Our Team
Meet The Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness Team
The Team at CMA&F pride ourselves in providing world class fitness & martial arts training AND also creating the type of supportive training community that keeps people motivated to train week-in-week-out. From your first class you’ll realise that the members are different to an ordinary club – we greet each other, get to know each other’s names and offer no judgment towards anyone – and that shows in each-and-every class.
Tom Adam
Founder & Managing Director
Master Instructor - Hapkido
Tom started Hapkido as a way to regain confidence, he started the club in a way to share the skills he had learned and the joy of learning martial arts.
TOM'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Typical for Tom is loud, full of jokes, lots of encouragement but strict where it's needed. He loves teaching and learning any topics.
ONE THING ABOUT TOM
Tom is a massive history buff, he loves to learn about anything before the 19th century (partly because of a schooling focused on 20th century history only, partly out of massive curiosity for knowledge).
Our Instructors & Coaches
Tamara Cain
Director
Head Instructor - Kids' Program
Senior Instructor - Taekwondo
Instructor - Kummooyeh (Kumdo)
TAM'S WHY
Tam believes that martial arts is a fantastic space for children and adults to build confidence and learn life skills. She thinks our community is the key to getting the most out of training.
TAM'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Tam always has a smile on her face and aims for her classes to be both fun and challenging.
ONE THING ABOUT TAM
Tam started martial arts training as an adult spurred on by the idea she could learn to fight like Black Widow.
Steven Cain
Senior Instructor - Taekwondo
Senior Instructor - Kummooyeh (Kumdo)
Coach - Fitness Programs
STEVEN'S WHY
What motivates Steven is the idea that martial arts are for more people than those people might think. It's a personal journey, so no matter your ability it's about personal improvement.
STEVEN'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
A fun class which mixes the specific aspects of technique with a practical application. Steven says if you're not having fun, that's his fault. It's a space where you can ask questions and improve with all students helping each other achieve.
ONE THING ABOUT STEVEN
Possibly due to a slight coffee addiction, Steven always has a smile on his face. It means he's sometimes referred to as the smiling assassin when holding a sword.
Brett Hasler
Challenge Manager
Coach - Fitness Programs
BRETT'S WHY
Brett believes fitness should be fun and accessible to anyone regardless of age, physical ability or any other factors that might limit someone. Brett believes in getting the best out you by helping you achieve your goals.
BRETT'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Brett strives to provide an intense workout with out the intense atmosphere. Expect to sweat but expect to laugh and have fun as well.
ONE THING ABOUT BRETT
Brett started in the fitness industry in 2014 and has loved his job. If Brett is not in the club, you will probably find him on his mountain bike or on the golf course.
RILEY DIWELL
Instructor - Taekwondo
Assistant Instructor - Kids' Program
Junior Leadership Program Manager
RILEY'S WHY
Riley is a massive fan of learning in a community space. With the assistance of other students, not only is learning more effective, it is also more fun.
RILEY'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Riley teaches his classes with the goal of everyone having fun. He also likes to make sure everyone is engaging well with the activities.
ONE THING ABOUT RILEY
Riley has been training in Taekwondo for over half his life, starting back in 2012 under Instructor Tamara & Steven.
DANNY WEIR
Senior Instructor - Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ)
Instructor - MMA Striking & Grappling
DANNY'S WHY
Danny played Rugby league and AFL for a few years after school, then he started boxing on and off for 8 years. In 2002, Danny discovered BJJ and he progressed through the ranks to achieve his 2nd Degree Black Belt in late 2019. Danny is always looking for ways to improve his own skills as well as those of his students.
DANNY'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Danny has a relaxed style and simply incredible depth of knowledge whether it be Gi or No Gi BJJ. He is able to adapt his teaching to suit all ability levels and his years of teaching experience ensures that he always delivers engaging classes.
ONE THING ABOUT DANNY
Danny has coached BJJ for nearly 20 years and he created his own school Epic BJJ, which joined Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness in 2019. He is the State Head of Will-Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the АСТ.
