Frank Monea
Inducted into the A.M.A.H.O.F. (Inc) and W.K.U.H.O.F. for 2025
Continual Excellence and Service to the Australasian Martial Arts Community
Frank began martial arts in 1975, training in Karate, Judo and boxing. He competed in Judo Federation of Australia (JFA) events and was a member of the Victorian Judo team. He then started kickboxing in 1980 and competed in amateur boxing and kickboxing matches. Frank started teaching in 1982 and opened his first karate school in 1984.
Frank is dedicated to running community programs, starting with women’s self-defence workshops at a women’s shelter in 1983. In 1984, he expanded this to high schools, teaching anti-bullying and confidence-building courses. He continues to provide free community programs with local councils and Victoria Police, including anti-abduction training, confidence-building for kids, self-defence for women, and the preschool HERO (Helping Everyone Respect Others) program.
In 1985 Frank started training in Goshin Ryu with Richard Bradford whilst running a Dojo in Huntingdale. Then in 1989 he travelled to the USA and trained in Ryukyu Kempo. On his return, he began classes out of three separate facilities leading to the opening of his own full-time Dojo in 1993. At this time, he also took up Modern Arnis under Remy Presas.
Frank is constantly seeking knowledge as he believes there is always more information which can improve himself and his students. He has travelled extensively to gain this knowledge, and has earned the following ranks: 8th Degree in Kempo, 6th Degree in Torite Jutsu and a 6th Dan in Shorin Kempo.
In 2005 Frank began training with John Will in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, travelling to Geelong weekly for private lessons. In 2009 he also began travelling to Point Cook to train under Cameron Rowe, one of John Will’s top competitors. He is currently a 2nd Dan Black Belt under John Will and is a member of IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) and Will-Machado BJJ Australasia.
For his leadership role in various martial arts, Frank has pursued further education in health and fitness. He has achieved the following academic qualifications: Diploma in Sports Coaching, Diploma in Fitness and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Frank has been recognised nationally and internationally, receiving the following awards: International Instructor of the Year in 1998 from the Worlds Martial Arts Hall of Fame USA, Kempo Instructor of the Year in 2002 from Blitz Hall of Fame, and Kempo International Instructor of the Year in 2024 from Kempo International.
Frank is currently teaching out of Oakleigh with a team of lifelong martial artists who have dedicated their time and energy to improving the community and who are making a huge impact on the world. Their motto is “Changing Lives One Black Belt at a Time.”