Dedicated to growing Taekwondo across NSW.

The NSW Board of Directors

At the heart of Australia Taekwondo NSW is a dedicated Board of Directors who are passionate about supporting and growing our taekwondo community. Each member of the Board brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives - but what unites them is a shared ommitment to the values of respect, discipline, and excellence that define our sport. Whether it’s championing grassroots programs, supporting athletes on their high-performance journeys, or strengthening the connections between clubs, members, and supporters, the Board plays an important role in shaping the future of taekwondo across Australia. We’re proud to introduce the people working behind the scenes whose goal is to help our community thrive.

Master George Nissirios

Secretary  – Australian Taekwondo NSW
5th Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt, Digital Marketing Veteran, Martial Arts Educator

Master George Nissirios is a seasoned martial artist and business strategist with a unique blend of expertise in Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and digital marketing.

  • His martial arts journey began in 1985 with Judo and Wing Chun, eventually leading him to Taekwondo in 1989, where he trained under some of Australia’s most respected Grandmasters.

    He currently holds the rank of 5th Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt, is a Kukkiwon Certified Master Instructor and Examiner, and is also a Certified MTIA Kru Instructor in Muay Thai, having earned his credentials in Bangkok, Thailand.

    Outside the dojang, Master George is a veteran of the digital marketing industry, with over 30 years of experience helping hundreds of brands achieve digital success. As the Digital Director of BizStarter Digital Marketing, he brings invaluable commercial and technical acumen to the board of Australian Taekwondo NSW.

    Master George is also the founder of St. George Martial Arts (SGMA) and serves as National League Director of Adidas | Combat League Australia, where he continues to merge his passion for martial arts with innovation, branding, and strategic development.

    In June 2024, he was invited to join the Australian Taekwondo NSW Board and was subsequently elected Secretary in December 2024. His mission is to Reshape the image of Taekwondo in New South Wales, advocate for athlete safety reforms, increase participation and engagement across all levels, implement growth and retention strategies for member clubs and strengthen collaboration across the NSW Taekwondo community

    With a dynamic, forward-thinking approach, Master George is committed to ensuring the long-term success, relevance, and integrity of Taekwondo in NSW and beyond.

Prakash Chhetri

Director – Australian Taekwondo NSW
Martial Arts & Strength Conditioning Coach, Fitness Specialist, Former Commando

Prakash Chhetri is a highly experienced martial artist, fitness professional, and strength & conditioning coach, with over 24 years of expertise across multiple disciplines including Taekwondo, Boxing, Kyokushin Karate, and Kickboxing.

  • In Australia, Prakash has coached state and national Taekwondo teams in both Poomsae and Kyorugi, demonstrating a deep commitment to athlete development and performance excellence.

    A former Army Commando and Physical Instructor with the 39th Gurkha Regiment in India, Prakash brings elite-level discipline, training, and leadership to everything he does. He specializes in athletic performance, long-term fat loss strategies, martial arts conditioning, and sustainable lifestyle coaching.

    Prakash is also a Spartan Race finisher and a lifelong athlete. Through his coaching, mentorship, and event leadership, he has become a dynamic force in the martial arts and fitness communities—dedicated to building stronger, healthier, and more resilient individuals and communities.

    He is the owner and Head Coach at Warriors Taekwondo, and the organiser of the annual Warriors Taekwondo Championships, held consistently since 2019.

    On January 15, 2025, Prakash was appointed as a Director of Australian Taekwondo NSW, a role that reflects his unwavering passion for the sport and his commitment to its growth at both state and national levels.

Dr. Mostafa Rahimi

Board Director – Australian Taekwondo NSW

Dr. Mostafa Rahimi brings a unique and valuable perspective to the Australian Taekwondo NSW (ATNSW) Board, blending a deep-rooted passion for Taekwondo with a distinguished academic career.

  • His involvement enhances the board’s capacity for strategic leadership, community engagement, and the technical advancement of the sport across New South Wales.

    With over 17 years of experience in Taekwondo as a coach, instructor, and referee in both Iran and Australia, Dr. Rahimi has played a significant role in mentoring and developing students at all levels of their martial arts journey. He is an active official in both Kyorugi and Poomsae, regularly officiating at national, state, and club-level tournaments throughout Australia.

