Australia's Junior National Team kicked off their World Championships campaign with a high-performance training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra, marking a key milestone in their preparation.
Driven by a passion for martial arts and a desire for self-improvement, Yosafe Zakoulouta, club owner at Undisputed Martial Arts in Melbourne, Victoria began his journey in Taekwondo over two decades ago.
That journey, according to the man himself, has been enriched with experiences ranging from local tournaments to international competitions – including being a member of Australia’s National Team for the 2022 World Taekwondo Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“Representing our country at the World Taekwondo Championships was one of the most memorable moments in my Taekwondo career,” recalls Zakoulouta, who also competes as a professional kickboxer.
A passion for coaching
Despite his credentials as a bona fide elite competitor, Zakoulouta never shirks his primary responsibilities as club owner, which involved overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club, including curriculum development, instructor training, and ensuring the overall satisfaction and progress of members. But his “huge passion” for coaching means he also continues to teach and is heavily involved in all classes.
“What I love most about my role is witnessing the positive impact Taekwondo has on our students, both physically and mentally, and being a part of their journey towards personal growth and achievement,” he says. “Coaching my high-performance sparring team and travelling with them for international and interstate competitions is definitely the highlight.”
In 2023, Zakoulouta coached Kerim Yilmaz to a bronze medal at the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, an achievement he describes as a tremendous honour.
A progressive new club
Undisputed Martial Arts was founded in 2023 by Yosafe and his two sisters – Dana Zakoulouta (who has two decades of Taekwondo and kickboxing experience whilst being a pharmacist), and Sarah Zakoulouta (who has a decade and a half of Taekwondo and kickboxing experience whilst studying to become a physiotherapist) – with the aim of providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals of all ages and abilities to learn and excel in Taekwondo, as well as being a hub for high performance fighters for Taekwondo Kyorugi, plus amateur and professional boxing and kickboxing.
“At Undisputed Martial Arts, our vision is to empower individuals to reach their full potential through the practice of martial arts,” Zakoulouta says. “We are committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where every member feels valued and inspired to pursue their goals. What sets us apart from other clubs is our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, always striving to offer cutting-edge training programs and opportunities for personal development.”
Within this supportive environment, the coaching team continuously upholds the values established by the club from the beginning.
“Our coaches have a rich history of fostering talent and promoting the values of respect, discipline, and perseverance,” Zakoulouta says with pride. “We have a dedicated team of highly qualified instructors who lead a variety of classes tailored to different age groups and skill levels. Our programs consist of a diverse community of individuals all united by their passion for Taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing, fitness, and martial arts as a whole.”
In addition to traditional Taekwondo, sparring, boxing, and kickboxing classes, the club offers specialised programs for kids, juniors, and adults, ladies-only classes, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion and diversity within the community. The club’s outreach programs include self-defence workshops for women, companies, and bully defence programs for schools.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of running this club is witnessing the transformational impact Taekwondo has on our members' lives,” he says. “From overcoming personal challenges to achieving athletic milestones, each success story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. In just a short period of time, Undisputed Martial Arts is making its name in Australian Taekwondo as a powerhouse club with elite level fighters.”
A fully engaged member club
As a proud member of Australian Taekwondo, Undisputed Martial Arts actively participates in the various services and initiatives offered by the organisation, including coach development programs, referee training, and access to national and international competitions.
“Our affiliation with Australian Taekwondo not only enhances the quality of our programs but also provides valuable networking opportunities and recognition within the martial arts community,” Zakoulouta says.
And that community spirit will continue to be at the forefront of Undisputed Martial Arts’ approach.
“We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity within our club, welcoming individuals from all walks of life to join us on their martial arts journey,” he adds. “We believe that Taekwondo and martial arts is not just a sport but a way of life, promoting values of respect, integrity, and resilience that extend beyond the confines of our training facility.”
You can follow Undisputed Martial Arts on Instagram.
Australia's Junior National Team kicked off their World Championships campaign with a high-performance training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra, marking a key milestone in their preparation.
Victorian Bailey Lewis delivered an impressive performance at the Olympic Games, making a remarkable debut in the Taekwondo competition at the Grand Palais in Paris.
Warren Hansen was one of eight Australian Taekwondo athletes to compete at the Sydney 2000 Olympics – the first ever games to include Taekwondo as an official sport – where he acquitted himself well in the men's 80kg event.
