Principal Instructor/Founder
Damian Wilson (he\him)
Principal Instructor, Karate, Muay Thai/Kickboxing
- 4th Dan Melbourne Dragons Goju Ryu Karate, Renshi
- 3rd Dan Kenkyukai Goju Ryu Karate
- 2nd Dan BJC Muay Thai/Kick Boxing
- 2nd Dan Australian Kendo Renmei Inc. Iaido
Melbourne Dragons Martial Arts was established by our founder and principal instructor, Damian Wilson, in 2015.
Damian began his martial arts training in Judo at 10 years old. He later trained in the traditional karate of Shukokai for five years before changing to Zen Do Kai Karate, achieving his black belt in 2008.
In 2018, Damian brought Goju Ryu Karate to Melbourne Dragons Martial Arts (replacing Zen Do Kai Karate) and currently holds the rank of 4th Dan Black Belt in Melbourne Dragons Goju Ryu Karate. Since then, Damian has continued his love of karate, mainly the focus, camaraderie, and personal growth it fosters amongst his students. He currently cross-trains in Kenkyukai Goju Ryu and is training in Iaido (Japanese sword).
Martial arts have become an integral part of Damian’s life. His goal of becoming the best instructor he can be encouraged him to cross-train in multiple martial arts systems (obtaining black belts in multiple systems) and pursue a holistic approach to support his martial arts philosophy.
Combining Damian’s martial arts training with his knowledge of what works on the street has made Melbourne Dragons’ curriculum realistic, effective, and great fun to learn. The experience Damian brings through his ongoing private training and studies allows him to provide real-world examples of the types of behaviours and interactions experienced by members of our community and everyday adverse encounters that our students may be exposed to.
Damian was awarded the Shogo title of Renshi in 2024.
Taisho
Taisho is a title in Melbourne Dragons Goju Ryu Karate that acknowledges a person’s rank and ability. Taisho Rene and Sam have achieved high ranks with Melbourne Dragons Martial Arts and possess a cumulative knowledge of martial arts spanning many decades, enabling them to teach classes in coordination with Sensei Damian Wilson.
Rene Aalbers (he\him)
Instructor, Karate, Muay Thai/Kickboxing
- 2nd Kyu Melbourne Dragons Goju Ryu Karate, Taisho
- Level 4 Melbourne Dragons Muay Thai/Kickboxing
Taisho Rene has been training with Melbourne Dragons since 2017 and was awarded his Taisho title in 2023. Before joining the club, Rene trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu and Judo, building a diverse foundation in martial arts that he now brings into his Goju Ryu Karate and Muay Thai Kickboxing practice.
Rene chose Melbourne Dragons because of its inclusive and welcoming community, where high-quality instruction is balanced with respect, discipline, and camaraderie. Over the years, he has grown into both a student and a leader within the dojo, supporting others on their training journeys and contributing to the club’s strong culture of growth and encouragement.
As an instructor, Rene focuses on helping students bridge the gap between traditional kata and their practical application in sparring and self-defence. He believes martial arts should be both effective and ethical, teaching techniques in a way that builds confidence while emphasising respect for others. His classes also incorporate strength and mobility training, ensuring students develop the physical foundation needed to perform techniques successfully and safely.
What Rene finds most rewarding is watching students progress together, share their learning, and grow not just as martial artists but as a community. He strives to create an environment where every class leaves students with something new learned, a skill sharpened, and a sense of achievement.
Samuel Carver (he\him)
Instructor, Karate, Muay Thai/Kickboxing
- 2nd Kyu Melbourne Dragons Goju Ryu Karate, Taisho
- Level 4 Melbourne Dragons Muay Thai/Kickboxing
Taisho Sam has been training with Melbourne Dragons since 2017 and has been helping lead classes since 2021. Before training in Goju Ryu Karate and Muay Thai Kickboxing with Melbourne Dragons, Taisho Sam’s first experience with martial arts was with ITF Taekwondo growing up.
