Mick Spinks is well known as a pioneer in Australian Kickboxing. But to the people who really know him he is a dedicated Martial Artist with a hunger for knowledge and a passion for training, which is still there after almost 35 years of Martial Arts.
After achieving his first goal and gaining a black belt in Karate, Mick loved sparring and was keen to test his skills, but the only competitions available in the early 70’s were points Karate. He knew this wasn’t for him when he was disqualified at the Australian Championships for excessive contact with a leg sweep.
He met Sifu Chan Cheuk Fai and started as a beginner in Sifu Chan’s family style Jin Wu Koon Shaolin Double Dragon Kung Fu. The new direction was very stimulating as it offered a totally different concept in Martial Arts, Mick was awarded the Master grade of Red Sash in the Jin Wu Koon style in September 1982.
Weaponry, traditional Kung Fu and full contact fighting under the guidance of Sifu Chan became the new challenges he continued to compete in all types of full contact fighting until retiring undefeated at the age of 37, with a fullcontact record of 24 fights, 23 wins, and 1 draw.
Credits include N.S.W. & Australian Kickboxing Champion, N.S.W & Australian Kung Fu Champion, World Kung Fu Champion 1980 and draw with Thai Champion, Payat Penchai in a no rules match in Hong Kong in 1981.
Bruce Lee has been an inspiration in some way to almost all martial artists. Bruce’s book — Tao of Jeet Kune Do had a strong influence on Mick’s direction as many of the principles, and basic philosophies were in line with his direction. For example centre line principle, dynamic body action, Eastern European Boxing and the necessity for ground fighting as a requirement for a complete art.
In these early years he was guided by a few simple philosophies. The first being the law of manifestation which basically means — if you really want something from your heart and are prepared to work hard towards your goals it will almost certainly come true. The second belief was that he always trained to the max. When he achieved a goal he would set new goals, often-unrealistic challenges, so when it came to fight time he believed 100% in his ability and the only way his opponent could win was if Mick let him.
After running a full time Martial Arts Centre at , Kingsford for the past 18 years, Mick has now opened a new modern Centre at 55 East Parade, Sutherland, directly opposite the station in Sydney’s southern Suburbs. With his priorities now helping his students achieve their goals, it is certainly rewarding for Mick, that many of his original students still train with him.
About 9 years ago Mick realised the weak link in his style was being taken to the ground. Seeking a practical system, he contacted John Will and has been training in the Machado Brazilian Jui Jitsu Style since. He wishes he would have taken this system up earlier and finds it an extremely practical, physical game of chess, which build practical skills for the street.
Mick has trained many successful fighters at State, National & at top International level, taking competitors to Russia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Noumea in 2005 & 2006 has been making regular trips to Japan where his student Ian Schaffa has been competing in K1 Heroes & K1 Max.
Newspaper Article
Mick on the podium at the World Kung Fu championships in Singapore.
Mick with a traditional broadsword.
Mick as a coach
Coaching in P.N.G.