Instructors
We at the Charles Rawlins TKD centres, have a team of highly skilled and fully qualified instructors that will motivate and excite you whether you are 6 or 60 years old, a beginner, intermediate or advance student, we will help you develop at your own pace, in a safe, fun and controlled environment. You will benefit physically, mentally and spiritually from the traditional and philosophical aspect of Taekwondo.
Read below more about our instructors.
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Charles Rawlins
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Chief Instructor & Director
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NCAS Level 2
Chief instructor & Director NCAS Level 2 Mr. Charles Rawlins, the chief Instructor of the Academy has devoted most of his life to martial arts.Starting at the age of 10, he studied Karate, Boxing and Kung Fu, but it was only when he took up Taekwondo, that he discovered his true passion.
Mr. Rawlins is one of the 3 original members still practising Taekwondo and was instrumental in establishing the Australian Taekwondo Academy (ATA) under the leadership of the late Sok Pong Kim in 1975. He also established himself to be one of the best martial art exponents in Australia by winning many state (10), national (7) and international competitions (3) in taekwondo.
He also competed in other martial art styles, winning 3 kick boxing championships, 3 National All Styles Championship as well as 3 National Weapons Championship.
Since his retirement from competition he has served on many state, national and international boards as national selector, tournament director, national executive member, state delegate, various coaching boards and international advisor to other countries.
He is well known and respected in Australia and overseas and has been sought after to conduct seminars in many countries.
He has now cut back on his positions to focus his time in developing and guiding his students to reach their highest potential. This proof can be seen by his members winning many state, national and international titles.His expertise and knowledge have gained him positions on national teams as part of the coaching staff as well as a National Selector. His love for taekwondo and undivided dedication to his students are hard to come by. Mr. Rawlins is well aware that nothing comes easy and anything worth while in life takes time, dedication and many hours of hard work. These disciplines and values are still sacred to Mr. Rawlins and are strictly practised by his instructors as well as his students.
Kesi O'Neill
4th Dan
Chief Instructor, New Zealand
Mr. O'Neill have trained in the Martial Art of Taekwondo for the past thirty seven years and currently hold the rank of 4th Dan Black Belt. He is the first Samoan Taekwondo Master to gain his 4th Degree Kukkiwon Black Belt in New Zealand. Mr. O'Neill is the Chief Instructor of the Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Tauriko Taekwondo Clubs which currently has a membership of 187 members.
He have been the New Zealand Heavyweight Champion and New Zealand National Coach for numerous years. At present many of his members are New Zealand National Champions.
He have competed in numerous Asian Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Korean Open and more latterly Masters Games. Mr. O'Neill also coached the Samoan Taekwondo Team at the South Pacific Games and Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2007. His daughter, Rhiannon O’Neill, represented Samoa and won a bronze medal. In addition to his international success, Mr. O'Neill was awarded the Administrator of the Year at the New Zealand Samoan Sports Awards 2007 for this effort.
Mr. O'Neill have trained and coached Susan Graham to her silver medal success at the Barcelona Olympics. He also coached Verina Wihongi to her bronze medal at the Asian Games in Melbourne. Verina later went on to represent New Zealand at the Athens Olympics. He have also been involved as a Taekwondo mentor for Logan Campbell who represented New Zealand at the Beijeng Olympics.
Bradley Francis
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4th Dan Instructor, Ocean Reef
Bradley began his training back in 1977, when he joined the Australian Taekwondo Academy (ATA) under the leadership of the late Sok Pong Kim. He recalls in those early years training on hard wooden and concrete floors that had nails and splinters sticking out of them. When he competed in competitions, there were no age or weight divisions, you just fought in your belt division. He also never had the luxury of competing on padded mats.
During this time he was successful in winning various competitions that were run by the State resulting in him opening the Ocean Reef branch in 1980.
In 1985, when Charles Rawlins decided to leave ATA and start his own chain of taekwondo schools in the Northern Suburbs, Bradley, along with his members decided to follow Mr. Rawlins. In 1990, he stopped training due to work commitments, but like the old saying 'once taekwondo is in your blood - you can't get it out.' So, in 1999, he recommenced his training and brought along his oldest son Zac, who is now also a black belt in the Academy.
Bradley has seen a lot of changes from the time he left till now. He is impressed with the development of taekwondo, especially with young children. The traditional discipline and morals are still practised, which has contributed to the growth and popularity of the sport.
Hi's personality and positive attitude at the club provides a strong leadership role and is a valued senior instructor of our centres.
