David Giovenco

Chief Instructor (Head Representative JSK-5.0 Aust)

Being a father myself, I understand how important it is for children to feel confidence in themselves. I want to create a safe and friendly after school martial arts program in which kids can learn self defence and build leadership qualities.

I began training in martial arts at the age of 15 in Kyokushin Karate at the Parramatta Police Citizens’ Youth Club. Although I tried different styles such as boxing, kick boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), achieving a Blue Belt in BJJ and a Brown Belt in Kyokushin Karate, I soon found that I could not find a discipline that met all of my needs and answered all of my questions.

Still hungry for knowledge, I came across Kenpo through a friend who showed me a DVD of Larry Tatum. Shortly after, in 1999, I was introduced to Mr Jeff Speakman, a 7th Degree in the Kenpo Karate style, and I realised immediately that I had found a complete art with a true martial artist, a leader who led from the front. Not knowing who Mr Speakman was and knowing nothing about Kenpo, I did know that I wanted to be a Jeff Speakman Black Belt – not just in title, but in personality as well.

I achieved my goal after five years of every-day hard training. In 2004 in Las Vegas, I was tested for my 1st Degree Black Belt alongside my instructor and mentor (who was testing then for his 8th Degree Black Belt, he is now a 9th Degree Black Belt) and in front of a panel that consisted of Mr Lou Angel, Sigun Steve Labounty, Mr ‘Benny the Jet’ Urquidez, Mr Dan Inosanto and Mr Gokor Chivichyan. Two years later and again in Las Vegas I tested for my 2nd Degree Black Belt in front of a panel headed by Mr Lou Angel, Mr Jeff Speakman and Mr Eric Lee. I am now a 5th Degree Black Belt (the highest rank held in Australia) in Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0 as well as being a personal student of his, and am the American Kenpo Karate Systems (AKKS) representative for Australia.

Born and still living in Sydney, Australia, I run a martial arts school in Newington teaching Kenpo 5.0 as taught to me directly by Mr Speakman, the 9th degree black belt in Kenpo. To ensure I keep up to date with the latest information I travel interstate and overseas on a regular basis, and attend Mr Speakman’s yearly ‘Down Under’ training and teaching sessions.

Mr Speakman has always instilled in me the belief that life is about making a difference, that a true martial artist leaves the world a better place than he found it. In turn, this is the first thing I teach at my martial arts school and in our Kicks After School Program. I am proud to be a Jeff Speakman Black Belt, to be part of his Kenpo family and the one he chose to lead Australia in the evolution of Kenpo 5.0. With the support and strength of all of the AKKS schools across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, we will bring Kenpo 5.0 to this wonderful country.

I work casually as a tactical defence instructor for Secta Security (the largest registered training organisation in Australia), teaching security guards correct eviction procedure, self defence and weapons training, and have also taught conflict resolution strategies to State Transit Authority employees.

I intend to keep my promise to Mr Speakman to promote and teach Kenpo 5.0 in Australia. I want to build a safe and friendly environment in which kids can learn self defence and leadership skills, in the process further increasing my own knowledge in the amazing martial arts system called Kenpo 5.0.

In our Kicks After School Program we teach the children Kenpo Fundamentals which gives them a solid base and understanding. This allows them to continue training as they grow older by moving into our Teen and Adult system of Kenpo 5.0 with Internationaly recognized rankings allowing them to travel and train in over 160 locations around the World.

Lauren

Instructor

My name is Lauren Campbell and I am a 4^th Degree Black Belt in Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0.

I am currently an Instructor based in Sydney at the Kenpo 5.0 Head Quarters, with Australian Representative and 5^th Degree Black Belt, Mr David Giovenco.

As a 9 year old looking to learn self-defence I was drawn to martial arts. With great commitment & determination I achieved my first Black Belt in 1995 as a 14 year old. As a teenager I focused on my studies & martial arts until completing my HSC.

In 2001 I discovered Kenpo and have dedicated myself to learning the art and essence of Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0 ever since. In 2002 I had the great opportunity to travel to Las Vegas to train with our inspirational leader Mr Jeff Speakman. I have returned on several occasions to represent Australia and to train and test alongside my international Kenpo family and friends.

I love the art of Kenpo 5.0 as it is a practical art. Not just for its practical application of self-defence but also for the way its lessons translate into everyday life. Kenpo teaches and requires Respect, Discipline, Commitment, Honour, Loyalty & Focus. In addition it teaches you how to deal with conflict, to have patience and a greater respect and understanding of people, their behaviours and awareness of your environment.

As an Instructor in the Kicks Team it has been amazing to watch the confidence of the students grow, as they learn, mature and build new friendships as they advance through the Kenpo Art.

Mr Speakman has taught me many things but most importantly:

1. Strive for excellence and never settle for the status quo
2. Never give up.

In addition to Kenpo I am also a qualified and practicing group fitness specialist and a qualified trainer. I hold a Certificate III in Fitness, Certificate IV in Training & Assessment and I hold a current Provide First Aid Certificate.

Something I believe in and have learnt along the way is:

“Respect yourself and one another, be disciplined to train and commit to learning the essence of the art, be loyal to your school and relationships, be honourable in your actions and words and love what you do and therefore do it with passion”.

Decide to be the best you can be and I will help you achieve things you never thought possible.

Josh

Instructor

My name is Josh. My love for martial arts started from a young age when I would watch Asian/Kung Fu cinema and my journey in martial arts first started when I joined a karate dojo at age 10.

I have now been a student of Mr. Giovenco for close to 6 years and I hold the rank of 3rd degree brown belt and I intend to attain my first degree black belt next year. I personally believe Kenpo is a great tool for shaping the generations to come by instilling important ideals and principals such as Discipline, Wisdom, Strength and Kindness.

Being part of the Kicks Team of Instructors I have seen first hand how the KICKS After School Program can make a difference to children both Mentally and Physically through the power of Martial Arts.

Liam

Assistant Instructor

My name is Liam; I have been a member of the kicks family since the beginning of 2018. I developed a love for martial arts at a young age, listening to dad tell me about Bruce Lee and watching his famous Wing Chun movies in awe. From this wonder, spurred a decision to learn the revered art of Wing Chun Kung Fu myself. After 6 years of dedicated practice and all the knowledge of Bruce Lee (not really), I decided to broaden my knowledge, and went in search of a different martial art to learn. This search led me to an MMA gym. There, under the well-respected Alex Carioti, I learned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing for a short 1-year. However, my learning was cut short due to the constraints of high school.

After school, I was presented with an opportunity to join the Kicks family. This opportunity has allowed me to further develop my knowledge of martial arts, through learning the art of Kenpo 5.0. As well as this, being able to instil the values of Wisdom, Strength and Kindness into up-and-coming children has been a great experience, as I can empathise with their passions of reaching that coveted black belt. Under the knowledgeable eye of Mr Giovenco, I am happy to be able to continue to help these children strive in Kenpo 5.0, and all aspects of life.