Taisho Sam chose to train with the Melbourne Dragons because it offers an intensive training regimen and high-quality instruction, while fostering an inclusive and friendly environment that benefits all students. It’s a much more rewarding experience than you’ll get at any gym! Taisho’s favourite part of training with Melbourne Dragons is seeing how much everyone progresses together and shares their learning.
What Taisho Sam brings as an instructor is a focus on teaching techniques from kata in ethical self-defence and sparring situations. Additionally, classes will focus on strength and mobility training to enable students to succeed in applying and performing these techniques. Taisho aims for students to come away having learned a new thing, improved a technique, and gotten a great workout in the process.
Taisho Sam was awarded his Taisho title in 2023
Assistant Instructor
Jonas Ropponen (he\him)
Assistant Instructor, Karate, Muay Thai/Kickboxing
- 4th Kyu Melbourne Dragons Goju Ryu Karate
- Level 4 Melbourne Dragons Muay Thai/Kickboxing
Jonas has trained with Melbourne Dragons Martial Arts since 2017 and has experience in Muay Thai, Zen Do Kai, and Goju Ryu Karate. Jonas began his martial arts training with Melbourne Dragons and has had formal boxing training.
Currently, Jonas has trained with Melbourne Dragons the longest out of all the current students and is an assistant instructor in our Goju Ryu and Muay Thai classes. When taking lessons, he brings his unique style to the classes and enjoys an energetic approach to classes, where students can consolidate their technique in a welcoming and fun environment.
Jonas is on our committee and loves seeing the club thrive and grow. He has been a pivotal part of the Melbourne Dragons’ success. Outside of the club, he is an artist and university fine art lecturer.
Lee Maskell (he\him)
Assistant Instructor, Karate
- 3rd Kyu Melbourne Dragons Goju Ryu Karate
- Level 1 Melbourne Dragons Muay Thai/Kickboxing
Lee began his martial arts journey as a teenager, training in Shotokan Karate for three years. In 2019, he returned to practice through Shukokai Karate before joining Melbourne Dragons in 2022, where he transitioned into the Goju Ryu style.
He is particularly passionate about kata and takes great care in teaching not only the movements themselves but also their deeper meaning and application. Lee emphasises the study of bunkai as a bridge between traditional forms and practical self-defence, helping students understand how techniques can be adapted to real-world situations. In his teaching, he combines the effectiveness of the Melbourne Dragons syllabus with respect for the traditions and etiquette of the dojo, creating an environment where students can develop both their skills and character.
Above all, he appreciates the inclusive and supportive community within the club, recognising its success as a balance of high-quality teaching and a welcoming culture that continues to grow.
Lara Dickson (they\them)
Assistant Instructor, Muay Thai/KickBoxing
- Level 1 Melbourne Dragons Muay Thai/Kickboxing
Lara has been training with Melbourne Dragons for three years, developing their skills and passion in Muay Thai. In 2025, they began a new chapter as an instructor, stepping into the challenge of teaching and guiding others in their martial arts journey.
They enjoy working with students of all levels, taking the time to ensure techniques are understood and applied with both accuracy and confidence. Lara sees teaching as a way to not only pass on technical knowledge but also to help students build resilience, discipline, and self-belief. They particularly value the way Muay Thai combines physical conditioning with practical effectiveness, making it a martial art that can benefit both body and mind.
As an instructor, Lara is excited to continue developing their teaching style and exploring new opportunities to grow within the club. They take inspiration from the Melbourne Dragons syllabus and teaching environment, which balances strong technical foundations with an inclusive and respectful dojo culture.
For Lara, the most rewarding part of being at Melbourne Dragons is the community itself. They are proud to contribute to a space where people feel welcome, supported, and encouraged to push their own boundaries. Looking ahead, they are eager to continue their journey as both a student and teacher, sharing their enthusiasm for Muay Thai and helping others discover their own potential.