Our Instructors
Chief Instructor
Certified Instructors
Gavin Davies
Gavin Peter Davies - With close to 40 years of training, he has developed a high level of skill in Kung Fu and a refined ability to balance softness with strength. His technical precision, depth of knowledge, and teaching experience make him a highly effective and inspiring instructor.
Background:
Bachelor of Commerce (Melbourne University), Fellowship of the Australian Insurance Institute, Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute in England & Wales. I have worked as a Corporate insurance broker and underwriter since 1992 in both Melbourne, Australia and in London, England, working at a number of large insurance related organisations throughout my career.
Other Hobbies:
I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. In addition to Kung Fu, I enjoy weight training, skiing, tennis, walking, cycling, offroad 4x4 driving and travelling.
Martial Arts and Self-Defence Training and Teaching:
I began training in Kung Fu in 1987 at the Barry Pang Kung Fu School and fought in a number of martial arts tournaments, winning a form competition and am a previous winner of a Barry Pang Chi Sao tournament. I achieved a probationary black belt in 1993 and after a break of 20 years while living in London, I returned to training in 2018 and achieved a full black belt in 2023. I have been instructing students in Kung Fu since the early 1990’s at various Barry Pany Kung Fu schools. I have been assisting Anne Pang with instructing at the Barry Pang Women's Kung Fu classes since 2023 and in 2025, I started assisting Anne Pang with instructing the Anne Pang Women’s Self Defence courses, achieving Victoria University accreditation as a Self Defence Instructor of Anne Pang Self Defence in November 2025. Anne Pang Self Defence Accredited Instructor (Victoria University), Martial Arts Australia - Accredited Instructor (Kung Fu and Anne Pang Self Defence).
Community and Other Languages:
I am also a Professional Tennis Coach and a VicFit Fitness Instructor.
Giulius Canteri
Giulius Carlo Canteri - With over 30 years of training, he served as President of the Latrobe University Kung Fu Club before becoming Head Instructor of the Norwegian branch of the Barry Pang Kung Fu Schools in Oslo. His experience as a secondary school teacher also gives him a strong ability to connect with and guide young people.
Areas for Teaching:
Adelaide and surrounding areas.
Background:
I am a high school teacher with 20 years teaching experience in Norway, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. I have also trained to instruct Bothmer Gymnastics and Outdoor Education, as well as gaining experience in other academic disciplines.
Educational Qualifications:
- Graduate Diploma Education Leadership and Management - Flinders University;
- Graduate Diploma Education - University of Melbourne;
- Bachelor Arts (Social Science: Anthropology) - LaTrobe University.
Hobbies and interests:
Two daughters, family, cooking, gardening, travel, Bothmer Gymnastics, local culture
Martial arts and self-defence experience:
I started training Kung Fu in 1997 with Barry Pang, and began instructing classes for BPKFS in 1998. In 2001 I attained the ‘Probationary Black’ grade, and in 2002 I was head instructor at the Norwegian branch of BPKFS in Oslo. In 2025 I graduated from Victoria University with a Certificate of Self Defence Instructor and accreditation from Anne Pang Self Defence and the Martial Arts Australia (MRT52281)
Community and other languages:
I speak fluent Norwegian and have basics in Italian. I have taught in Oslo, Melbourne, Adelaide, Mount Barker, Kangaroo Island, Cairns, and Brisbane. Recently I have found great delight in assisting with Breakfast Club at the school where I work.
Jessica Zhang
Zhaoxi (Jessica) Zhang – beginning her journey in 2015 through a women’s self-defence course, where she quickly developed a passion for the philosophy and physical practice of Kung Fu. Alongside running her own mathematics tutoring studio, she has cultivated strong communication skills and a deep understanding of engaging with young people.
Areas for Teaching:
Eastern suburbs such as Doncaster, Balwyn, Hawthorn, Armadale and so on.
Background:
I am a math-educator and co-founder of MathsInside Studio centre in Melbourne and I enjoy communicating with the young students, inspiring and encouraging them to challenge the problems with understanding and mathematical thinking.
Hobbies and Interests:
My hobbies are mathematics, cooking, Kung Fu and my family.
