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THIS IS AN OPEN LETTER TO HIGHLIGHT A COMMUNITY IN CRISIS AND A METHOD TO REDUCE THE TRAUMA

THIS HAS BEEN BROUGHT UPON BY THE RISING INCIDENTS OF HOME INVASIONS, STREET ATTACKS AND OTHER CRIMES.
OUR PROJECT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE AND OTHERS TO PROVIDE OPTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY, TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR.
PROJECT - KEEPING A SAFER COMMUNITY

VIOLENT CRIME BEING COMMITTED IN OUR COMMUNITY IS NOW COMMON PLACE

Youth crime is growing and the system doesn’t work to prevent it, due to a high percentage of offenders returning back on the streets.  Many offenders are as young as 10 years old with no deterrent for them to stop offending and plenty of buyers for their stolen goods. This combined with the ease of attacking defenceless / vulnerable people and the notoriety to boost their ego, means there is no reason for them to stop.


When youths being caught can only be held for six hours, often they have to be released before they can be processed. This means that multiple repeat offender can commit several crimes before they face a magistrate. Even when this happens, very few of them are taken off the streets. This frustrates everyone from the arresting police, the victims and others living in the high crime rate areas.


ALARMING CRIME STATISTICS THAT KEEP GOING UP

Crime in Victoria has increased by nearly 10 per cent to its highest level in a decade, driven by significant rises in young offenders committing violent crimes.


Crime Statistics Agency data, which covers twelve months to June 2024, showed that children aged 10 to 17 recorded 23,236 incidents – the age group’s highest level of offending since 2010, according to Victoria Police.


According to the report released on Thursday, children aged 14 to 17 were responsible for the most youth crime in Victoria, with 20,054 incidents. There was also a 4% increase in offending among the 10- to 13-year-old age group, with 3181 reported incidents.


Victoria Police processed 7380 child offenders, a combined 23,236 times in the last 12 months, an increase of more than 20 per cent from last year. 

As reported in The Age Sept 2024.

A BOARD OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS HAS BEEN FORMED BY MARTIAL ARTS AUSTRALIA

Our project acknowledges the crimes being committed in the community and proposes solutions.


WE ARE OFFERING A PERSONAL SAFETY PROJECT TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

WE NEED THE ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNMENT & THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO MAKE THIS A REALITY FOR ALL PARTIES.


This project draws expertise from security, police, military (current & retired) members/consultants, martial arts instructors and other professionals with a specific skillset. There are three areas to address - Preparing the community, Support for victims and Education for offenders.


The first task has been to develop a comprehensive course framework designed to enhance the personal safety of individuals across various environments. This model integrates three critical elements—personal safety, self-protection, and self-defence—into a cohesive strategy that emphasizes prevention, preparation and response.


The model uses this terminology 'Defensive Tactics & Personal Safety'

(D-TAPS) to best describe a balanced approach that not only focuses on reactive measures, but also heavily invests in proactive strategies to reduce risks and manage potential threats effectively.


Although existing courses developed by our team cater for individual (personal), organisational (professional), and community (social) levels, our initial focus is on community safety. This has been split into three sectors: The Family Unit, Women Only and Children under the Martial Arts Australia infrastructure and the title of 'Operation - Keep A Safer Community' because this is exactly what the people in our community need.


Secondly, supporting victims is about connecting them to professional services and making available post trauma tactical strategies from our courses. It is then about empowering them with strategies, to make them feel safer moving forward.


Thirdly, to work with authorities on creating more options to educate offenders and/or at risk youths, who may turn to crime without the right mentoring.


PRESS RELEASE ABOVE
A FICTIONAL STORY OF AN INCIDENT THAT WE DON'T WANT TO  READ!

GRAHAM SLATER

Project Facilitator & Board Member
Martial Arts Australia (MAA)- Founder
Multi Company Director
MAAIS Insurance Brokers - Principal
Magazine Publisher & Video Producer
50yr+ Martial Artist - 7th Degree  Black Belt
Project relevant quals: Cert IV Sports Coaching & TAE
Extended BIO Here

E: support@martialartsaustralia.com.au
P: 0419 569 565

THE BOARD OF CONSULTANTS

Our Board have access to highly trained instructors that can be upskilled quickly, to deliver our newly developed, personal safety courses around Australia.

EDUCATORS

Our Board has access to highly trained instructors that can be upskilled quickly, to deliver our newly developed, personal safety courses around Australia.

MEDIA REACH

With over 6000 martial arts clubs in our network, multiple magazines, social media channels, events and tv programs adding an extra 2.4million followers with our Fit Multimedia Partner, it's easy for us to reach and engage the industry and our community at large.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

MAA has been working with the industry since 1993 as a peak body, setting standards, developing courses, training  & accrediting instructors to make them better community leaders.