Helen Donoghue
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4th Dan Instructor, Landsdale
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NCAS Level 2
Back in 1989 when Helen Donoghue joined the Charles Rawlins Taekwondo Centres to keep fit and learn some self defence, little did she know that 27 years later she would be still training and running her own successful school.
In 1994 she passed her grading for her 1st Dan Black belt. In 1997 she chaperone the Australian Junior Team at the Malaysian Open and was responsible for two juniors female competitors winning medals at this event (1 gold & 1 silver).
In 1988 she was once again chosen as chaperone/coach at the Korean Open where the Juniors and in her care they won 2 silvers and 1 bronze. It was at these Championships that Helen decided to compete and asked her Instructor and mentor (Mr Rawlins) to coach her.
The following year Helen represented Australia at the 2nd Korean Open and won a bronze medal these Championships. She did one better by winning a silver at the 3rd Korean Open in 2000. That same year Helen competed in Taekwondo Australia's National Selection in Melbourne for the 2000 World Cup in France.
She won 3 matches at these selections and still holds the record for the fastest knock-out (34 seconds) in one of her bouts, earning her a spot in the Australian team for the World cup in France. Helen advanced to the quarterfinals (top 8) narrowly missing out on a medal.
In 2001 Helen again won National Selection and competed in the East Asian Games in Japan where she won a bronze medal at this prestigious event. Injuries caused her to retire from competition in 2002 however she has stayed active in the sport by chaperoning the 2003 Youth Olympic Team in Sydney and the 2004 Malaysian Team.
Helen is currently a 4th Dan black belt and a Level 2 NCAS coach. Her knowledge as a competitor and her experience as a chaperone not only makes her a great Instructor but also a valuable team member.
Cameron Hubbard
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4th Dan Instructor, Dunsborough
Cameron Hubbard began his journey in taekwondo back in 1990, when he joined the Charles Rawlins Taekwondo Centres. He has recently passed his 4th Dan black belt. Before that Cameron trained in karate back in his home town in New Zealand for 3 years.
He has cross trained in various other styles including ground fighting and kali sticks. He has also remained loyal to taekwondo and Mr. Rawlins' teachings. Cameron conducts many classes for the centre and his knowledge of the other styles has helped the other black belts gain a better understanding of the other martial arts styles.
Cameron has successfully competed in various State and International competitions, having his fair share of wins. He is also a qualified Level 1 NCAS Coach and gets great pleasure in teaching ordinary people achieve extraordinary things.
Currently, Cameron is the Academy's Modern Arnis expert who has achieved his 1st Dan in Modern Arnis.
Ian Sims
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4th Dan Instructor, Beechboro
Ian Sims began training back in 1989 when he and his son joined the Rawlins Taekwondo Academy, as he wanted to do a sport that he and his son could do together. Unfortunately his son stopped, but Ian continued on, as he enjoyed the exercises the discipline and the all round benefit that Taekwondo gave him.
He loved Taekwondo so much that passed his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Dan Black belt and is currently a 4th Dan Black belt instructor at the Beechboro branch for juniors He is also a qualified poomsae judge as well as a State and National referee. Ian is a great example of the old saying ''Age is no barrier'', when you enjoy what you are doing.
Ian is an inspiration to both the young and older members of our centres and at a young age of 60+ says he plans to continue training, teaching anId giving back to the art and to the man that has taught him so much, especially that "Nothing is impossible as long as you believe in yourself''.
One of the greatest satisfaction Ian gets is watching the students develop and grow, not just in Taekwondo but in general as better human being.
Michael Carter
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4th Dan Taekwondo, 3rd Dan Eskrima
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Instructor, Broome
Michael began training with the Rawlins Taekwondo Club in 1994 under Mr John Young after moving to Broome from the small Aboriginal community of One Arm Point. Michael is now the highest ranked Indigenous martial artist person in Australia now a 4th Dan in Taekwondo and a 3rd Dan in Eskrima, an achievement that he and his community are very proud of.
His interests in martial arts came from watching Hong Kong kung fu movies as a child, some that featured actors such as Bruce Lee & Jackie Chan.
Once a shy person Michael soon found a passion for teaching while training for his Black belt, he then went on to assist Instructor Tony Familari who by then had taken over the club from Mr Young. Michael was given the opportunity to take over the Rawlins Club as head instructor in 2011, as his experience in Taekwondo and the stick fighting art of Eskrima has developed him into a great leader in the club and the community, with his willingness to pass on his knowledge and understanding of the martial arts.
