Australian Combat & Exercise (ACExercise) and Australian Taekwondo (AUSTKD) are teaming up to help older Australians stay stronger for longer through the launch of “Fighting Falls” — a groundbreaking national initiative that uses modified martial arts to enhance strength, balance, and wellbeing among older adults.
As part of the national rollout, the program will also offer two targeted education pathways: one for martial arts instructors and another for health and fitness professionals, including Personal Trainers and Accredited Exercise Physiologists. These courses will focus on safe, evidence-based progressions and include specialised training in ageing physiology, movement adaptations, and falls prevention strategies.
Hays Daewoud, CEO of Australian Combat & Exercise, said of the program:
“We’re proud to bring evidence-based martial arts training into a safe, inclusive format designed to help older adults improve their quality of life. This partnership with AUSTKD ensures the program is delivered with integrity and professionalism nationwide. As leaders in evidence-based martial arts and exercise education, we’re excited to collaborate with Australian Taekwondo on this important initiative.”
Josh O’Brien, CEO of Australian Taekwondo, expressed full support for the initiative:
“Fighting Falls is a powerful example of how traditional martial arts can be adapted to meet the evolving needs of our community. Through this partnership with ACExercise, we’re proud to extend the reach of Taekwondo into the lives of older Australians — empowering them to move with confidence, stay connected, and live with strength and purpose.”
The program features pre-and post-assessments, a flexible curriculum tailored to varying ability levels, and options to train in community centres, martial arts dojangs, or aged care facilities. Most notably, it promotes social inclusion, a key factor in reducing isolation and enhancing mental health among older populations.
Dr Luke Del Vecchio, Head of Education & Sports Science at ACExercise, adds:
“We’ve built this program on pilot studies and a growing body of martial arts research, blending traditional techniques with principles of falls prevention. From improving lower limb strength and coordination to enhancing cognitive agility and emotional wellbeing, the potential benefits of Fighting Falls are both promising and meaningful.”
For those interested in adding boxing to their fitness programs, it’s vital to pursue a boxing certification course that teaches trainers how to progress and regress movements while keeping clients safe. This specialised education allows personal trainers to expand their expertise and offer more comprehensive fitness programs.
Ben Exton, Head of Performance at Australian Taekwondo, adds:
“This program has gone through many stages, but partnering with ACExercise represents the final step — taking this martial arts-based approach to the mainstream, not just for martial arts instructors but also for exercise and health professionals.”
Contact us to join the waitlist and be first to launch Fighting Falls in your studio, gym or martial arts facility.
Fighting Falls for Older Adults – Partnership Announcement
Australian Combat & Exercise (ACExercise) and Australian Taekwondo (AUSTKD) are teaming up to help older Australians stay stronger for longer through the launch of “Fighting Falls” — a groundbreaking national initiative that uses modified martial arts to enhance strength, balance, and wellbeing among older adults.
As part of the national rollout, the program will also offer two targeted education pathways: one for martial arts instructors and another for health and fitness professionals, including Personal Trainers and Accredited Exercise Physiologists. These courses will focus on safe, evidence-based progressions and include specialised training in ageing physiology, movement adaptations, and falls prevention strategies.
Hays Daewoud, CEO of Australian Combat & Exercise, said of the program:
“We’re proud to bring evidence-based martial arts training into a safe, inclusive format designed to help older adults improve their quality of life. This partnership with AUSTKD ensures the program is delivered with integrity and professionalism nationwide. As leaders in evidence-based martial arts and exercise education, we’re excited to collaborate with Australian Taekwondo on this important initiative.”
Josh O’Brien, CEO of Australian Taekwondo, expressed full support for the initiative:
“Fighting Falls is a powerful example of how traditional martial arts can be adapted to meet the evolving needs of our community. Through this partnership with ACExercise, we’re proud to extend the reach of Taekwondo into the lives of older Australians — empowering them to move with confidence, stay connected, and live with strength and purpose.”
The program features pre-and post-assessments, a flexible curriculum tailored to varying ability levels, and options to train in community centres, martial arts dojangs, or aged care facilities. Most notably, it promotes social inclusion, a key factor in reducing isolation and enhancing mental health among older populations.
Dr Luke Del Vecchio, Head of Education & Sports Science at ACExercise, adds:
“We’ve built this program on pilot studies and a growing body of martial arts research, blending traditional techniques with principles of falls prevention. From improving lower limb strength and coordination to enhancing cognitive agility and emotional wellbeing, the potential benefits of Fighting Falls are both promising and meaningful.”
For those interested in adding boxing to their fitness programs, it’s vital to pursue a boxing certification course that teaches trainers how to progress and regress movements while keeping clients safe. This specialised education allows personal trainers to expand their expertise and offer more comprehensive fitness programs.
Ben Exton, Head of Performance at Australian Taekwondo, adds:
“This program has gone through many stages, but partnering with ACExercise represents the final step — taking this martial arts-based approach to the mainstream, not just for martial arts instructors but also for exercise and health professionals.”
Contact us to join the waitlist and be first to launch Fighting Falls in your studio, gym or martial arts facility.