OUR GOAL

This project is to empower the community with options to keep people safe through specific training for both students and the instructors that train them.

We are creating a number of defensive tactics - personal protection courses that provide the community with appropriate and effective strategies to keep people safe in a crisis.


We are defining what defensive tactics / self-defence means, within the structure of a course. The formulating of standardised core elements to meet a set course criteria is essential. This will ensure students are trained with the correct content.


Instructors will also be trained to follow a set, proven, effective and endorsed curriculum.

 This ensures that the challenges the community are facing, are addressed with the right responses.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to help make our community safer, empower more people with confidence and provide them with options to protect themselves.

They still may have to face such things as (home invasion, car jacking, street assault, domestic violence, work/social harassment) but they will be better equipped to deal with them.


Our Australian Instructor standard for teaching defensive tactics to children in schools and for women / family groups will have a positive impact on their lives.


These courses will include relevant material that provides proven effective response options to deal with a broad range of threats. 
 


APPROPRIATE  COURSE CONTENT REQUIRED

These standards are based upon:
*The quality of the content
*The relevance of the material 
*The delivery method and ongoing support material / links to professional help
*The qualifications of the instructors


Paul Mracek one of our Board Members has shared a number of course segments from some of his programs. These downloadable PDF is one of his handouts sharing a brief insight into some of the strategies that can be used for personal safety


STAYING SAFE
What If, What Then – the 30-Second Challenge



30-Second Challenge Download PDF

What are our challenges?

Issues with Instructor qualifications and the course content!


Where the help is required!


1. Funding to finish specific nationally recognised certificate qualifications for martial arts & self-protection.


2. Funding for RTOs with the scope to run the courses, so the community can be trained quicker.


3. Funding for instructors to deliver the self-protection courses into the community, starting with those most vulnerable first.

Many Martial Arts Instructors teach the community self-defence courses, as an add on to their standard curriculum.


Due to there not being a standardised instructor qualification to teach this sensitive area of personal protection, their skillsets vary dramatically. The course material also varies a lot, which can cause problems with the effectiveness of the course and the safety of the participants.


The Education Department who are evaluating in school self defence programs, also recognised this disparity in skills and course content . We have made our recommendations to the department with the need to raise the level of qualifications, so children are kept safe.


Our Course Programs include the following:
# Children’s school programs
# Women’s only programs
# General community (urban) programs for all ages and genders
# Train The Trainer programs


Other courses can be implemented to provide safety options for Nurses, Students on Uni Campus, Emergency workers etc


Understanding and Preventing Violence in Our Communities by  Paul Mracek

Violence Prevention Download

These project standards we propose for the greater safety of students are based upon:


Paul Mracek's A White Paper Outline For

Empowering Communities Through Defensive Tactics:


A Comprehensive Approach to Self-Defence


In an environment where daily, family and social tensions are constantly increasing, the need for practical self-defence and violence prevention training has never been more critical.


This paper outlines a comprehensive framework for defensive tactics that is adaptable to all age groups and societal sectors, including education, women, community, and industry.


Defensive tactics, as opposed to traditional martial arts, offers a more direct, practical approach to personal safety, empowering individuals to handle real-life situations with confidence and competence.


This paper presents a violence awareness and competency matrix designed to deliver

progressive learning, from foundational safety for children to advanced crisis management and leadership in violence prevention for adults.

White Paper Community Matrix Download

The Board 'Keeping A Safer Community' 

 Every member of our board of directors is a leader in their field and has made significant contributions to our society.   

 Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization. 



Gavriel Schneider

 Mr.Group CEO of Risk2Solution Group

Dr Gavriel (Gav) Schneider is the creator of the concept of Presilience © and an acknowledged leader in the fields of business, risk and opportunity based decision making.


He specialises in security risk management and counter terrorism. He is a leader in human based risk management and the psychology of risk and is a serial entrepreneur that has been running his own businesses since 2001.




  • More about Gavriel

    Gavriel is one of the very few to make IFSEC Global Influencers in Security Thought Leadership top twenty list for 3 consecutive years 2019, 2020 & 2021 as well as being awarded the risk consultant of the year 2019 (RMIA). He has conducted business in over 17 countries and provided a wide range of services for a very diverse client base ranging from heads of state to school teachers. 


    He is a leading academic and subject matter expert in his field and is a much-sought after International speaker. ‘He has trained thousands of people in his own right and to date, his companies have trained in excess of 150,000 people in numerous countries. 


    He has also authored two books including the highly acclaimed “Can I See your Hands – A Guide To Situational Awareness, Personal Risk Management, Resilience and Security” and is a lifelong martial artist with master grades in several systems.


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gav-schneider/



Paul Mracek

Paul Mracek MIEAust, CPEng, NER, APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus), FAIM, GAICD, FRVAHJ is unique in his multifaceted abilities that have taken him from martial arts to business management, to leadership across multiple industries.