Michael’s goals are to attract and maintain more indigenous students to martial arts and return the club to competition tournaments as he experienced in his early days of training. Michael hopes to carry on the high standards set for the Broome club by its previous instructors. He has great support from his Black belts (Sue, Geoff & Jaime) as well as from the rest of the community, he has already established his new club, which is up and running with over 35 new members.
Sharon Jones & Chris Edwards
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3rd Dans Instructors, Rockingham, Baldivis and Warnbro
Both Sharon Jones and Chris Edwards have been teaching Taekwondo for many years and are fully qualified coaches, referees and instructors and are always looking for ways to develop themselves as well as their students.
Sharon began training in Taekwondo at the age of thirteen and got her 1st Dan Black belt under Charles Rawlins back in 1987, she then took a break to focus on her family, work and career. Once all that was in order she resumed her training at a local club in the area where she now resides in.
In 1998 she opened her first club in Rockingham under the Australian Taekwondo Association with the aim of passing on the knowledge that she has learnt over the years, shortly after opening her first club, Chris joined with his young daughter Jaimie and together they became the club's first black belts.
The opportunity arose to open a new club and with Chris's past experience in Karate and Togo Kyre Ninjitsu and his love for teaching made him the best person for the job, he excelled in his new role as Instructor, and taught with Sharon in tandem at Rockingham, Baldvis and Warnboro areas and together were responsible for 80 plus students.
In 2006 they both made a major decision for the better of their students development by rejoining under Sharon's former Instructor Mr Rawlins, as his vast knowledge and expertise would help them in taking their students to the top level.
Results are already showing by many students winning State and Australian Titles, major achievement recently being one student making the Australian Team at the 2007 Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.
Sharon and Chris have a strong passion and commitment to teaching, as well as to their students, and believe in the philosophy and the long term benefits associated with Taekwondo.
Sinead Smyth
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3rd Dan Instructor, Mt Hawthorn
Sinead Smyth is being groomed as future leader of the club (if not already), her energetic and happy nature combine with her love for teaching, will make you hungry in wanting to learn more about Taekwondo.
Sinead began her training 11 years ago under David Darling and soon developed her skill to become one of the rising stars in WA Taekwondo, knowing to reach the elite level in Australia she had to find a top level coach that could take her there and sought the skill of Charles Rawlins and joined his academies.
Under his guidance and tutelage Sinead has gone from strength to strength, winning many State and Australian titles and has represented Australia in numerous international events (Read player profile for her achievements).
The dedication, skills and knowledge that both this young Instructor has, can only help in strengthen and establishing our centres as one of the premium clubs in Australia.
Robert Robertson
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3rd Dan Instructor, Scotland
Robert got started in Taekwondo at the tender age of 4, in an effort from his parents to instil some discipline where he found a passion for fighting from a young age. Taekwondo dominated his childhood with 4 other family members at the same club in Glasgow, Scotland, eventually becoming vice captain for the club taekwondo team and becoming a good role model for younger students.
When he was visiting Australia, and finding out about the reputation of Mr Rawlins, Robert decided to travel to Perth to train under him directly perth in 2009. Whilst training here and having been coached by Mr Rawlins number of times, he found alot of advice from Mr Rawlins resonated with him, and with an effort to keep this connection strong, a Rawlins Taekwondo club was opened in Glasgow, with the hope of an exchange programme becoming established.
Currently training as a player, and proudly a member of Caledonian Taekwondo Centre, still looking to further his career as a player. Robert's club is based in Scotland. Back to the top
Kristy Compton, Lufti Makkulawa & Paul Cooper
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3rd Dan, 2nd Dan & 2nd Dan respectively
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Instructors, Albany
Kristy Compton (middle), Lufti Makkulawa (right) and Paul Cooper (left) are the dynamic team that is responsible for the growth of Taekwondo in the country town of Albany, these 3 instructors teach with dedication, enthusiasm and passion, that is rare in today's world.
Kristy has been training in taekwondo since she was 10 years old under Sok Pong Kim and then later under John Harlowe, who she has a lot of respect for. In fact it was Mr. Harlowe that suggested that she trains under Mr. Rawlins to further advance her taring and tournament career. Kristy is a 3rd Dan black belt, that has won numerous State and South West championships as well as two National championships (read player profile). Her motivation and desire, and will to improve, are traces to be admired. Training under her will only bring out the best in you.
