Thomas McKinnon
Shihan & Chief Instructor

 

International Martial Arts Specialist

Thomas McKinnon is a former British Parachute Regiment soldier, and a multi-accredited international Martial Arts Specialist with almost 60 years experience: Boxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Bushido, Muay Thai and Close Quarter Combat; also, self-defence instructor to the security industry for twenty-five years.

In high-risk security, he was an international Close Personal Protection Operative (CPPO or Bodyguard) for twenty five years, with a client list that included European Royalty and a United States President.

​

Current Objectives

“I have combined my life’s martial experience with my philosophical understanding for the need of a Peaceful co-existence in an increasingly aggressive society.

I have developed a way of training that strengthens, and helps to prepare you for the worst situations in life, while creating a quiet confidence within, which helps to smooth your path, assisting you to live a balanced, healthy and value filled life.

Torakan (School of the Tiger) is my way of training: a traditional, classical Karate, but with an understanding of the shortfalls of that art in the cold, hard reality of today’s world, and combined with a loving philosophy.”

​

Experience
Close Quarter and unarmed combat, and crowd control (restrain and control techniques) instructor for the security industry.
- E.C.P. Services.
- Lane Cove Security Pty Ltd.
- Executive Bodyguards Sydney.
- Toraguard Security Pty Ltd.
- St Mary’s Rugbby League’s Club.
- Mt Druitt Workers Club.

Self-Defence Instructor
- Government and private schools throughout NSW & Tasmania.
- Designed and developed a Women’s Self-defence System and produced an instructional video.
 

​