard-working Administration Team.
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Miss Abbey
Role: Administration Officer

Miss Abbey is an ANU student and former hockey coach​. Miss Abbey is welcoming positive, and passionate about helping students on their martial arts journey. Miss Abbey has also been enjoying assisting Pandas classes- we don't know who has more fun, the Pandas or Miss Abbey!
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​Miss Georgia
Role: Administration Officer & Instructor

Miss Georgia is an ANU student who first started her Taekwondo journey at KMAA in 2015 and is a 1st Dan Black Belt. She loves teaching students all the way from our little Pandas through to Cadets, and most loves instructing when she sees students building their confidence and taking on new challenges.
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