Martial Arts and Self Defence:
From 2020, I started to learn Wing Chun Kung Fu with Anne Pang. Chinese martial arts are so profound, incorporating philosophical concepts that are intimately connected with Chinese philosophy and sets of physical techniques and styles.The experience of learning Kungfu helps me developing both internal discipline and external technique which I believe is also very important for the young children to protect themselves. So I joined in the Anne Pang self-defence train the trainer program and successfully became a trainer. Anne has been constantly updating and improving the self-defence courses combing the Chinese martial with psychological theories for more than 30 years. I really wish that more and more people could benefit from her knowledge and experience and would like to share it among our communities, especially the women and young children. The physical techniques and mental awareness from Anne Pang Self Defence courses are not only for self-defence, but also support people to be more confident, independent and persistence.
Communities and language:
I am connected with many parents and their children and neighbourhood groups, we try to help each other out and support each other. I speak Mandarin as well as English.
Kyna Leong
Kyna Leong - An incredibly enthusiastic woman with an engineering mindset, she brings a naturally methodical and analytical approach to her training. She is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and is passionate about supporting women from diverse backgrounds.
Areas for Teaching:
Melbourne city and inner suburban areas.
Background:
Trained as a mechanical engineer and worked most my life as an electrical engineer, currently pursuing a career as a business development manager.
Hobbies and interests:
As well as Kung Fu, powerlifting is another one of my hobbies alongside Frisbee. I participate in powerlifting competitions regularly and enter in the Frisbee tournaments locally and interstate.Also I love animals and work with animal rescue services and have two beautiful dogs.
Martial arts and Self-defence experience:
I began my Kung Fu journey at the age of nine at Barry Pang Kung Fu school, steadily progressing through the junior grading syllabus before advancing to the normal (adult) grading syllabus and ultimately earning my probationary black belt in 2025.
I am a big advocate for women empowerment, involving myself not only in teaching Women's Self Defence but also being involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at work and empowering women through the powerlifting community.
Women can be strong and they can be confident, and there are 2 aspects to this, internal and external. Women need to feel that they are strong – this means training their bodies and lifting something heavy or doing something hard. They also need to be able to see themselves represented in strength sports and in management and in high grades in martial arts school as this helps them to redefine their place in society. For myself, having Anne Pang as my inspiration since I was 9 years old helped me realise that I could achieve anything I put my mind to.
Languages and Community Involvement
When I am not working, teaching self-defence, training kung fu or powerlifting at the gym, you will probably find me catching up with and serving the church community. I attend a Chinese church in Melbourne CBD. While my congregation is English speaking we all have ties to a Chinese heritage. My Mandarin is basic and my Cantonese even more so, but I embrace learning from others and am eager to improve my language skills. If you join my class, perhaps I can teach you self-defence while you help me with my Chinese.
Lea Schmidt
Lea Schmidt - Gentle and soft-spoken, yet strong and resolute, she combines a compassionate nature with profound insight gained through her work with survivors of domestic violence. Her approach is grounded in empathy and is strongly trauma informed.
Areas for Teaching:
Greater Dandenong and surround areas (preferred).
Background:
I am currently completing a Bachelor’s Degree in information technology after doing a cyber security Certificate in Australia. I first came to Australia as a tourist and quickly fell in love with the lifestyle, expansive landscapes, and unique natural environment.
Hobbies and Interests:
My main interests are Kung Fu, outdoor activities and spending time with my young child—who certainly keeps me busy!
Martial Arts and Self-Defence:
I began training in Kung Fu at Dandenong Snap Fitness after COVID. Having always enjoyed martial arts films, I was drawn to learning this ancient Chinese art. The welcoming and supportive environment at the club made a lasting impression on me. The senior students were generous in sharing their knowledge, and through my training, I developed a level of confidence and assertiveness I had never experienced before. It truly felt like a home away from home.In 2025, I was honoured to be invited by Anne to join the Train the Trainer Women’s Self Defence Course at Victoria University. The course was intensive and highly practical. Not only did I learn essential techniques and self-awareness strategies to enhance personal safety, but I also discovered a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge with others.It has always been my aspiration to empower myself—and now I feel privileged to be able to empower others.One moment that deeply stayed with me was when a student shared, after her fourth session, how much the training had changed her perspective. She shared the pressures she and her friends faced back home to conform to their parents’ expectations and shape their lives accordingly, and how this experience had given her a newfound confidence and inner strength. Hearing how both the physical and psychological aspects of training had transformed her outlook was incredibly moving and reaffirmed the value of this work.
Community and Language:
I speak fluent German and enjoy staying active at the gym, as well as spending quality time with my son and friends.
