Mark began studying jujitsu in 1988 at the age of 8.  After an extensive and successful competition record in the 1990s, Mark’s jujitsu competition career culminated in an appearance in the 2004 World Championships in Canada. 

Upon returning from Canada, Mark began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has experienced success on the national competition circuit.  Mark has also been an instructor at Martial Arts Queensland since 2004.   

In 2006 Mark joined the Queensland Police Service and was posted to Whitsunday Station.  Whilst employed as a Police Officer Mark learnt many skills including how important communication skills are when dealing with intoxicated, aggressive and irrational people.  This invaluable experience allows students the opportunity to learn from a person who has real world knowledge and is aware of the very real dangers people face on what is potentially a daily basis. 

 Mark is ranked Nidan under Shihan Jim Stackpoole of the Kyushin Ryu School of Jujitsu.  He is also ranked Shodan in Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jitsu under Kyoshi Patrick McCarthy.  Mark places great importance on continually learning and improving his skills and is currently ranked as a Blue Belt in Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Mark hopes to one day attain the rank of Black Belt in this system.

Being involved in the martial arts industry for over 20 years Mark has learnt many things from a number of very skilled and knowledgeable martial artists.  Among those are Sensei Peter Hills (Koryukan Aiki Kenpo Ju-Jutsu) and Shihan Jim Stackpoole (Kyushin Ryu Jujitsu).  However, above all, the biggest influence on Mark’s martial arts career has been Sensei Matthew Cugola.  Sensei Matthew has been an excellent teacher, motivating training partner and a great friend.

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