New Blackbelts

Congrats to our newest Blackbelts as of Dec 2012

Alexandra Samson 1st degree 21 yrs old
Connor Galeski 1st degree 8yrs old
Campbell Neave 1st degree 12 yrs old
David Prodonavic 1st degree 12 yrs old
Cameron Paniagui 1st degree 21yrs old
Murray Twist 2nd degree 10 yrs old
Josh Bannister 2nd degree 8yrs old
Josh Baldwin 2nd degree 8 yrs old
Daniel Ross 2nd degree 13 yrs old
Alex Schymitzek 2nd degree 15 yrs old (2nd blackbelt)

All the Taekwondo gradings are inline with the rules and regulations of the world taekwondo federation

Well done everyone

Master Robert international examiner 7th Dan

Titles

In taekwondo at 1st degree your a blackbelt

At 2nd degree your a blackbelt
At 3rd degree your known as a assistant instructor
At 4th degree your known as a instructor
At 5th degree your known as a Master
At 6th degree your known as a Master
At 7th degree your known as a Master
At 8th degree your known as a Grandmaster.
At 9th degree your known as a Grandmaster.

As the titles made by time and determined from Korea. The way you present yourself with morals, ethical, and as a role model determine how much integrity you will have while you live your life in these levels. There are minimum times and age constraints within these levels.

My training actions determine if I am a Master. My continued learning helps me become better for my students. On to blackbelt journey number 4

Merry xmas everyone a huge 2012

Want to train with the best then join FiveStar Martial Arts, we all know the 5 stars is the maximum benchmark for quality.

Regards Master Robert.

Ps I look forward to the day of becoming a Professor of Gracie Jiu jitsu because a Gracie decided I was worthy. :)

Royce Gracie UFC Chamion Jiu Jitsu Seminar

Just announcing that we have scheduled a Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar on the 25th and 26th of February 2012. We are taking bookings now and expect it to fill up fast, limited places.

Train with the Inaugural UFC Champion and the Most Amazing FAMILY in Martial Arts History!

2 x 3 hour seminars.

regards Master Robert 7th Dan

Gracie Jiu jitsu

I am pleased and honored to announce that our martial arts family has joined the Gracie family. Professor Beston is my new Jiu jitsu teacher with Professor Royce Gracie is our master examiner for Gracie Jiu jitsu. Professor Royce Gracie of the UFC Hall of Fame and multiple UFC winner will be making frequent visits to our school for Jiu jitsu seminars and gradings.

Professor Royce Gracie will be visiting in Feb 2012.

Safe

One of my students was attacked the other day by someone running past him. This guy hit him and then my guy reacted. As he saw the punch coming it was only a glance as it hit him, he then used taekwondo to get distance and knock the guy over, then MMA to take the guy down then Jiu jitsu exactly as I showed him to control the attacker. My student wasn't hurt and the attacker was left humiliated and worse for wear. Hopefully this guy will not try to attack someone that looks unassuming in the future. Keeping it real @ fivestar martial arts.

Success again

Training with Professors

The last time I trained with a Jiu jitsu Professor it was Professor Wally Jay 8th Dan a Hawaiian Jiu Jitsu Profesor. It was great and was some 20 years ago..... Yesterday I trained with another Professor in Sydney, infact there where several blackbelt Professors teaching and a current World Champion in the room.

Empowering to be working towards another blackbelt in a different style around people with no egos.

Can't wait for next road trip ..... Oh and a comment " your a natural" was nice, thank you

While your contemplating doing or achieving your first blackbelt, I am fortunate not to have been a quitter and achieved 3 so far in 25 years and aiming for number 4. Maybe the most rewarding
..., we will see,
keep it real

Bully camp so rewarding

Our first new bully camp with so many new kids was a great success. All the students had hours of fun and serious ground breaking learning with very little actual taekwondo. The parents were in awe of what the children learned and how fast they picked up the techniques. Kids from 4 to 14 were made safer when they go back to school.

It distressing how much bullying goes on in schools, so much we have had requests for another camp at Xmas and parents booking places already. Non violent bull proofing with verbal and physical control of the bully which is so empowering for all the child.

Watch for our program specifically for ladies... Another first in the Illawarra!
Regards master rob :)

7th Dan Master
Dipappsc
Multiple Blackbelts.

spring cleaning, it is a good value

After 25 yrs you would be amazed to see how much digital footage, photos and printed photos i had in my draws... a pile of 30cm worth of old photos.

But why do we keep them i havent looked at them for many years, therefore i dont really need them. I dont think my kids need them either.

It was so refreshing to delete or destroy the old photos. It it quite a statement both physically and emotionally to let go of the past. Oh dont worry i kept the important ones, that have real meaning, but random one overseas and at compettions gone. I have the memories that i choose to keep...