Derek Souyave
Instructor - Taekyun
Instructor - Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
DEREK'S WHY
PLACEHOLDER
DEREK'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
PLACEHOLDER
ONE THING ABOUT DEREK
PLACEHOLDER
JEZ MARGOSIS
Instructor - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
Instructor - Kids' BJJ
JEZ'S WHY
Jez played rugby for over 20 years and was looking for something that still included a lot of physical contact and competition. He loves to see students progress and gain the confidence and ability to achieve things they never thought possible. Jez believes that knowing a martial art that has real world applications is important.
JEZ'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
A school teacher with over 25 years teaching in both Primary and High School, Jez utilises his experience to deliver fun, safe, challenging and inclusive lessons.
ONE THING ABOUT JEZ
Jez has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since the end of 2007. Jez also does a lot of emcee work including stand-up comedy, weddings, emceeing numerous muay thai, kickboxing, boxing and MMA shows as well as field hockey and ice hockey.
Eric Flis
Instructor - Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
ERIC'S WHY
PLACEHOLDER
ERIC'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
PLACEHOLDER
ONE THING ABOUT ERIC
PLACEHOLDER
CASSANDRA LAYNE
Instructor - Taekwondo
CASSANDRA'S WHY
Cassandra is a strong believer that martial arts is a great sport to learn balance, co-ordination and selfdefence. It's a great atmosphere to meet new people from all ages and backgrounds.
CASSANDRA'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Cassandra always finds news ways to push her students to get the most out of each class and try new things.
ONE THING ABOUT CASSANDRA
Cassandra took of up marital arts when she was eleven and has never looked back. Taekwondo has alway played a large role in her life and continues to be a source of fun and learning.
MARIE BOLDEMAN
Assistant Instructor - Kids' Program
MARIE'S WHY
Marie believes Martial Arts is a place where you not only learn how to defend yourself and build your physical fitness, but to also develop and boost confidence and self-esteem.
MARIE'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Marie always aims for her classes to be fun and engaging so people may learn with a smile on their face.
ONE THING ABOUT MARIE
She started her Martial Arts training in the kids classes with my little brother and later on) her father. She has been training for around 6 years now.
ZOE STANFORD
Instructor - Taekwondo
Assistant Instructor - Kids' Program
ZOE'S WHY
Zoe believes that personal growth can come from both challenging yourself and having uplifting experiences within the martial arts community.
ZOE'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Zoe aims for her classes to always be exciting and motivating with a variety of activities.
ONE THING ABOUT ZOE
Zoe broke her first wooden board when she was a white belt and has loved doing kicks since.
JAKE KEILY
Assistant Instructor - Kids' Program
JAKE'S WHY
Jake approaches martial arts as a way to exercise, practice discipline, and most importantly engage with the community that comes with training. Over the years, coming to Taekwondo classes in particular has become his "happy place".
JAKE'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Jake will make you work hard and run. A lot. He always tries to make classes as fun as possible and teach something new.
ONE THING ABOUT JAKE
Jake first experienced martial arts on his fifth birthday. He started officially training at age seven and has never looked back.
Sebastian Cain
Junior Instructor - Kids' Program
BASTIAN'S WHY
Bastian thinks martial arts is an important skill to learn. It helps kids to be confident in themselves and it's lots of fun. Plus it uses heaps of energy which parents seem to really appreciate.
BASTIAN'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Bastian likes his classes to be a mix of techniques, fitness and games. Everyone should do the best they can do. No frowns allowed.
ONE THING ABOUT BASTIAN
When Bastian got his Junior Black Belt, he jumped higher for his board break than his height when started (at age 3).
Zac Keily
Junior Instructor - Kids' Program
ZAC'S WHY
Zac trains and instruct because he's found teaching Taekwondo and other Martial Arts to be very rewarding, especially seeing how much fun the kids have and the impact you can have on developing their skills.
ZAC'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Zac aims to teach kicks, hand techniques, blocks and patterns to the kids in every class; and likes to expand on this each class by refining the kid’s skills as he works with them.
ONE THING ABOUT ZAC
A fact or two about Zac is he's been training in Taekwondo for 75% of his life! He started when he was 4 and now he's 16! He also love doughnuts!
