Factory 8/8-20 Brock St. Thomastown, VIC, Australia(03) 9464 4546
Factory 8/8-20 Brock St. Thomastown, VIC, Australia(03) 9464 4546
Shihan Rick O’Brien

Kyoshi Shihan Rick O’Brien

  • Proactive Principal Instructor Kyoshi Shihan
  • Diploma in Sports Development
  • Diploma Sports Coaching
  • Certificate IV Workplace training & Assessment
  • 7th Dan Black Belt AFMA
  • 6th Dan Black Belt Mick Nicholls Freestyle Combat
  • 2nd Dan Kenpo Karate
  • American Top Team MMA Level 1 Instructor
  • Natural Spirit International Instructor
  • 41 years experience
  • Full time Professional since 1992
  • Founder of Australian Freestyle Martial Arts & MTK
  • International Martial Arts Member
  • Victorian Amateur Boxing Association Member
  • Victorian Amateur Boxing League Member
  • MA Professional
  • Trained in; USA, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Australia
  • Philippines Hall of Fame 2014 International Instructor of the year

Thank You

I have so many people to thank, for supporting, inspiring and helping us grow as a martial artist and as a person. My mum who would work all day to support her 3 youngest of 6 kids and then drive us 20 kilometres to training every week. My 2 beautiful daughters Karli & Caitlyn who have given me inspiration to do my bit in making this planet safer and friendlier, and who light up my every day with their smiles.

My first Instructor Peter Matheson who set me on my path, Glen Tutta for his hard arse tough training (I still see 2 moons!). Mick Nicholls, an Australian Martial Art pioneer, (& one of the best on the planet) whose dedication to combat technology is extraordinary and who inspired me to constantly search for better methods. The Freestyle Combat Blacks for 15 years of fond memories. And the ‘old’ Kenpo Karate guys who used to knock me around Kingsbury Kenpo Dojo.

Thank you to the tens of thousands of members, students and clients I have taught over the past 35 years who have challenged, motivated and inspired me to always push forwards. I would especially like to thank our volounteers and staff instructors who have lightened my load and shared the victory’s and tribulations of running a highly skilled student orientated syllabus in a modern world class academy.

To Kelly Worden, head of Natural Spirit International (NSI), Washington, USA. Kelly is a dynamo with a real zest for life. A combat scientist with heaps of tricks and links modern weapon from traditional based systems. NSI summer camp is an awesome concept with Kelly and his specialist team; Professor Brett Jacques, Leonard Trigg, and the Natural Spirit International crew.

James Keating, Comtech, Oregon, USA. James is referred to as a Master of Arms, in particular to modern and improvised weapons. James has positive and forthright views on training, skills and hybrids systems. The ‘Riddle of Steel’ was an excellent camp (held annually) and truly awakening, with a large influence on western blade / eastern blade and firearm training.

To Stefan Fox, World Muay Thai Council, Australia & Thailand. Stefan runs a great Thai camp at Koh Samui, good lod fashioned hard core training, plenty of laughs, really and a really good crew.

John Scida and team Ultimate who open up and welcome outsiders to their Sunshine Gym. Joe Demicolli organises the annual pilgrimage to camp Sityodtong in Pattaya for a fun and rewarding camp.

The following Instructors I would like to acknowledge and give thanks for your gift of knowledge through training with you in your seminars;

  • Ajarn Chai Sirusute, Thai Boxing Association, USA. 1989,1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
  • Dan (& Paula) Inosanto, Jeet Kun Do Concepts, LA, USA. 1988, 1989 & 1993, 2005.
  • Larry Hartsell (RIP), JKD trapping & Grappling, USA. 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993
  • Eric Paulson, Shoot Wrestling, USA. 1996, 1998
  • Tony Blauer, Chu Fen Do, Canada. 1993 & 2014
  • Benny ‘the Jet’ Urquidez, LA. USA. 1988, 2000.
  • Gracie Casillas, TAAS, USA. 1988.
  • Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace, USA. 1989.
  • Roger Yuan, USA. 1993.
  • Bobby Breen, Manchester, England. 1985, 1988.
  • Bobby Taboida, Arnis, Philippines. 1990
  • Carlos Gracie, BJJ, USA. 1995
  • Rigan Michado, USA. 1992
  • Igor Yakimov, Russian Combat Sambo, Canada. 2001, 2003.
  • W. Hock Hocheim, Scientific Fighting Congress, USA. 2000, 2001.
  • Glen Zwiers, SFG, Melbourne. 2000, 2001.
  • John B Will, BJJ, Geelong, Australia. 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2008
  • Richard Norton, Australia. 1997, 2007, 2008
  • Nino Pillar, Australian Filipino Academy, South Australia. 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997
  • Dave Hedgecock, Kickboxing, Melbourne. 1990.
  • Robert Halaijan, AIM academy, Melbourne.1988.
  • Tino Ceberano, Goju, Melbourne/Gold Coast. 2005, 2006.
  • Anwar Spaul, Kung Fu 2006
  • Fariboz Azhakh, Team Karate Centres, 2006, 2008
  • Frank Silverman, MAIA Executive director, 2006
  • Alex Kostic (Systema) 2007
  • Roland Osbourne, MA supershow 2006, 2008
  • Keith Scott, 2008
  • Sam Gervasi 2008
  • Matt Hughes 2009
  • Rafeal Neves 2009
  • John Hackleman & Chuck Liddell 2009
  • Ricardo Liborio 2009, 2010
  • Brain Ebersole 2010, 2011 & 2016
  • Mannie De Matos 2012, 2013, 2014
  • Ronnie Royce Base Phillipines 2012, 2013 & 2014
  • Sir Haime Quizano Phillipines 2013, 2014
  • Mr Dannie San Joaquin Phillipines 2014,
  • Melchor William Amosco Arnis Mano Mano 2013 & 2014
  • Ron Amran Krav Maga 2015
  • Dr Gav Schneider 2015

Thanks to Graham Slater at IMA (International Martial Arts Alliance) formerly IKA (International Karate Alliance) , Masters camp and circle of knowledge.

Victorian tournament organizations; ISKA (International Sports Karate Association), Victorian branch, Frank DeMarco & Co, Vince Busitell Xtreme Tournaments, and NAS National All Styles for running friendly well run competitions for all styles.

To Vic Sport, National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. One of the best coaching courses

International College of Kenshusei. Principal Barry Johnstone and team providing staff training services.

Frank Monea Challenge Martial Arts Academy; a leading edge instructor with an awesome team, who has inspired me to take a total aproach to student development.

Fari Saliveski KMA, and MA Professionals.

Geoff Thompson, who I’ve never personally met, but his books and videos are simple, straightforward and worth having in your collection.

Lastly I would like to thank my father Albert who taught me every man is equal and showed me courage throughout his battle with cancer.