Nick Donato
Master Chief Instructor

Nick Donato Master Chief Instructor

Professional Martial Arts Instructor
Celebrating 56 years in the arts in 2024

Author: Master Nick Donato’s Memoir, The Journey of an Aussie Martial Artist

Proudly marking 40 years in 2024 of teaching, training, and educating the community

Master Nick Donato has trained with some of the finest instructors both in Australia and internationally, mastering a diverse range of martial arts systems and styles. His extensive experience includes teaching, lecturing, training, and grading students across multiple countries, including Australia, the USA, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Taiwan, and Korea.

Master Nick Donato’s Martial Arts Journey (brief)

Late 1960s:
Master Donato began his boxing training as a boy under the guidance of his great uncles, who were boxers in the 1930s and ’40s. From 1973 to 1975, he trained at the Penrith PCYC alongside Ted McKenzie, a sparring partner of World Bantamweight Champion Jimmy Carruthers. During this time, a friend introduced him to martial arts, and in 1974 he began training in Tae Kwon Do and Ju Jitsu under Steve Wilson at Warrimoo Community Centre.

1980:
After relocating from Hazelbrook in the Blue Mountains to Campbelltown, Master Donato continued his Tae Kwon Do training under Grand Master Chong Chul Rhee and Geoff Stubbs within the Rhee Tae Kwon Do organisation.

1983:
He expanded his skills training with Master Graham Johnston in Tae Kwon Do ATI, which later evolved into The Australian Freestyle Tae Kwon Do Academy.

1984 – 1995:
During this period, Master Donato trained with Master John Gallegari, Master Jim Sheedy, and Andrew Darlington. He also had the privilege of training under Sensei Ben Di Pede—Kasso of Ben Kan Ryu and Yoshin Ryu Gi Nihon Ju Jitsu Judo, Kobujutsu, and Kenjutsu—until Sensei Di Pede’s passing in 2006. Master Donato was awarded a Menkyo (teaching license) in 1998.

1995:
He began training and teaching under Grandmaster Joe Onopa until Grandmaster Onopa’s passing in 2010. In recognition of his dedication and expertise, Master Donato was appointed by Onopa’s family and senior Grandmasters as the Inheritor, International Director, and Head of the TKD Kwon Bop Do Federation.

Some much more - quick snapshot below.

Professional Martial Arts Instructor - 2024 Celebrating 56 years in the Arts

A snapshot:

Founder of the Personal Defence Studios - The Pit
Kwon Bop Do Federation Inheritor Soke Dai (Founder Grandmaster Joe Onopa)
Kwon Bop Do Federation International Director / Examiner
WHFSC - (World Head of Family Sokeship Council) - Grandmaster Member
Ben Kan Ryuha Nihon Ju Jitsu / Kobu Jutsu, Okuden Menkyo - GO DAN (Master Teaching Licence Kaisso Sensei Ben Di Pede 1927-2006)
Bunbu Ichi Nihon Ju Jitsu Dan Certified - SAN DAN (Hanshi Les Harnos)
AJF (Australian Ju Jitsu Federation) - Member
ISKA - (International Sports Karate / Kickboxing Association) - Member
WKA - (World Kickboxing Association) - Member
Kojosho Dan Certified & Recognised (Hanshi Fred Absher)
IGOR (International Grandmasters of the Roundtable) Federation - (Grandmaster Onopa, Grandmaster Lenchus, Grandmaster Keller) - Member & International Co-Director
Registered Trainer CSA Combat Sports Authority NSW Government
Authorized Trainer ADFMAA Australian Defence Force Martial Arts Association
Australian Sports Commission - Community Coaching / Officiating
NCAS - National Coaching Accreditation Level 2
NOAS - National Officials Accreditation
1986 ACHPER (Australian Council for Health Physical Education & Recreation - Level 1 & 2
1987 ACHPER (Australian Council for Health Physical Education & Recreation - Level 3
Nominated for the 2018 'Pride of Australia' Award for Community Service in his Profession
August 2019 - Awarded Grandmaster of the Year - Australia. Awarded in the USA (WHFSC)
Australian Ambassador Sports Karate Museum
Australian Representative WMARA World Martial Arts Ranking Association
Australian Representative ITC International Tae Kwon Do Confederation