WHO ARE WE
WE DON'T JUST TEACH MARTIAL ARTS.
ABOUT US
At Martial Arts Spirit, we know how important family is.
All our students, regardless of age, gender, culture, or religion also join our family, united in experiencing all the benefits that martial arts has to offer. We assist, guide, nurture and encourage our students in a safe environment, to overcome and obstacle that is set in front of them and helping them to be confident, humble and respectful leaders of our society.
Our instructors look at each student as an individual to assess the individual challenges they may face. Our mission at Martial Arts Spirit is to provide constant and never-ending personal growth and improvement to our members through the values of Taekwondo.
WE ASSIST, GUIDE, NURTURE AND ENCOURAGE OUR STUDENTS IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, TO OVERCOME ANY OBSTACLE
OUR HISTORY
From humble origins in 2006 in a small community centre in Southwest Sydney, Martial Arts Spirit has grown into 7 locations across Sydney, providing our programs in your local community.
The MAS Founders comes from a diverse background, bringing different skills and ideas to the table but our goals is the same: To provide an environment of constant and never-ending personal growth and improvement to our members through the values of Martial Arts.
Martial Arts Spirit Australia
Founded in 2006, Martial Arts Spirit Australia has grown from a single community centre program into a world-recognised martial arts organisation, now operating 7 locations across New South Wales.
Over the past 20 years, MAS has proudly taught thousands of students, producing:
- State and National Champions
- Australian representatives
- International medalists
MAS has consistently ranked #1 in NSW across many competitions and state championships, reflecting the high standard of coaching, athlete development, and training culture within the organisation.
Martial Arts Spirit gained national recognition through appearances on Sunrise and Channel 7, showcasing our innovative Mini Rangers preschool program. Our preschool and school-based programs have since been delivered across numerous schools and preschools throughout NSW, introducing martial arts as a powerful tool for early childhood development.
THE FOUNDERS
Our coaching team is truly world class, with many coaches conducting seminars globally and several holding World Champion status, ensuring students receive elite-level instruction in a supportive and positive environment.
The MAS Head Instructor team expanded with the addition of Taejoon Moon and Vince Messina that also operate their own MAS schools, whose contributions have helped elevate Martial Arts Spirit into a globally respected school known for developing leaders, role models, and champions of society. Their experience as students and then as instructors have helped shape our curriculums over the generations to increase and maintain engagement from students whilst having fun. Their experience training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has also allowed MAS to expand into offering other martial arts not just Taekwondo.
More importantly than medals or rankings, Martial Arts Spirit has changed thousands of lives — helping students build confidence, form lifelong friendships, develop discipline, and learn the skills to protect themselves and others.
Today, Martial Arts Spirit Australia stands for more than just martial arts.
We stand for growth, confidence, community, and excellence — on and off the mat.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Cristiano Caris
Head Instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Fundamentals
EXPERIENCE
YEARS TEACHING
HIGHEST BELT RANK
Black Belt 1st degree
ALL ABOUT Cristiano
My life has changed since I started Jiu-Jitsu, I learned to respect people more, control my impulses and have more confidence in myself. I believe that Jiu-Jitsu can help you feel this way too, it’s like a journey of self-knowledge. Brazilian jiu jitsu is like a game of chess, you always have to change the pieces to better adapt to the game.
BRANCHES THEY TEACH AT
Prestons • Camden • Rooty Hill • Mount Annan
QUALIFICATIONS
- First Aid
- WWC
- Good with kids
- Economics
Juan Sandoy
Instructor
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Traditional Taekwondo class • Poomsae
EXPERIENCE
YEARS TEACHING
HIGHEST BELT RANK
2nd Dan Black Belt
ALL ABOUT Juan
My 20 years in Taekwondo have taught me confidence, discipline, and the importance of facing challenges with courage. I aim to help my students step outside their comfort zones, celebrate every achievement, and learn from every setback. In the gym, my goal is to create a supportive environment where students build not only strong technique, but also self-belief, resilience, and a mindset that carries into everyday life.
BRANCHES THEY TEACH AT
Rooty Hill • Prestons • Mount Annan • Oran Park
QUALIFICATIONS
- Sport Science Degree
- First Aid Certified
- Working with children check
- Experienced in coaching students from children to adults
Napaporn Charanawat (Mint)
Instructor / sparring coach
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Sparring program
EXPERIENCE
YEARS TEACHING
HIGHEST BELT RANK
black belt 3rd Dan
ALL ABOUT Mint
Passionate Taekwondo instructor with over 7 years of experience teaching individuals and groups of all ages. As a former Taekwondo athlete who represented the Thailand National Team in international competitions for more than 7 years, I bring deep knowledge and firsthand experience to my coaching. I am dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential by applying the skills, discipline, and insights gained throughout my Taekwondo journey.
BRANCHES THEY TEACH AT
Preston • Rooty hills • Mount Annan
QUALIFICATIONS
- First aid & CPR
- Working with children (NSW)
- Certification III of fitness
- Performance coach at Sparring by AUS TKD
- International coach WTF license Lv.1 & kLv.2
John Woodfield
Instructor
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Taekwondo • Extreme/Traditional Weapons
EXPERIENCE
YEARS TEACHING
HIGHEST BELT RANK
2nd Dan black belt
ALL ABOUT John
I started martial arts when I was five years old. At first, it was a way for me to learn discipline and build confidence, but over time it became much more than that, martial arts taught me respect, focus, and perseverance, and as I grew, I found a passion not just for training, but for helping others, this led me to start coaching, where I now enjoy passing on the skills and values that martial arts gave me
BRANCHES THEY TEACH AT
Rooty Hill • Oran Park
QUALIFICATIONS
- First Aid
- WWCC
- Good with kids
Gyeonghee Kim
Instructor
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
Traditional TKD class • Poomsae
EXPERIENCE
YEARS TEACHING
HIGHEST BELT RANK
4th Dan Black Belt
ALL ABOUT Gyeonghee
BRANCHES THEY TEACH AT
Rooty hill • Oran park
QUALIFICATIONS
- First Aid
- WWC
Head Instructor of BJJ
Cristiano
Instructor
Juan
Instructor / sparring coach
Mint
Instructor
John