Its going to be a fantastic future for all my school and those around me, onwards and upwards. To more important things and yes "keeping it real" enough of the pretenders that once surrounded and drained me.

Smile everyone life is great!

Worlds best programs within reach ...

Besides being the most successful school in representing Australia in Illawarra and South Coast, great programs and fantastic full time venue with a caring and real environment. Not to mention real credentials with traceable gradings and quality teaching. ....

It is not always the what you say yes to that makes you better then the rest, it is who you say no to and sorry you can't be in our school. "I am sorry I think your maybe better to try abc school."

I knocked back two potential students today because i felt i didnt want to teach and they would not enhance us nor grow our students... sometimes it is not worth the trouble to teach some people.

We were great while i was coaching elite Taekwondo (yes proper sparring) now i am retired from that area, we are so much more stronger and focused on achieving everything within our centre. Blackbelt number 4 in the making and we dont let just anyone in to our programs.....

Let us enhance your life and give you the edge with our skills for life. Look at the programs coming up....
.
.
. oh they are in our school come grab a program .

Master Rob 7th Dan certified

others following my footsteps now into sport taekwondo

While there are high level people leaving sport taekwondo there will be those that will go into it, they are only 25+ years behind us.

LG- lifes good to steal a phrase. Onward and upward for SCTC FiveStar Martial Arts and Fitness.

To back up what we write here's a month FREE Trial, FREE Uniform, FREE arm and leg guards, FREE Gloves, FREE Taekwondo DVD to get you started with a 7th Dan Master Instructor....

see you there FULL TIME  and evolving.

Master Rob
DipAppSc
Olympic Selector
Australian Coach

FiveStar Jiu Jitsu Classes and retirement of SPORT Taekwondo

Master Rob and FiveStar Martial Arts are now teaching (Associate Leader) BJJ classes FiveStar has been accepted as an associate of a famous BJJ Family.

ALL FiveStar members are now eligible for FREE BJJ training classes at no cost. That's correct you read right FREE, after you get your training gear and notes your on your way. There are two sessions available per week at what many have described and acknowledged as the most effective Martial Arts in the World trialled and tested in the UFC. All you have to do and be in one of our Taekwondo, Little Tigers, MMA Combat Hapkido programs and you get BJJ FREE!!!.

Master Rob after 25 years in SPORT Taekwondo has officially retired from coaching his own students; finishing a long career with Australian Titles, NSW Titles, Victorian Champion (many regard the home of tkd in AUS), Olympic Selector, Australian Head Coach, Team Coach, Manager, Director of NSW Program, Chairman of National Sports Board, Coach to many International athletes wining GOLD, SILVER and BRONZE International medals and with a sport specific book in the end process of getting written and printed using his knowledge, life skills and University degree.

The officially recognised and graded 7th Dan Blackbelt (http://southcoasttkd.com.au/master-rob.html ) is now continuing his studying with BJJ, MMA Combat Hapkido and Kyusho Jitsu MMA Fitness and is available for coaching consultations.

We have been proven to be at the forefront of Taekwondo in the Illawarra for the last 20 years and one a handful of respected schools in Australia. Our Martial Arts are strong and made stronger with the addition of our new programs. Having the access to such programs make your children even safer, it is real ! We back up our programs with sport science not guess work!!! The UFC was made to test BJJ, and it worked.

Master Rob invites everyone to trial classes for FREE (one month) to see that what we say is true. . also a FREE UNIFORM, GLOVES, DVD. LIFETIME Membership is running out so get in for your trial asap.

It is not the end of our journey but the next chapter of an exciting and evolving time....

Interesting Japanese Korean Traditions in Titles, times, Age and Degrees. Just to Know

This is interesting for Japanese Martial Arts. (source internet)Sho Dan or 1st Dan - at this rank no formal samurai title is awarded.
Ni Dan or 2nd Dan - at this rank no formal samurai title is awarded. San Dan or 3rd Dan - at this rank no formal samurai title is awarded.
Yon Dan or 4th Dan - at this rank the formal samurai title of Renshi may be awarded. Not @ 2nd Dan
Go Dan or 5th Dan - at this rank the formal samurai title of Renshi may be awarded.
Roku Dan or 6th Dan - at this rank the formal samurai title of Renshi may be awarded.
Schichi Dan or 7th Dan - at this rank the formal samurai title of Kyoshi may be awarded. Not @ 2nd Dan
Hachi Dan or 8th Dan - at this rank the formal samurai title of Kyoshi may be awarded.
Ku Dan or 9th Dan - at this rank the formal samurai title of Hanshi may be awarded.
Ju Dan or 10th Dan - at this rank the formal samurai title of Hanshi may be awarded.
The three Samurai titles hold the following meanings :
RENSHI : "A person who has mastered oneself".
This person is considered an expert instructor. Renshi are no longer one of the many and is usually given at Yo Dan (4th Dan) or Go Dan (5th Dan). It is not unusual for a Renshi to be over 50 years old before this title is ever conferred upon them.