He is the Principal & CEO of Kotan Australia, an author, trainer, coach, consultant, master black belt 8th Degree (TKD & TKJ) and successful businessman,


  • More about Paul

    Paul is a master communicator has the ability to create real and innovative insights and comparisons from martial arts to business. He regularly travels internationally to share his martial arts, management and leadership secrets to help schools and organisations achieve success. His training is focused on being powerfully aware of your situations and interactions from a clear and calm perspective so you can make the right decisions and take effective action at all times.


    Advanced Defensive Tactics – 

    Chief Instructor


    Pressure Point Defensive Tactics – Certified Instructor


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mracekpaul/

Erhard Wiedemann

Erhard Wiedemann has extensive experience as a Trainer / Assessor in Security Training - Administration Development for Complex Training Institute & Pinnacle Institute of Education over many years.


Erhard worked with Paul to develop the nationally accredited modules for Security in Operations in 2011 and which has continued to be the most relevant subjects taught for the nationally accredited course by the Security Trainers Association (STA) the industry peak body and multiple RTOs.

  • More about Erhard

    Its key focus is on harm minimisation, occupational health and safety and duty of care for ensuring the personal safety of security officers and the general public in the community.  


    Since 2011 there have been thousands (approx. 6+K) security personnel trained each year using this program covering verbal and physical de-escalation methods, defensive tactics principles incorporating self defence methods utilising open handed techniques. 


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/erhard-wiedemann/

Anne Pang

Dr Anne Pang (PhD) is an martial artist with over 30 years of experience in teaching women self defence. She is the only female who has ever received the martial arts industry recognised Tribute Award, and in 2022 Anne was recognised by the Australasian Martial Arts Magazine Masters Martial Artists of the Year - Kung Fu. 


She started training Kung Fu at the Barry Pang Kung Fu Schools in 1974, in the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu, the only martial arts invented by a woman and also one of the most efficient and effective style of martial arts. 

  • More about Anne

    dentifying the need to provide women with more tools to promote physical wellbeing for women, Anne developed her own style of women self-defence, incorporating six basic techniques from different styles. She has been teaching her programs at numerous schools, universities and businesses.


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-pang-7a9b3265/

The Executive Consultants

 Every member of our board of directors is a leader who has made significant contributions to our society.   

 Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our project. 

Greg Brady
Pychologist

Greg is a Human and Social Systems Development specialist.

 

With degrees and post graduate studies in Social & Industrial Administration and Psychology, Greg is driven to support individuals personally and in their social roles to be the best they can be in service to their world.


His focus is to do this in ways that are meaningful to them and deeply respectively of who they are and who they wish to become. He subscribes to the notion that a better ‘we’ comes with a better ‘me’.

  • More about Greg

    Greg has had a long and diverse 40+ year career in support of that aspiration.


    In more recent decades as a Development Consultant, a Human Services Executive Manager, a frontline Practitioner in various Social Work/Psychology based roles including Researcher, Child Protection Worker, Family Support Worker, Parent Educator and Counsellor.


    He currently works in the software industry as a ‘Human Service Practitioner’ at a national level bringing his Human Services experience and knowledge to the development of software support in areas such as Family Support, Refugee Settlement, Family Violence, Youthwork, Material Aid, Out of Home Care, Relationship Services etc.

     

    He is a committed family man, long time Karate-do practitioner (50+ years), keen golfer and volunteer board chair of small independent not for profit school. Greg is committed to Martial Arts Practice as a personal and social development pathway that builds character, fostering inner peace and social harmony.

Lourene Bevaart
Phys Ed Teacher (Retired)

Lourene is a dynamic leader in the health and wellness industry with a career that spans from education to global entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Physical Education and served as Head of the Physical Education Department at Lilydale High School, overseeing over 1,000 students. Despite a successful career in education, her love for karate led her to leave the classroom and pursue the sport full-time, achieving extraordinary success as a five-time World Karate Champion.

  • More about Lourene

    Her athletic accomplishments catapulted her into the national spotlight when she became the winner of the Gladiators TV series. This exposure led to her rise as a sought-after celebrity personal trainer, working with iconic figures such as Russell Crowe and Shane Warne. Lourene played a pivotal role in getting Russell Crowe in top form for his roles in Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, and Master and Commander, while also helping Shane Warne regain peak physical condition for his celebrated cricket comeback.


    Today, Lourene is building teams globally, leading the charge with a groundbreaking cellular health technology that is transforming lives. Her mission goes beyond improving physical well-being, as she empowers individuals to achieve both health and financial freedom. As one of Australia’s most successful network marketers, Lourene’s leadership continues to inspire a global community, helping people elevate their lives through cutting-edge wellness solutions and lucrative business opportunities.


    https://www.lourenebevaart.com/

Michael D
Police Member (Retired)


Michael is a retired 34 year veteran police office, who has worked at the coal face of our community all of his career. This includes extensive undercover work and he is also a senior Ju Jutsu practitioner.