    Beyond the dojang, Dr. Rahimi is a respected transportation engineer and academic. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Trento in Italy and currently works as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). His dual achievements in martial arts and academia reflect a rare balance of discipline, leadership, and excellence.

    Dr. Rahimi’s contributions to Taekwondo NSW are grounded in his commitment to integrity, education, and community development. His well-rounded expertise makes him a valuable asset to the board and to the ongoing growth and governance of Taekwondo in the region.

Dr. Bilal Elmowy OAM

President – Australian Taekwondo NSW & United Taekwondo Federation
AT International Board Member, 9th Dan Black Belt, Community Leader

Dr. Bilal Elmowy is a highly respected martial artist, leader, and community advocate, renowned for his lifelong dedication to Taekwondo and his substantial contributions to Australian society.

  • With over 50 years of experience in Taekwondo, Dr. Elmowy holds the prestigious rank of 9th Dan Black Belt (Kukkiwon) and serves as President of the United Taekwondo Federation and Australian Taekwondo NSW. He is also an International Board Member for global Taekwondo affairs and a registered Masters Examiner with Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea.

    Sporting & Leadership Highlights

    Dr. Elmowy’s influence on the sport spans coaching, competition, event management, and international diplomacy. His many achievements include:

    • Australian Champion at international tournaments in the early 1980s

    • Coach for the Australian National Team – Northern Cyprus, 1998

    • Manager and organiser of international Taekwondo events, including Australia vs. Dubai and Australia vs. Lebanon

    • Demonstration Team Manager at major national festivals and public events

    • Co-founder of the State of Origin Series: Taekwondo NSW vs. Victoria

    • Multiple medal winner in national and international competitions

    • Honorary Black Belt ceremony for champion boxer Kostya Tszyu in the late 1990s

    • Appearances in Mazda and Sports Plus commercials

    • Personal security detail for international dignitaries and celebrities, including Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) and royal representatives from Saudi Arabia

    • Dr Bilal was inducted into the World Taekwondo Hall of Fame, 2019.

    Community Impact

    Beyond his success in martial arts, Dr. Elmowy is deeply committed to community service and youth empowerment. His personal journey began in the 1970s when, as a young Lebanese migrant in Australia, he faced bullying and social isolation. Taekwondo became his path to confidence and strength — a path he now shares with others through inclusive programs designed to foster discipline, respect, and resilience.

    He has been honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of his service to the community and his anti-bullying initiatives for young people. His programs have helped transform lives, particularly among marginalised and refugee communities, using martial arts as a platform for growth, unity, and opportunity.

    Legacy & Vision

    Dr. Elmowy continues to be an influential leader in both sport and social development. His work combines martial arts excellence with a commitment to cultural understanding, strong governance, and community upliftment. He remains a role model, mentor, and visionary, inspiring future generations through his actions on and off the mat.

Martinus (Martijn) Oostendorp

Board Director and Treasurer – Australian Taekwondo NSW

Taekwondo has been a central part of Martijn’s life since 1994, with his involvement spanning nearly every aspect of the sport — as a practitioner, Kyorugi athlete, trainer, coach, tournament coordinator, and referee.

  • He currently holds a 6th Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt and a 7th Dan from Jidokwan, and is a Kukkiwon-accredited International Taekwondo Master and Poom/Dan Promotion Examiner.

    In December 2024, Martijn was elected to the Board of Directors of Australian Taekwondo New South Wales, bringing to the role not only his deep passion for the sport but also a strong background in organizational leadership and governance.

    Martijn has over 20 years of professional experience in project and process management, team leadership, and organisational change management, gained across both academia and industry. He currently leads a high-performing team of more than 150 staff at The University of Sydney, coordinating national and international clinical research. In addition, he has served on multiple executive committees and boards, contributing his expertise to strategic planning and operational effectiveness.

    Martijn is a strong advocate for the strength and quality of Taekwondo clubs across New South Wales. He believes that a well-organised, transparent, and communicative ATNSW, underpinned by clear processes and structures, will harness the collective expertise of its community to continue advancing the sport — both within the state and nationally.

Shazia Mia

Chief Executive Officer – Australian Taekwondo NSW
Community Leader, Facilitator, Advocate for Refugee Support

Shazia brings over 15 years of corporate experience in sales and business development, with a diverse background spanning the healthcare, entertainment, and research sectors.