Lufti Makkulawa is a 2nd Dan black belt and has been involved in Taekwondo since the age of 15. He to has won numerous state and metropolitan titles as well as two national championships. He has trained under Sok Pong Kim (ATA) and Shin Boo Kim (South-West Taekwondo) and now directs his knowledge and energy into developing and producing not only fine Taekwondo athletes but also outstanding citizens for the community.
Paul Cooper, 1st Dan black belt, is the 3rd member for this dynamic team, who has trained and passed his black belt under John Harlowe and brings with him Mr. Harlowe's hard discipline and training methods. Paul's eyes for detail and his attitude and understanding towards what is required to make a good student, makes him a valuable member of this team. All three have trained and learnt under respected Instructors, and for the past 2-3 years have trained under Mr Rawlins who's experience, knowledge, skills and passion has re-inginited they desire and love for Taekwondo and the martial arts.
Tony Capriotti
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2nd Dan Instructor, Kingsley
Tony started his training in 1997 at the Ocean Reef branch, where he joined along with his daughter, Nicole, who is also a black belt. Tony has 25 years of extensive football background with the highest level being, playing for East Perth (WAFL). After his retirement, he wanted something that would keep him both physically and mentally in shape. He found that taekwondo not only offered him this but it also helped him to be patient and understanding, something that is a key requirement to being a good Instructor. Due to his dedication, knowledge and the respect that he has shown, Tony has been rewarded with his own branch.
He's a passionate instructor that enjoys teaching and passing on his knowledge, he takes fitness and self defence very seriously, knowing that there are no short cuts in any sports. Since teaching he has noticed the positive changes in students that lack confidence and self esteem, as well as their fitness and co-ordination improve.
He is currently a Level 3 referee and is one of the club's fitness advisors. One of Tony's main goals as an Instructor is to help his students achieve their full potential.
Justin Blinman
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3rd Dan
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Assistant sparring coach
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NCAS Level 1
Justin Blinman started Taekwondo as a teenager boy in 1982 after being inspired by the Bruce Lee's movies. He started training at ATA with Jeff Foster as his instructor and took to taekwondo like a duck to water. Justin excelled in competition sparring, becoming one of the most feared fighters in the ring.
He won numerous state and invitational championships and passed his 1st Dan black belt in 1988. Unfortunately due to work commitments he was forced to stop his beloved taekwondo. However, his passion for the sport was overwhelming and in 1998 he resumed training under Charles Rawlins.
Justin's ability to analyse the strengths and weaknesses in others was soon noticed by Mr. Rawlins and he was asked to join the coaching staff at the centre. He has become a very competent and successful coach resulting in many of our junior athletes winning State and National championships as well as becoming selected for the National teams.
Together with Mr Rawlins, he has conducted seminars in Australia and overseas. In addition, he has travelled internationally to experience first hand in the latest taekwondo techniques and strategies.
Ashraf Hoglin & Rihan Hoglin
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2nd Dans Instructors, Kelmscott
Rihan and Ashraf Hoglin, brothers of Malay Australian decent began training in Taekwondo in the year 1999, and after years of club hopping and training with different instructors, it was the Rawlins Taekwondo Academy that stood out in the crowd.
Their father Hamdan aka ''Ashley'' knew of Charles Rawlins as they trained together in the early days under Sok Pong Kim, and from back in those days Charles' reputation, knowledge and fighting skills could not be ignored. Hamdan (Ashley) had to stop Taekwondo due to injuries but never lost the passion and when his sons were old enough brought them to train under Mr Rawlins, who now run the Kelmscott branch, south of the river.
Described by Mr Rawlins as two of the best technically skilled exponent in Taekwondo that he has seen, the brothers lead a humble life where family comes first, they have trained many State champions, having achieved some good results themself at various championships. At State Championships their students are know as ''the Muslim bunch'' and have the tendency to be heard by their playing of the Arab ''Tembek'' drum, something that adds atmosphere to the events.
Both brothers love teaching Taekwondo and enjoy watching their students develop and grow.
Haris Olomi
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2nd Dan Instructor, Rochdale (Queensland)
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NCAS Level 1
Haris Olomi is a 2nd Dan Black Belt instructor and Level 1 NCAS coach at our Rochdale club in Queensland. He first began his Taekwondo training in Western Australia under Charles Rawlins back in 1987 to 1992, he then moved to Queensland and continued his training at various club's but never found one that was dynamic or exciting as his original club so he stopped training.