KYOSHI : "Knowledgeable person".
Usually this title is conferred at Roku Dan (6th Dan) or Shichi Dan (7th Dan). It is not unusual for a Kyoshi to be over 60 years old before this title is ever conferred upon them. Which means they have trained since about 7-10 years old...
HANSHI : "Master".
A title given to the oldest and most senior black belt, usually the head of an individual karate organization, someone who has studied the art of karate for most of their lifetime. This rank signifies their true understanding of the art. It is not uncommon for a Hanshi to be well over 70 or 80 years of age before this title is ever conferred upon them.
Remember this is Karate generally .....usually not a hybrid system which could make up their own thing for unkown reasons.

Oh and you can't add up your dans from different blackbelts otherwise i would be 10th Degree already, see how silly that is....? :)


Korean Martial Arts or Taekwondo it is accepted that:

There are age limits and minmum grading time that apply between each as well. The examinee will be graded by an authentic Master through a authentic system and world body.
coloured belt/ jeja
Provisional blackbelt / cho dan bo
1st Dan Blackbelt student / boosunim
2nd Dan Blackbelt assistant instructor/ boosunim
3rd Dan Blackbelt assistant instructor /sambunim
4th Dan Instructor /Sabunim
5th Dan Master Instructor /Kwanjunim
6th Dan Master Instructor /Kwanjunim
7th Dan Master Instructor /Kwanjunim
8th Dan GrandMaster Instructor / Seon Saengnim (Seon means endless or infinite)
9th Dan GrandMaster Instructor / Seon Saengnim

10th Dan reserved for highest Dan most senior student of a Original School such as ChungDoKwan or OhDoKwan or JidoKwan etc. Not really a school that just appeared from a Instructor living a fantasy....

enjoy your new knowledge

End of a Era January

After 25 yrs of unbroken coaching and competing I have decided to leave Sport Taekwondo. It has been a difficult decision made easier with poorly performing associations.

I have had a lot of highs and low but that comes with coaching. I will hopefully complete my writting very soon and get to print... Successes too many to mention..... insignificant :)

I will now focus on the Martial Arts aspects, working on my Taekwondo advancement, MMA program, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, and all aspect of my Martial Arts and fitness centre as well as my Reiki modalities.

I will give alot of time to my family and to the members of my school. I look forward to developing them into better people and Martial Artist. I thank Michelle Cooley my lovely wife for her support.

Carpe Diem Sa la ve


Master Robert Cooley 7th Dan DipAppSc

22.5 yrs combined experience

Wow these kids get better and younger
3 kids 22.5 yrs experience training with me.
The eldest is 14 yrs old the youngest is ten the other 12yrs

Incredibly the Adam has 10 yrs expereince @ 14 yrs old passed his 3rd Dan test
Rachel  passed her 3rd Dan, 8.5 yrs exp @ 12 yrs
Nathan +4yrs exp 10 yrs old now 2nd Dan.

well done

Taekwondo WTF Style is Everywhere

As you see Taekwondo is in about 191 countries, obviously the map is not to scale. But the point is that is it a truly internationally accepted and recognised Martial Art. It is not just made up in the last few years. It is at Olympic, World Champ , World Cup, World Uni Games, and so many more international competitions. More importantly it is recognised as a leading martial art with the strongest most highly regarded kicking styles. Our grading system is worldwide standard and thus credible. Police forces all over the world train in Taekwondo and in particular the Korean army and police.

Who would you join over 80 million people can't be wrong ?

regards Master Robert 7th Dan Internationall accredited,

10 years training for ADAM

CONGRATS to ADAM MURRAY 10 YEARS training at our SCHOOL from 4 yrs to 14 yrs, about to test for his 3rd Degree Blackbelt. Kim Dalton (Original coach) would be very proud of you Adam. longest student at SCTC FiveStar without a break!!!!! This is one of many reasons why students and parents choose to stay with us.

Cristina 3rd Degree Blackbelt, Rachel 2nd Degree soon to be 3rd Degree training since 3.5 yrs old,

Benjamin achieved Blackbelt (as did 2 other siblings and another in training), ADAM training since 4 yrs old now 14 yrs old and awaiting his 3rd Degree test in June 2011. Yes they have grown into fine young teenagers and some almost teens. And I might say well educated!

Not all Martial Arts Schools are the same.

As a new member found out the other day FiveStar SCTC is a startling difference in its attitude, technique, and just the true application to movement. It is not not about stop start a fight whether on the street or in the ring is continuous there is no point sparring on the street it is just a continuous flow.