  • Her clients span a wide range of industries, including automotive, travel, leisure and entertainment, finance, and the not-for-profit sector, working with both established brands and emerging organisations.

    Alongside her professional career, she has built a strong reputation as a community leader and advocate, deeply passionate about social cohesion, refugee support, and empowering vulnerable communities.

    She currently serves as President of the Sutherland Shire Refugee Connection, where she collaborates with local government and support organisations to assist in the settlement of refugees from Ukraine, Iran, and Colombia in the Shire region. As a Welcome Ambassador with Settlement Services International, Shazia has welcomed hundreds of refugees from the Middle East and Africa, playing a critical role in their integration and wellbeing.

    Shazia is also an active committee member of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Association (IWWA), where she has taught English to women from Gaza, empowering them through education and connection. Her community leadership has been recognised through multiple Volunteer Appreciation Awards and as a finalist in the Westfield Local Heroes Awards.

    A gifted communicator and facilitator, Shazia delivers networking and communication skills workshops, Conversational English classes, and employment readiness programs to clients of Metro Assist, helping new migrants and refugees settle, connect, and thrive in their communities. Her ability to build bridges between communities and organisations through engaging, inclusive programs is at the heart of her leadership style.

    In her role as CEO of Australian Taekwondo NSW, Shazia brings this same passion and strategic focus to the martial arts community. She views Taekwondo as more than a sport—as a powerful tool for community building, discipline, and inclusion. Her leadership is dedicated to helping the ATNSW Board meet its strategic goals, while ensuring the organisation continues to reflect the values of respect, resilience, and unity that define Taekwondo.

Jeff Crane

Board Director & NSW Tournament Director

Master Jeff Crane began his martial arts journey in 1984 and currently holds the rank of 7th Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt. He is the founder, head instructor, and owner of Haktari Taekwondo Academy, established in 1988 and proudly operating to this day.

  • Over the course of his career, Master Crane has actively competed in Sparring, Poomsae, and Breaking events both across Australia and internationally. His dedication and skill have earned him significant recognition, including being voted one of NSW’s Best Taekwondo Instructors in 2001 and receiving the award for Best Fitness Industry Business in Lithgow in 2009.

    In 1991, he created and has since continually organized the Blue Mountains Taekwondo Championships in Lithgow, a premier event that promotes community involvement and competitive spirit in martial arts.

    In addition to Taekwondo, Master Crane began training in Commando Krav Maga (CKM) in 2014. He is now the highest-ranked CKM practitioner in Australia (Level 6), having received training in Australia, Miami (Florida), Alma (Georgia), and Caesarea (Israel).

    Beyond martial arts, Master Crane began his career as a mechanical fitter at the age of 16, starting an apprenticeship at Angus Place underground coal mine in 1980. He remained in the underground mining industry until 2024, consistently stepping into leadership roles that emphasized safety, communication, and teamwork.

    A firm believer in inclusive leadership, clear communication, and procedural integrity, Master Crane is committed to supporting individuals and teams by listening, taking action, and leading by example.

    He is honored to serve on the NSW Taekwondo Board and views this role as an opportunity to give back to the sport that has given him so much. With decades of experience, he is dedicated to contributing to the growth, safety, and success of Taekwondo across New South Wales.

Hamza Jubran

Vice-President

Is a highly accomplished martial artist, educator, and entrepreneur, bringing over two decades of experience and leadership to the board. A 7th Dan Kukkiwon black belt, Hamza’s career spans elite competition, coaching, and business, reflecting his dedication to excellence in every field he undertakes.

  • Hamza’s achievements in Taekwondo are remarkable—he is a former Kyorugi NSW State Champion, Australian National Champion, and has represented both Australia and Jordan at the highest levels of competition. With 20 years as a club owner and instructor, he has inspired and developed countless athletes. Beyond the dojang, Hamza has served as a Health and Physical Education teacher for 16 years, including 5 years as Head of Faculty, demonstrating his commitment to education and youth development. His entrepreneurial ventures include co-owning Halab Sweets and founding Ginger Fusion, showcasing his versatility and drive. Hamza’s diverse expertise in sport, education, and business makes him a valuable contributor to the board’s vision and success.

In Ho Kang

Poomsae Judge Coordinator and International Referee

Steve Ashbury

AT NSW Referee Manager