Founder of Australia Freestyle Combat
WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN?
Mick Nicholls began studying Martial Arts in 1973 in Melbourne. Before that he studied Boxing for about five years, having both amateur and professional bouts. Mick’s thirst for knowledge has always been a driving force in his training, often studying up to three different systems at the same time. He has trained in the Japanese, Okinawan, Korean, Brazilian, Thai, American, Chinese and Filipino Martial Arts systems, many of these being studied in their mother countries. Over the years he has travelled and trained in Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, UK (London & Manchester), The Philippines, Canada and the USA (Los Angeles, Tacoma & Oregon). He has had the privilege of studying under some of the world’s elite and renowned Martial Arts masters.
REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE
Mick spent nine years working as a doorman (bouncer) in some of Melbourne’s roughest establishments from the mid 1970’s to the mid 1980’s. This hands on experience is what has influenced the arts that he teaches in as far as the techniques, training methods and application principles.
In 1979 Mick founded Freestyle Combat Karate Australia, a self-defence based system, with no focus on competition but concentrating on giving it’s members the tools to survive in today’s violent society. Freestyle Combat concentrates on giving real answers to real questions regarding street defence.
QUALIFICATIONS
In 1997, Mick received the prestigious BLITZ Magazine Freestyle Instructor of the Year Award, an award given to Australia’s best instructors, he has also written several articles on modern street defence concepts, knife defence and practical training for the street, as well as psychology of confrontation for BLITZ over the years.
Mick has also had the privilege of attaining ranks under some of the worlds most renowned masters. He holds:
Guro – Kali – Magulang Na – Guro Dan Inosanto (USA)
Sifu – Jun Fan Gung Fu (Jeet Kune Do) – Sifu Dan Inosanto (USA)
Associate Instructor – Renegade Jeet Kune Do – Datu Kelly Worden (USA)
Advanced Civilian Instructor – Tactical Krav Maga
Advanced Instructor – Worden Combative Arts – Datu Kelly Worden (USA)
Kru (Instructor) – Muay Thai – Master Toddy Thohsaphon Sitiwatjana (UK)
Kru (Instructor) – Muay Thai – Ajarn Surachai Sirisute (USA)
4th Dan – San Chi Kai Karate – Mal Lomax
3rd Dan – Shint Kwon Do Karate – Harry Hellings
2nd Dan – Modern Arnis – Amando Soteco (Philippines)
Mick has also studied under Bobby Breen (UK), Larry Hartsell, James Keating, Eric Paulson (USA), Tony Blaurer (Canada), Master Lee Kam Wing (Hong Kong), Dave Hedgecock, Nino Pilla, John Will, John Donehue, and Roland Dantes (Australia).
Mick currently holds the rank of 8th Dan Black Belt in Freestyle Combat Australia. He has also studied Goju Karate, Shorin Ryu Karate, Shito Ryu Karate, Mugen Do, Zen Do Kai, Wing Chun, 7 Star Praying Mantis, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Docepares Escrima and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, and has Level 2 Sports Martial Arts Coach credentials with the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Mick is also a qualified Masseur in both western and eastern massage. He has two children, Darcy & Ryan who have studied for many years under their father.
