Australian Combat & Exercise

Representing decades of dedication to health, fitness, and martial arts, Founders Hays Daewoud and Dr. Luke Del Vecchio are privileged to be invited to attend the AUSactive Leaders’ Forum at Parliament House, Canberra — a gathering driving the future of movement, innovation, and wellbeing in Australia.

With over 25 years of experience each in the fitness, health, and martial arts industries, Hays and Luke are passionate about shaping a healthier, more active nation. They look forward to connecting and collaborating with other industry leaders to create meaningful and lasting change.

Representing decades of dedication to health, fitness, and martial arts, Founders Hays Daewoud and Dr. Luke Del Vecchio are privileged to be invited to the AUSactive Leaders’ Forum at Parliament House, Canberra — a gathering driving the future of movement, innovation, and wellbeing in Australia.

With over 25 years of experience each in the fitness, health, and martial arts industries, Hays and Luke are passionate about shaping a healthier, more active nation. They look forward to connecting and collaborating with other industry leaders to create meaningful and lasting change.

From Sparring Partners to Industry Innovators 👊

Dr Luke Del Vecchio and Hays Daewoud — once sparring partners 25 years ago in a local martial arts gym, and still best of friends today.

In 2011, the scientist Dr Luke and martial-arts-obsessed Hays joined forces to create a boxing course that would transform how boxing was taught in the fitness industry.

Fast-forward 15+ years, 15+ courses, and thousands of coaches trained… and they’re still innovating.

Their latest project, Fighting Falls, is a mission close to their hearts — combining the science of movement with the power of martial arts to help older Australians:

Build strength and confidence
Improve balance and coordination
Prevent falls and stay independent
Reconnect with their bodies through purposeful movement

The legacy continues — this time, for the generations that helped build ours. ❤️

Australian Combat & Exercise has joined forces with Australian Taekwondo to launch Fighting Falls – Falls Prevention & Fitness for Older Adults.

This groundbreaking initiative uses modified martial arts to improve strength, balance, and confidence in older Australians — helping them move better, stay independent, and feel connected.

Two education pathways will be available:
✅ Martial Arts Instructors
✅ Personal Trainers & Exercise Professionals

These courses focus on evidence-based progressions, movement safety, and ageing physiology, giving coaches and instructors the tools to make a real impact in their communities.

"We’re proud to bring evidence-based martial arts training into a safe, inclusive format designed to help older adults improve their quality of life."
— Hays Daewoud, CEO, ACExercise

"Fighting Falls is a powerful example of how traditional martial arts can be adapted to meet the evolving needs of our community."
— Josh O'Brien CEO, Australian Taekwondo

⭐️ Boxing CS3 Trainer Testimonial ⭐️

Thank you Charlee.

Technical Lifting Testimonial 🏋

To learn more about our face-to-face courses, click the link in our bio.

💡Course Spotlight 💡

Bodyweight Science Push Ups & Planks

This Bodyweight course introduces you to a scientific and evidence-based progression system for two of the most commonly prescribed bodyweight exercises in the industry.

What the Course Covers:
✅Plank Progressions - Novice, Intermediate, & Advanced
✅ Push-Up Progressions - Novice, Intermediate, & Advanced
✅The Science of Trunk Endurance Training
✅The Science of Push Ups
✅ Myths & Misconceptions about Bodyweight Training
✅ Practical Application and Coaching Cues
✅ How to Improve your Coaching Skills

💬 “I loved the way everything was broken right down and explained clearly. The videos really help with visualising the information being delivered. The progressions of each category are amazing and will definitely change the way I prescribe exercises for clients in the future.” - Andrew Huddy Person Trainer 5+ Years

Upcoming Courses!

Don’t miss your opportunity to get certified, sharpen your skills AND gain your accreditation points.

🗓️ July 6: Boxing CS3 Trainer
🗓️ July 20: Boxing CS3 Trainer
🗓️ July 20: Boxing CS3 Trainer
🗓️ August 10: Technical Lifting

Click the link in our bio to book now!

LFounder Hays Daewoud reflects on his journey with Technical Lifting co-creator Shannon Green.
___________________________________________________

Over 20 years ago, Shannon Green walked into the martial arts gym where I trained. He stood out immediately—this muscle-bound powerhouse in a skinny singlet. Like any young male, I judged him by his appearance and made it my mission to spar full contact with this much larger specimen of a human.

After a few hard rounds in the ring, what started as a punches turned into a bond built on respect and camaraderie. Around the same time at the same gym another future friend and training partner, Luke (Dr. Luke), was also making his mark. Who would’ve thought that years later, the three of us would not only be working together but also become close mates?

Shannon is a man of incredible talent. Over the years, he has completely immersed himself in the art and science of human movement and strength training—an absolute wizard in his field. Just as I’m obsessed with martial arts, Shannon is my equivalent when it comes to strength. We share a relentless pursuit of quality, precision, and mastery in our crafts. Success doesn’t come overnight—it takes patience, consistency, and a dedication to getting better every single day.

Our passion for raising industry standards continues to drive us forward.

Through the years, Shannon and I have exchanged blows in the ring and had our fair share of heated debates, but nothing has ever stood in the way of our friendship. We’ve always backed each other, waving each other’s flag—and, of course, sharing a mutual love for Ice Cube.

Grateful for the years of friendship, the lessons learned, and the journey ahead.

The First Sydney Courses of 2025!

Start the year strong with our first courses of 2025:
🗓️ February 2: Boxing CS3 Trainer
🗓️ February 9: Technical Lifting
🗓️ March 15 - 16: Boxing CS3 Trainer Level 1 & 2

Click the link in our bio to book now!

Announcement: The First Melbourne Courses of 2025!

Start the year strong with our first courses of 2025:
🗓️ February 2: Technical Lifting
🗓️ February 9: Boxing CS3 Trainer
🗓️ March 16: Technical Lifting

Click the link in our bio to book now!

Boxing CS3: Trainer Testimonial 🥊 No matter your experience, you are guaranteed to learn something new when participating in our comprehensive Boxing CS3 Course. Thank you, Kyle