Nikol Davies
Nikol (Nicole) Davies - With decades of experience as a lawyer and accomplished author, she combines articulate communication with a sharp analytical mindset. She is passionate about empowering women through a highly organised and systematic approach.
Areas for Teaching:
Melbourne city and Mornington Peninsula
Background:
Bachelor of Commerce (Melbourne University), Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (Melbourne University), Masters of Taxation (Melbourne University), Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA, England), Qualified Barrister and Solicitor Victoria, Australia and England & Wales.I have worked as a lawyer, a tax lawyer and a tax adviser across both law firms and accounting firms from January 1993 until January 2022 both in Melbourne Australia and in London, England. I worked at Arthur Andersen (Melbourne and London), Herbert Smith (London) and PwC (London). I was a partner at Taylor Wessing in London for almost 10 years before returning to Australia in 2017. I then worked at PwC and at KPMG in Melbourne, but after retiring from professional work, I have been writing books.
Hobbies and Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. In addition to Kung Fu, I enjoy gym training, pilates, skiing, hiking, travelling, researching, reading and writing.
Martial Arts Training and Teaching:
I have trained in Kung Fu since 1993 at the Barry Pang Kung Fu School. I achieved a yellow belt in 1994 and, after a break of 20 years while I was in London, I achieved a second blue belt (5th grade) in 2025. In 2025, I started assisting Anne Pang with instructing the Anne Pang Women’s Self Defence courses, achieving Victoria University accreditation as a Self Defence Instructor of Anne Pang Self Defence in November 2025. Anne Pang Self Defence Accredited Instructor (Victoria University), Martial Arts Australia - Accredited Instructor (Women’s Self Defence), and VicFit Fitness Instructor.
Community and Other Languages:
English, Greek and I am involved with the local church.
Panage Kontos
Panage Kontos - Personal trainer, Black belt in karate and a natural leader, highly motivated and energetic in her approach, humorous, love a joke and straight forward, she is eager to empower women in the Peninsula areas
Areas for Teaching:
Mornington Peninsula areas.
Background:
I am an experienced Graphic designer with over ten years of experience and knowledge in the areas of product, layout design and corporate branding. My background in design has led me to produce a plethora of innovative and effective designs for multiple brands which entails: Developing logos, designing books, banners, style-guides, packaging artwork, as well as generating newsletters, brochures, flyers, catalogues, labels, POS, online material, corporate designs, magazine publishing and all other marketing and promotional material.
Hobbies and interests:
Dogs, creative design work, health and fitness and learning new things. In addition, I enjoy weight training and photography.
Martial arts and self-defence:
I am also well acquainted in the health and fitness industry. In the past, I have worked as a personal trainer for ten years as well as a self-defence instructor, teaching self-defence skills and techniques to many high schools students across Melbourne’s metropolitan area. My martial arts training stems from various methods and styles which I successfully earned a black belt in karate, currently I am a student in Barry Pang Kung Fu Schools and Anne Pang Self Defence Academy for the past two years.
Other languages and Community involvement:
I am fluent in Greek and English.I am excited to help people of all ages and fitness levels achieve their potential goals in self-defence and lead a healthier lifestyle. I believe I’m a natural leader; this course will help me learn and grow as an individual as well as to become a confident team leader.
In addition, I have a positive attitude and is always willing to learn new skills and to help others.
Pauline Murcott
Pauline Murcott – With over twenty years of martial arts experience and a career as a senior paramedic delivering compassionate emergency care, this husband-and-wife team is dedicated to empowering women across West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.
Areas for Teaching:
Gippsland and Latrobe Valley areas.
Background:
I was born, raised and currently live in Gippsland, Victoria. I met my husband at high school back in the 1990’s and we are happily married with two children. In 1997, we moved to Melbourne for a few years to complete our tertiary studies.
Hobbies and interests:
My hobbies and interests include spending time with my family and friends, going hiking, bike riding and teaching self defence.
Martial Arts and Self defence experience:
Whilst at University we first joined the Barry Pang Kung Fu Schools and learnt Wing Chun Kung Fu. Whilst I was a university student, I competed in the Southern University Martial Arts Tournaments numerous times. I have previously completed the Anne Pang Self Defense course over 20 years ago and skills I had acquired and knowledge gained has saved me from some very potentially dangerous situations.