Harsh Sivakumar
Junior Instructor - Kids' Program
HARSH'S WHY
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HARSH's CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
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ONE THING ABOUT HARSH
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Tom Adam
Founder & Managing Director
Master Instructor - Hapkido
Tom started Hapkido as a way to regain confidence, he started the club in a way to share the skills he had learned and the joy of learning martial arts.
TOM'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Typical for Tom is loud, full of jokes, lots of encouragement but strict where it's needed. He loves teaching and learning any topics.
ONE THING ABOUT TOM
Tom is a massive history buff, he loves to learn about anything before the 19th century (partly because of a schooling focused on 20th century history only, partly out of massive curiosity for knowledge).
Tamara Cain
Director
Head Instructor - Kids' Program
Senior Instructor - Taekwondo
Instructor - Kummooyeh (Kumdo)
TAM'S WHY
Tam believes that martial arts is a fantastic space for children and adults to build confidence and learn life skills. She thinks our community is the key to getting the most out of training.
TAM'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Tam always has a smile on her face and aims for her classes to be both fun and challenging.
ONE THING ABOUT TAM
Tam started martial arts training as an adult spurred on by the idea she could learn to fight like Black Widow.
Steven Cain
Senior Instructor - Taekwondo
Senior Instructor - Kummooyeh (Kumdo)
STEVEN'S WHY
What motivates Steven is the idea that martial arts are for more people than those people might think. It's a personal journey, so no matter your ability it's about personal improvement.
STEVEN'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
A fun class which mixes the specific aspects of technique with a practical application. Steven says if you're not having fun, that's his fault. It's a space where you can ask questions and improve with all students helping each other achieve.
ONE THING ABOUT STEVEN
Possibly due to a slight coffee addiction, Steven always has a smile on his face. It means he's sometimes referred to as the smiling assassin when holding a sword.
DANNY WEIR
Senior Instructor - Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ)
Instructor - MMA Striking & Grappling
DANNY'S WHY
Danny played Rugby league and AFL for a few years after school, then he started boxing on and off for 8 years. In 2002, Danny discovered BJJ and he progressed through the ranks to achieve his 2nd Degree Black Belt in late 2019. Danny is always looking for ways to improve his own skills as well as those of his students.
DANNY'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Danny has a relaxed style and simply incredible depth of knowledge whether it be Gi or No Gi BJJ. He is able to adapt his teaching to suit all ability levels and his years of teaching experience ensures that he always delivers engaging classes.
ONE THING ABOUT DANNY
Danny has coached BJJ for nearly 20 years and he created his own school Epic BJJ, which joined Canberra Martial Arts & Fitness in 2019. He is the State Head of Will-Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the АСТ.
Brett Hasler
Challenge Manager
Coach - Fitness Programs
BRETT'S WHY
Brett believes fitness should be fun and accessible to anyone regardless of age, physical ability or any other factors that might limit someone. Brett believes in getting the best out you by helping you achieve your goals.
BRETT'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Brett strives to provide an intense workout with out the intense atmosphere. Expect to sweat but expect to laugh and have fun as well.
ONE THING ABOUT BRETT
Brett started in the fitness industry in 2014 and has loved his job. If Brett is not in the club, you will probably find him on his mountain bike or on the golf course.
JEZ MARGOSIS
Instructor - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)
Instructor - Kids' BJJ
JEZ'S WHY
Jez played rugby for over 20 years and was looking for something that still included a lot of physical contact and competition. He loves to see students progress and gain the confidence and ability to achieve things they never thought possible. Jez believes that knowing a martial art that has real world applications is important.
JEZ'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
A school teacher with over 25 years teaching in both Primary and High School, Jez utilises his experience to deliver fun, safe, challenging and inclusive lessons.
ONE THING ABOUT JEZ
Jez has been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since the end of 2007. Jez also does a lot of emcee work including stand-up comedy, weddings, emceeing numerous muay thai, kickboxing, boxing and MMA shows as well as field hockey and ice hockey.