Due to his previous police work, his name has been supressed in this profile. He shares with us an enormous about of experience, to assist in formulating elements for this program.



  • More about Michael


Andrew Senia
Criminal Lawyer (Retired)

Andrew has been involved in litigation cases involving large sums of money and as a criminal lawyer I have represented clients in matters ranging from traffic offences to more serious charges such as murder. 



He has contributed substantially to the welfare of our community with my innovative approach to problem solving and proactive personality. 



  • More about Andrew

    He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and hold a Company Director’s Diploma as well as Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Jurisprudence Degrees.


    He has been involved in establishing numerous organisations and promoting several projects whilst sitting on various Committees and Boards.


    His Specialties: Individual and Corporate Defenses against Police and State Prosecutions; Wills, Estate and Succession Planning; Probate; Contested Wills and Estates; Defamation; Intervention Orders; Commercial Law (including; Negotiating Agreements, Leases, Franchises, Licences and Joint Ventures); Corporate Law;



                        Richard Norton

Richard is best known as an action movies star, trainer to the stars and fight choreographer with over 90 film credits from the Hong Kong years with Jackie Chan to the Hollywood blockbusters by his fans. His martial arts friends and students know him as one of the highest graded and experienced masters in the globe.


His adaptability and dedication to martial arts have earned him a reputation as one of the most dynamic martial artists especially in the context of REALITY BASED SELF DEFENCE.

  • More about Richard

    In addition to his martial arts accomplishments, Norton spent over 25 years as a personal bodyguard for iconic music figures such as the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, and Joe Cocker.  


    Richard is a martial artist with over six decades of training. He began his journey in Judo at age 11 and Karate at age 16, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to martial arts. In 1970, Norton co-founded Zen Do Kai, earning a 10th Degree Black Belt and playing a significant role in its global recognition. He also holds an 8th Degree Master’s Black Belt in the Chuck Norris Martial Arts system, awarded by Chuck Norris himself. 


    Norton's martial arts expertise spans multiple disciplines, including a 5th Degree Black Belt in Goju-Kai Karate, a 6th Black Stripe in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and a Level 6 ranking in Uquidokan Kick-Boxing. His extensive knowledge of reality-based self-defense tactics and his highly regarded Black Belt Complexes make him a sought-after seminar presenter both in Australia and internationally. 


    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Norton_(actor)


CRIME STATISITCS

The current crime statistics especial in the youth is very alarming and growing.


We are aware of the frustrations that police members experience, trying to deal with the sheer number of criminals still in the community, with multiple offences.


We believe our collective minds from our Board with government, can bring present options and deliver actions to reduce the crime rate and make communities feel safe again.


Andrew Senia shares with us that youth crime has further escalated even more recently.


He hears Retailers are suffering from an epidemic of violence as “thugs” brazenly steal, threaten and assault innocent workers.


Attacks involving weapons have jumped by 33%. 800,000 retail crime events nationally in the past year costing $8 billion.


Kmart and Target have experienced a 62% increase in consumer threats and 86 % increase
in anti-social behaviour.


Crime is on the rise, mostly due to cost-of-living pressures. Youth crime has risen by 13% and rising. 26,000 cars have been stolen.


With a lot of pressure on the Courts to find solutions, now is the best time to work together to make a difference.


Above Richard Welch MP shares his concerns with the dramatic increase in Aggravated Burglary just in the Whitehorse area.

We know that it is hurting multiple communities around Australia with Victoria being out of control.

Richard is gathering more information with his survey to get an even clearer picture on the true impact on residents.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Addressing the current increase in Youth Crime, with the introduction of a program that addresses a broad perspective in regards to the issues around offenders, victims, trainers and residents of the community. It provides options and solutions through education with the appropriate course material.


The Program (multiple courses specific to these areas)
* Educating offenders and those at risk of being caught up in crimes to reduce further offences
  * Providing appropriate support for victims (part being self-protection training + counseling ++)
  * Upskill martial arts instructors to provide self-protection training for the community
  * Delivery to individuals / groups in the community will take a comprehensive approach coordinating trainers, participants, venues and media to let people know about the program
Such a program can be assembled quickly as the material is already available within our group of experts. The development of instructors to deliver these courses, is the first stage of securing that the material, so it can be assimilated to the community. There are a number of trainers in the community that can follow our course material without much training. However, to reach the greater community, we need more general martial arts coaches, but they will require more specialist training.
 
 We are looking for funding to develop
 * an Instructor Training Qualification to delivery course content consistency
* run instructors through the qualification training to guarantee an industry standard
* delivery the self-protection courses to our community to help make it safer

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