Other Languages and Community Involvement:
Unfortunately, I only speak English. As a result of living in Gippsland my entire life I have developed a strong sense of belonging and community engagement. I enjoy demonstrating my passion and commitment through serving the Gippsland community by being an enthusiastic, motivated, engaged and driven community volunteer and Paramedic. I volunteer at our local Special School and also teach school kids, community members and local businesses first aid and the importance of Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation and using defibrillators.
Steven Murcott
Steven Murcott – With more than 30 years of experience in martial arts and an engineer in the Latrobe Valley areas, this husband-and-wife team is dedicated to empowering women across West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.
Areas for Teaching:
Gippsland and Latrobe Valley areas.
Background:
I have lived my entire life in regional Victoria except for a brief period to attend University. I am an Engineer and project Manager. I Live and work in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley with my wife and two kids.
Hobbies and interests:
I enjoy most creative activities but in particular I enjoy woodworking including Woodturning, carving and furniture making. I hold a private pilots licence and love flying with the Latrobe Valley Aero Club. I also enjoy playing the guitar and exploring different music styles.
Martial arts and self defence experience:
My then to-be-wife and I joined the Barry Pang Kung Fu school in 1997. I have represented the school at the Southern University’s Sports Association (SUSA) games in the All Styles Martial Arts Championship winning the Light Heavy Weight and Heavy Weight Divisions. I have helped Anne Pang deliver several Woman’s self defence programs primarily as an “attacker” wearing full protective equipment for the Woman’s Self Defence program final assessment. I have also had the privilege of helping Anne to deliver Kids Self Defence programs in schools and on dedicated Self Defence Camps. My Interest in Martial Arts began as a young child when I started learning Shin Bu Kai and later Zen Do Kai. Upon arriving at University I began learning Aikido before joining the Barry Pang Kung Fu School.
Other languages and community involvements:
English is my fist and only real language, however I enjoy learning the basics of many languages including German, French, Cantonese and Mandarin. My community involvement is centred around the transitioning of the Latrobe Valley as the Power Industry moves from coal based generation to renewables. I belong to a community group called Communities Leading Change (CLC) which focuses on facilitated conversation on climate change and energy transition. In addition CLC is helping to develop a community led plan for a fair and just energy transition.
Tina Hargitay
Tina Hargitay – An accountant by profession and a dedicated martial artist by passion, she brings years of experience running family Kung Fu classes in Box Hill to her self-defence instruction—a valuable combination within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Areas for Teaching:
Eastern Suburbs - Box Hill, Surrey Hills, Camberwell, Balywyn and surrounds.
Background:
Tina is a full time chartered accountant and mum to an energetic young daughter. Born and bred in Melbourne and lived in London for many years before returning to Melbourne to settle with her family as they love the Australian way of life.
Hobbies and interests:
She enjoys staying active, and travelling is one of her favourite ways to slow down and remember to appreciate life’s simple moments.
Martial arts and self defence:
She is an accredited instructor with Martial Arts Australia, who began her training in Wing Chun kung fu in 1997 at Monash University Clayton at the Barry Pang Kung Fu School. During her early years of training, she represented the school at the Australian University Games, competing alongside students from Victorian universities across a range of martial arts styles. She achieved outstanding success, winning first place in non-contact sparring, set forms and open forms competitions for three consecutive years.Tina values the rich history of martial arts, culture and sense of community that defines the Barry Pang Kung Fu school, and she is passionate about sharing the art with children and families. She currently teaches at the Box Hill branch of Barry Pang Kung Fu School.She enjoys teaching children and families to help build confidence, discipline and both mental and physical strength.In November 2025, Tina completed the Anne Pang Self Defence instruction accreditation and is now also certified to teach the Anne Pang Self Defence program. She believes deeply that self-awareness and self-defence are essential life skills for women and children.
Other languages and community involvement:
Tina is committed to helping to continue and promote Anne’s highly effective program by supporting students to develop practical skills, and strong sense of personal safety, with the hope of contributing to a kinder and safer community.
By location:
- Melbourne (CBD)
- Gavin
- Kyna
- Jessica
- Melbourne (West)
- Kyna
- Melbourne (East)
- Tina
- Jessica
- Melbourne (South)
- Lea
By location:
- Mornington Peninsula
- Nikol
- Panage
- Gippsland, Latrobe Valley (VIC)
- Pauline
- Steven
- Adelaide/Mt. Barker
- Giulius