CASSANDRA LAYNE
Instructor - Taekwondo
CASSANDRA'S WHY
Cassandra is a strong believer that martial arts is a great sport to learn balance, co-ordination and selfdefence. It's a great atmosphere to meet new people from all ages and backgrounds.
CASSANDRA'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Cassandra always finds news ways to push her students to get the most out of each class and try new things.
ONE THING ABOUT CASSANDRA
Cassandra took of up marital arts when she was eleven and has never looked back. Taekwondo has alway played a large role in her life and continues to be a source of fun and learning.
RILEY DIWELL
Instructor - Taekwondo
Assistant Instructor - Kids' Program
Junior Leadership Program Manager
RILEY'S WHY
Riley is a massive fan of learning in a community space. With the assistance of other students, not only is learning more effective, it is also more fun.
RILEY'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Riley teaches his classes with the goal of everyone having fun. He also likes to make sure everyone is engaging well with the activities.
ONE THING ABOUT RILEY
Riley has been training in Taekwondo for over half his life, starting back in 2012 under Instructor Tamara & Steven.
MARIE BOLDEMAN
Assistant Instructor - Kids' Program
MARIE'S WHY
Marie believes Martial Arts is a place where you not only learn how to defend yourself and build your physical fitness, but to also develop and boost confidence and self-esteem.
MARIE'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Marie always aims for her classes to be fun and engaging so people may learn with a smile on their face.
ONE THING ABOUT MARIE
She started her Martial Arts training in the kids classes with my little brother and later on) her father. She has been training for around 6 years now.
ZOE STANFORD
Assistant Instructor - Kids' Program
ZOE'S WHY
Zoe believes that personal growth can come from both challenging yourself and having uplifting experiences within the martial arts community.
ZOE'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Zoe aims for her classes to always be exciting and motivating with a variety of activities.
ONE THING ABOUT ZOE
Zoe broke her first wooden board when she was a white belt and has loved doing kicks since.
JAKE KEILY
Assistant Instructor - Kids' Program
JAKE'S WHY
Jake approaches martial arts as a way to exercise, practice discipline, and most importantly engage with the community that comes with training. Over the years, coming to Taekwondo classes in particular has become his "happy place".
JAKE'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Jake will make you work hard and run. A lot. He always tries to make classes as fun as possible and teach something new.
ONE THING ABOUT JAKE
Jake first experienced martial arts on his fifth birthday. He started officially training at age seven and has never looked back.
RILEY MARGOSIS
Junior Instructor - Kids' BJJ
RILEY'S WHY
Riley believes that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an important and vital part of self defence, particularly among those more vulnerable as Jiu Jitsu is not about your strength or size.
RILEY'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Riley is always ordered and has a set lesson plan in motion from the moment you step on the mat. She aims to teach Jiu jitsu in a fun but safe way to ensure the maximum amount of learning and enjoyment.
ONE THING ABOUT RILEY
Riley started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when she was 12 but soon found herself without a suitable kids class, so joined adults class and has continued through her her teens into adulthood.
Sebastian Cain
Junior Instructor - Kids' Program
BASTIAN'S WHY
Bastian thinks martial arts is an important skill to learn. It helps kids to be confident in themselves and it's lots of fun. Plus it uses heaps of energy which parents seem to really appreciate.
BASTIAN'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Bastian likes his classes to be a mix of techniques, fitness and games. Everyone should do the best they can do. No frowns allowed.
ONE THING ABOUT BASTIAN
When Bastian got his Junior Black Belt, he jumped higher for his board break than his height when started (at age 3).
Zac Keily
Junior Instructor - Kids' Program
ZAC'S WHY
Zac trains and instruct because he's found teaching Taekwondo and other Martial Arts to be very rewarding, especially seeing how much fun the kids have and the impact you can have on developing their skills.
ZAC'S CLASSES - WHAT TO EXPECT
Zac aims to teach kicks, hand techniques, blocks and patterns to the kids in every class; and likes to expand on this each class by refining the kid’s skills as he works with them.
ONE THING ABOUT ZAC
A fact or two about Zac is he's been training in Taekwondo for 75% of his life! He started when he was 4 and now he's 16! He also love doughnuts!