About Australia's Youth Self Defence Karate Sensei Matt is passionate about teaching martial arts to children Australia’s Youth Self Defence Karate was founded in 1994 by Kenpo Freestyle 5th Degree Black Belt, Matt Klein. After teaching for a similar organization in California, U.S.A., Matt noticed a great need for this service here in Sydney, opening the first club specializing in children in Australia. The classes became an instant hit, with their high-energy, fun, and non-intimidating atmosphere. Matt has trained in the martial arts since high school studying Judo, boxing, wrestling, and finally achieving his black belt in American Kenpo Karate. He has trained in Kenpo since 1986. His outside study over the years include kickboxing, Jujutsu, Kali, weaponry (including expert-level bo staff, combat cane, and samurai sword). Combining this outside study with American Kenpo Karate, Matt formed the Kenpo Freestyle Academy in the year 2000. Kenpo Freestyle includes the rapid-fire hand techniques of American Kenpo; grappling, throwing, and joint lock techniques from Jujutsu, wrestling, and Judo; weapons skills from Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines; powerful punches and kicks of boxing and kickboxing; and the flashy jumping and spinning kicks of the Korean martial arts. This system gets results. The Kenpo Freestyle tournament team has been the number one ranked team in the International Sport Karate Association in Australia for four years in a row in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. There are over 50 teams competing in the ISKA. Matt Klein has been voted the Outstanding Coach of the Year and won the awards for Lifetime Achievement in ISKA and the Shogun Commitment to Martial Arts. As a competitor, Matt has won many championships in sparring, forms, and weapons both here and in the U.S. He continues to train in American Kenpo Karate and currently holds a 4th Degree Black Belt. When not teaching karate, Matt is an avid reader, world traveller (he has visited over 25 countries), cook (Mexican, Indian and Thai are his favourites), and skier. |