Advanced World Martial Arts

I wanted to make a post regarding rankings, I promise to do my best to keep this as short as possible...

We have a number of students who train their skills with no intention of grading through our ranks;- which is fine, however I do wish to highlight some points to consider.

1) Having a goal and a destination is important for training. "How do you get somewhere when you don't know where you're going?" Grading through the ranks focuses the training with a proper progressive plan for increasing skills.

2) Grading for an increase in rank requires a student to lock in and be tested by a qualified instructor for certain aspects of their progression. Preparation for an assessment ensures students lock down fundamental skills in order to pass and rank up. I've heard horror stories of some schools giving out belts for such things as attendance and payment of fees... I've even heard of some instructors giving students a new rank for their birthday... This devalues every martial artist who ever put in work to rank up. Instructor/coach scrutiny is important for any real martial artist.

3) While this is a personal anecdote, it is a hill I'll die on... Every AWMA student that's obtained a black belt has been an extremely competent martial artist. If you earn your black with us, it's because you're a symbol and embodiment of everything we attempt to pass on in the school. The black piece of cotton functionally does nothing, but what it represents is very important. If you can achieve your black with AWMA, I guarantee you, your skills will have merit and value in any setting.

4) We push the understanding and philosophy of the martial arts through rest questions, written responses (at higher levels) as well as request character references prior to grading to ensure the student is the best possible human being they're capable of being in addition to having great fighting skills. This is an aspect lost if focused purely upon the physical training.

I have another... 17 points but this post is getting a little long in the tooth so I'll cut it short. The martial arts journey is a very rewarding one, the ranks give your story chapters.

From everyone here in Australia, wishing Grandmaster D**g a Happy Birthday and a hearty congratulations for the 55th Anniversary of D**g's Martial Arts and the Advanced World Martial Arts system.

It's a tremendous honour to be part of such a lengthy and prestigious history and it's hard to comprehend the impact that Grandmaster's influence has had on so many lives.

His legacy now spreads over multiple generations as well as multiple nations and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life to train personally with Grandmaster D**g;- beyond anything, he enabled my advancement through my training and study of Taekwondo and other arts, not through revelation, but through making me question everything, even the old traditions.

It is one of my goals to return to see Grandmaster soon and to bring some more Australian students to study underneath his extensive knowledge and guidance.

Thank you for everything you do, everything you've accomplished and your unending support.

I will see you soon. 🥋

Grandmaster D**g's Martial Arts - MHC D**gs Karate Midlothian dongskaratehp D**gs Karate HQ D**gs Karate In Chesterfield D**g’s TKD D**g’s Martial Arts School

As winter hits here in Australia, please be aware it's easy to justify disrupting your good habits and training in favour of being comfortable and warm... We're all capable of rationalising why we shouldn't do something...

But discipline is something we value and try to inspire at Advanced World Martial Arts and if all goes to plan, your good habits and dedication will persist through the lure of comfort and the desirability of taking it easy, in fact, you'll feel worse for not having stuck to the standards you set for yourself.

Discipline in the martial arts is often mistaken for attending a lesson where someone with a black belt makes you do hard things but we are of the firm belief that isn't what discipline is... Discipline is showing up, week to week, lesson to lesson, even when you don't want to, because you know you made a commitment to yourself, your art and your future, and that discipline has to come from within.

"There is a single cheat code to the martial arts but it is no secret;- it's just doing it over and over and over again until you can't get it wrong, repetition is the cheat code, but not everyone is capable" Gussy Rodriguez Senior.

Cameo appearance from the founder of Advanced World Martial Arts in Australia under

"Grandmaster said I can't retire, this is for life"

Hopefully every one got to meet Master Rodriguez last night and doubly hopeful there's plenty more visits to come.

Reminder to all our students and supporters:- Back to full time training 21st of April 2026.

We welcome all new and returning students and wish you the best for a very successful and prosperous term 2.

Please remember that the start of a new term is a great jumping on point for new students as well as those that have been on extended break.

Set your goals, talk to your instructors, bring some friends, wherever you set your goal at, we are all here to help you achieve it.

Term 2 grading date to be announced shortly as well.

See you guys soon 🙏🏽🥋🥊

Children focused on Testing,
ready to Listen to Grandmaster.

Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to say thank you for such a great year of training. Many victories and lots of sweat and effort, very inspiring to see.
Just wanted to raise 2 things.

1) While we won't conduct any formal training during the break, we will open the school up for students to train themselves with enough demand. Please watch the WhatsApp chat to cast your votes for dates and with enough people signed up, we can keep the training going during holidays. To help cover costs, if we do open up, we'll charge a flat $10 each student for the night.

2) I'll run a poll closer to reopening with a list of subjects I can push more focus towards in 2026, this will hopefully give you guys a chance to push training towards what you're seeking more of OR want to explore. Parents, please vote for what you wish for your child, when they're old enough to use WhatsApp and have permission to join this chat, then they can vote for themselves, until then, your word is gospel.

Please everyone stay safe over the break, eat some good food, hug your loved ones and get in a bit of training whenever you get the chance.

Honesty in the Heart ♥️, Knowledge in the Mind 🧠, Strength in the Body 💪.