Hence our sparring program allows you to do just that and train for the fitness required.
We Welcome you to try our world class training venue and programs. It is easy to see why people have come from Korea, UK, Malaysia to name a few and love our school!

New MMA Cardio Fitness Program Coming soon

We are always looking to make things fun and exciting, even more then it is ? Yep why not!

Our Bootcamp and classes have already a ton of MMA aspects to them.

But soon I am launching a MMA Fitness Program (certified Instructors Master Rob and Mish).

Do you think it might be for you?

Spring And Summer are not far away so get that bod you want with fun and safety!

Are all nightly fees cheaper in the long run?

Some people advertise only $12 a lesson pay as you go. Sounds cheap .....hmm maybe it is not.

lets see $12x 2 night wk x 4 = $96 mth x 12 = $1152 per year.....

Or what we do is unlimited training upto 6 days/week $88 per month x 12 = $1056 per year..... cheaper and more lessons. When you add the significant cost for more lessons without the $12 a session it get extraordinarily cheaper! You will save loads enough for a family holiday.

Here is the important thing most schools that you train maybe twice a week at how long does it take to get a blackbelt? 2 years? I think not more like maybe 4 years..... so 4 x $1152 = $4608....

Training at our school usually will take most people upto 3 yrs x $1056 = $3168... save $1500 on training fees alone and get a accredited authorised blackbelt by an accredited international examiner 7th Dan
# 05069269 WTF.

Do the sums it can be way more expensive and what do you get at the end of the day?

Bunny Ears....No not those ones

Did you know that all that hard work that you have done has been smashed over Easter. It doesnt take long to put on those extra grams of the 3 letter word F#T.... hmm.

One Personal Trainer session can almost make up for a easter chocolate bunny. Say your Easter treat is 700 calories and you can burn 700-800 calories in a session. You are even but the $$$ cost is not great is it... ?

Stay on course. After studying at Uni and being one of a few coaches to have a DipAppSc from the UQ and AIS along with my beautiful wife's knowledge as well as our recent seminar updates at Filex (fitness convention) we are about to launch a FREE seminar to really shock you well not really shock you but enlighten you but it will shock your world as you know it.

get rid of the bunnies as fast a possible and get back on the lifestyle change for if you invest in your health now you will not have to invest in doctors and waiting rooms later in life.... nice thought.

regards Master Rob 7th Dan (for real)

Back from NZ Competition again with great success

Back from NZ competition with great successes.
Master Rob Head Coach,
Kate McAdam Gold/ Bronze
Ebony Hanns  Gold
Kieren Brodnik Bronze
Alexandria Samson Bronze

great work team ;)

What is Accreditation?

Often i am asked what is someones accreditation?

Well sometimes that is difficult to answer to a person that doesnt understand Martial Arts.

So here we go.

A person can only be graded by someone higher then themselves.

A person who carries out the grading must be atleast 4th Dan in most styles

Some people breakaway from their parent organisation and seek to make up their own and expect it to be
accepted as legitmate. You wouldnt just go and start your own driver licence issuances would you?

You can start your own organisation just dont expect the rest of the Martial Arts community to take you seriously...pleease.

The accreditation should come through organisations like; World Taekwondo Federation, World Karate Organisation or forebearers like ChungDoKwan or JidoKwan or OhDoKwan; schools like this preceeded the World bodies many years ago. They are government supported and affiliated to bodies like the IOC and other sporting world assocaitions.

Your Master Examiner should have atleast accreditation in one of these orgs and you should be able to see it. It is not to say that they can't offer their own school certificate but you really want the Masters signature to mean something. It is not coming from a kellogs packet and other schools would then accept it a legit...

Dan/Degree levels; i love the way some people and it is often that they leave their Martial Arts School/ Organisation and then proceed to make their own style. They then go and start their own style lets call it CroBarDo... etc

Maybe they had a 3rd Dan in TKD, a 1st Dan in Karate, a 1st Dan in Aikido and so on (maybe..). All of a sudden they a adding up the Dans 3+1+1 = 5th Dan. It just doesn't work like that at all. If you continue to do a style and stay in that style then you can go and add to your Dans after relevant waiting and training periods, one would think under your Master Instructor.  But if you swap and change then you must go through the process and get the levels required in each and do your time in each (actively). If you stopped Taekwondo at 3rd Dan and then started your own style you cant just give yourself a grading promotion.  You cannot add them up!

Interestingly while there is someone who wants a shortcut to higher Dan/Degree status there will be organisations with dubious credentials to grade and give out certificates. Most people in the public will be none the wiser.

Be honest with yourself. My credentials are my dojang wall for all to see and time frames adhered to.