Instructors

Renshi Brian Hayes 6th Dan

Renshi Brian Hayes (The title of Renshi is awarded to one who has attained the standard of master instructor), is Chief Instructor at the Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centre. He was awarded this title by Tsuyoshi Chitose, the 2nd Soke of Chito-Ryu Karate, a unique Okinawan style of karate that has its base now in Kumamoto, in Japan. All senior instructors in the ACKA train here regularly with Hayes Renshi, and he also travels regularly to Japan for his own training.For more information on the Australian Chitokai Karate Association please visit www.chitokai.com.au.

Hayes Renshi is a 6th Dan Black Belt, as well as holding 4th Dan ranking in Okinawan Kobudo (weapons) and 1st Dan in Iaido (sword drawing). He has represented Australia in full and non-contact karate and was a regular member of the NSW Karate Federation State Team from 1989 to 1996 as a competitor and coach. Hayes Renshi has won Australian titles in Koshiki full-contact karate, non-contact WKF Karate, and Arnis, or Phillipine stick fighting. In 2001, Hayes Renshi was successful in being awarded the Grand Champion’s cup at the 7th World Chito-Ryu Karate championships, in Kumamoto, Japan .

Hayes Renshi is committed to his own continued development in Chito-Ryu and has visited Japan every year since 1987 for intensive training under Soke Chitose. In 2005 he traveled to Japan to meet and train with Kyoshi Ken Sakamoto, the son-in-law of the founder of Chito-Ryu, Dr. Chitose, to experience his unique interpretation of the technique of Chito-Ryu, and has remained as a student of Sakamoto Sensei. Hayes Renshi has also gained Level 2 Accreditation with the National Coaching Council.

Hayes Renshi is responsible for all senior instruction and he oversees the training curriculum and its implementation by the teaching staff at the Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centre.With 26 years teaching experience in NSW secondary schools as a History teacher and Deputy Principal, and 23 years experience as a karate instructor, Hayes Renshi has a deep understanding of the art of teaching  young people. He is also a Master Instructor in Rock and Water and continues to work as an educational consultant for the Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle, offering workshops addressing the educational needs of boys and intensive one day and three programs accrediting teachers in the Rock and Water program. For more information on the Rock and Water Program please visit www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/fac/rock-and-water/

Sensei Sandy Hayes

Sensei Sandy Hayes is an assistant instructor and General Manager of the centre. She has been practising karate for over 20 years, has represented Australia at 5 Chito-Ryu World Championships (she has won gold!), has been a member of the NSW karate team and is currently Sandan, or Third Dan Black Belt. Sandy Sensei is also a Level 1 Accredited Coach and holds the Shidoin, or Senior Instructor teaching licence.

Sensei Sandy has utilised her experience as a primary school teacher and martial arts instructor to develop our unique Kindymites program for children aged 3 to 6. She has visited many martial arts schools in the US to compare notes on best practice in martial arts instruction, and was voted Australia’s Oustanding Program Director for professional martial arts schools in 2006.

Sensei Sandy has also developed the HVMAC Cardio Combat Program, which has seen enormous growth as a fitness and self defence alternative to those who seek a lean and mean level of fitness without the more traditional aspects of the karate tradition. The program has an extensive curriculum that enables the practioner to advance to Cardio Combat Black Belt, and it has proved to be particularly popular with women of all ages.

Our Team of Instructors

Our staff at the Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centre includes three full-time instructor/ program directors, Sensei Kim Foley, (2nd  Degree Black Belt) , Sensei Christie Gardiner ( Shodan Ho) and Sensei Stewart Smith (Shodan Ho). .

Sensei Warren Tresidder, 3rd Degree Black Belt, and Sensei Lisa Relic, 3rd Degree Black Belt, teach adult classes at the centre and weapons classes. Other part - time teachers on our staff include;

Sensei Erin Hill ( 2nd Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Mark Lowe  ( Fist Degree Black Belt

Sensei Abi Lowe (First Degree Black Belt)

Our Senior Program Director, Melissa Hayes, brings her personal warmth and friendly care to the front desk, and along with Sensei Sandy takes care of all student program queries and front desk sales.

A feature of our instructor program is our SWAT team of trainee instructors who provide valuable assistance on the floor, one on one coaching and provide a host of young role models for aspiring students.

In training at the Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centre you will become a member of a professional, dynamic dojo, with official national and international recognition and most importantly, where even your instructors are committed to self improvement. The sky is the limit.

For more information, contact us on 49568876.