It was not until 2001 when he enrolled his son Mustafaa at Southern Cross Taekwondo that he resumed his training, he also started training in Haidong Gumdo (the Korean art of swordsmanship). Once his son Mustafaa passed his black belt and started competiting in State and National Competitions and seeing that he had a lot of potential, Haris knew that he had to ask his former coach and instructor, whom he admired and respected for his advice.
Mr Rawlins vast knowledge in competition sparring and his handy tips on training was of great value to Haris, and he used what he was taught to take his son to the next level, resulting in Mustafaa been unbeaten since 2005.
Out of respect and loyality to his former instructor, Haris sought permission and opened a branch of the Charles Rawlins Taekwondo Centres in Queensland, and is now in the process of building a new generation of Taekwondo exponents in Queensland. As a result of his brilliance, Haris is now one of the coaches for the Queensland High Performance Team 2009.
Chris Perkins
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2nd Dan
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NCAS Level 1
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Accredited Referee
Chris commenced Taekwondo in 2000 after watching his children train and competed at the nationals in Sydney 2000. During his competition time he won 2 national titles and 1 bronze. He is currently a 1st Dan Black Belt and anaccredited referee and level 1 NCAS coach.
He has been Taekwondo Queensland Manager for 3 years as well as a member of the Queensland Coaching Board. Chris, along with Haris Olomi is also one of the coaches on the Queensland High Performance Team in 2009. Chris was assistant manager in 2006 for the Commonwealth Championships in Brisbane and in 2008 he accompanied the Australian Commonwealth team to Winnipeg Canada as manager/coach. After 8 years of training, learning and teaching he has decided to broaden his future and has now branched out to open his own club under the tutelage of Mr Rawlins to further his coaching credentials and to obtain the next level of expertise for his daughters Lauren and Renae as well as to take the new members from his club to a higher standard as they continue their journey from junior to senior.
Marisha Bielicki
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2nd Dan
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NCAS Level 1
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1st Class Poomsae Judge
Marisha Bielicki first began Taekwondo in Melbourne Victoria in 1993. After a short break and moving to Queensland, Marisha reignited her passion with Taekwondo and enrolled herself and her son Dominic at a local club well known in Poomsae and Self Defence to develop these skills and knowledge.
Marisha completed in State and National competitions in 2006, 2007 and 2008 walking away with Gold and Silver medals. The reason she decided to join Rawlins was to seek out a new club that specialised in sparring to further develop not only her own fighting skills but introduce her son Dominic into a different area of Taekwondo. Marisha’s previous coaching skills were further improved as she now instructs in Poomsae at Rawlins, with Qld Head Instructor Haris Olomi. Together, they wish to see Rawlins Taekwondo grow not only as one of the best fighting club in Queensland but also focus on the traditional Poomsae for all club members to participate in and enjoy.
Phoebe Darling
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3rd Dan
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Assistant Instructor, Scarborough
Phoebe Darling began training when she was as young as 5 years of age. Now at the age of 17 she is a 3rd Dan Black Belt who has been practicing the art of Taekwondo for over 12 years under her father, David Darling.
Phoebe has entered numerous club and state tournaments over the years, competing in the sparring and patterns, including entering the nationals in 2006 which was held in W.A.
At the beginning of 2007 Phoebe began teaching her own Taekwondo class at Scarborough Autumn Center. The class consists of younger children from ages 3-8. She finds it a joy to be able to teach those who are younger than herself and loves to watch them improve their skills, attitude and determination.
Regina Carson
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2nd Dan
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Assistant Technical Director, Kalgoorlie
More commonly known as 'Reggie' around the academy, Regina started taekwondo in Brunei in 1997 as a school extra curricular activity, training under several coaches. Between 1997 and 2005, training was on and off due to the haze period in 1998-1999 and moving to Australia for further studies. When Mr. Kalanayagam became her coach in her last 2 years of high school, her passion in taekwondo was brought up to a whole new level.
After spending 3 years in Australia and the need to continue taekwondo was overwhelming, she resumed her training as a 1st Kup with Mr. Kala while on holiday in Brunei, and then under David Darling in mid 2005.
Regina finally got her black belt at the end of 2005. She was recognised for her skills in poomsae by both Mr Darling and Mr Rawlins. In 2006, Regina entered her first poomsae competition at the State Championship and won a bronze medal. As one of the junior poomsae coaches in the academy, she is working with the technical board of the academy to help develop the technical skills required for poomsae competitions.