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Get to know the Coaches at Personal Strength

Passionate, Knowledgeable, Qualified Professionals
That Care About Your Outcome

Portrait picture of Coach Tim Brown

Tim Brown

Tim founded Personal Strength to help people, and his vocation includes Self Defence training and Strength & Conditioning Coaching.

He specialises in mental, verbal and physical self defence skills for for ‘at risk’ populations such as kids, teen girls, teen boys and women.  This includes bully blocking, boundary setting, respectful relationships, positive role modelling, verbal de-escalation skills and effective physical self defence.  He has run local seminars and workshops with Ku-Ring-Gai Council Youth Services, BodyShape Female Fitness Centres, Neighbourhood Watch and custom programs for St Ives High School.

Whether you want to grow your confidence, learn self defence skills to protect yourself and your loved ones, or have a specific physical goal – Tim is here to help.

Qualifications:

  • Black Belt in 3 different Jujitsu styles (Australia and Japan – 2005, 2009, 2019)
  • Personal Defense Readiness (PDR) Fundamentals Coach (USA -2011)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses (2022)
  • Essential Skills in Mens' Behaviour Change Programs (2025 – NSW Health, ECAV)
  • Certificate IV in Fitness (Personal Trainer and Children’s Trainer – 2008)
  • Australian Strength & Conditioning Association (ASCA) Level 1 Coach (2014)

Sally Thompson

Sally has a passion for helping women exercise to help them reach weight loss andfitness goals and to provide pelvic floor safe exercise programs for women with a weak pelvic floor/bladder – due to childbirth, family history etc. or for those recovering from any pelvic surgery and to maintain bone strength for osteoporosis prevention (and to relieve the symptoms of menopause).

Qualifications:

  • BAppSc (Health Education)
  • Certificate III & IV Personal Trainer (MMISS accredited fitness trainer)
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Applied First Aid (Senior First Aid)
  • For more about Sally and the Pelvic Floor Fitness Project click here

Cameron has been a participant and instructor at Personal Strength for almost 10 years!

Having started their journey in the teens self defence classes, Cameron has since gone from strength to strength in helping kids and teens grow their confidence.   Cameron's passion for meeting people where they are, and assisting them on their journey, is evident to any who see them in action in classes.

When not working, studying or training, you will find Cameron involved with Rovers, Gang Show and enthusiastically engaging in all types of fun activities!

Qualifications:

  • Black Belt in Personal Strength Jujitsu
  • Currently studying Auslan

Cameron

Zach

Before training at Personal Strength, Zach had previous training in Taekwondo. After moving on from Taekwondo, he delved into playing AFL. However, he felt the need to increase his fitness and physical confidence, so he started participating in the kid's fitness classes and has continued to train ever since. 

Zach is a regular participant in self-defence, fitness and weights sessions at Personal Strength. As well as being a fun and engaging ninja kids class and teen self defence instructor, he is also a qualified fitness instructor. 

When not on the mats, Zach is playing the blues on his guitar or recording voice-over.

Qualifications:

  • Purple Belt with Stripe in Personal Strength Jujitsu
  • Certificate III in Fitness at TAFE
  • Applied First Aid (Senior First Aid)
  • HSC – Honour Roll for achieving Band 6 in Music 1

Siena is a welcome addition to the instructor team.

Not only does her calm manner facilitate kids classes, but her contributions to kids syllabus development, and the administration our Leadership Program has enhanced our kids classes.

Siena trained in Karate to black belt, has participated in our boxing class for years, and is rapidly adding Jujitsu to her martial arsenal.

You would be lucky to find Siena in her down time, as she loves to travel!  🙂

Qualifications:

  • Black Belt in Karate
  • Purple Belt with Stripe in Personal Strength Jujitsu
  • Enrolled in Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Siena

Blank profile picture, that looks like a pirate!

Grace

Grace is an assistant kids class instructor.

Bio coming soon!

Qualifications:

  • Purple Belt with Stripe in Personal Strength Jujitsu

Miles is an assistant kids class instructor.

Bio coming soon!

Qualifications:

  • Purple Belt in Personal Strength Jujitsu
Blank profile picture, that looks like a pirate!

Miles

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Our Clients

Testimonials

We've helped many people take control of their lives and learn to lead a better, stronger and more fulfilled life etc.
Check out what our current and past clients had say!

Self Defence For Women
Tim’s workshop has provided me a great insight of defending myself in dangerous situations. It was comprehensive and easy to understand. Started with knowing nothing about self defence, I walked away with confidence of protecting myself in just 2 hours.
Vikki Song
Self Defence For Women
Tim’s self-defence class gave me the skills to be more confident in being able to protect myself as well as making me more aware of my surroundings and being able to read situations before they got out of hand. Thanks Tim.
Jackie Stokes
Self Defence For Women
I attended a Self Defence workshop for women yesterday. It was excellent!! I learnt so much and really enjoyed the whacking part of it!! Thank you, Tim!
Kathy Campbell
Adults Fitness
More than just a gym! I would highly recommend Personal Strength to anyone who is looking to gain strength and confidence as well as to anyone looking to improve their performance in other sports. As a distance runner, cyclist and dragon-boat racer,… read more
Lisa Mah
Adults Fitness
Tim, thanks again for your demo yesterday afternoon on using the foam roller. I was always under the impression that as long as you felt OK (i.e. no sore points) then that indicated that the body was basically relaxed. Your simple demo yesterday has blown… read more
John O.
Adults Fitness
Great private gym! Tim is friendly and approachable and the atmosphere of a Personal Strength session is quite unique! His experience and knowledge is beyond most trainers you’ll meet meaning that you’ll always get value for money and far more attention… read more
Rocky Huang
Adults Fitness
Tim is a transformational coach that I have being training with for last 8 years. Tim uses the principles functional fitness that develops fitness for everyday life. Tim has taken the best of different fitness methodologies to develop his own program…. read more
Adam Davis
Adults Fitness
Great local gym with a very welcoming environment. I’ve been training with Tim for years and I have always enjoyed his personalised approach which helped me to achieve my goals. Tim is always very encouraging and makes each training session challenging,… read more
S L
Adults Fitness
Tim helped me turn around my health and fitness completely. After 27 years of inactivity, he showed me the way to a healthier, stronger and rewarding way of life, and all in such a short time. My hat’s off to you my friend.
Chris Raap
Personal Training
Tim’s personal approach and genuine concern for my well being and progress is unique, and his advice on diet, exercise and mental/emotional balance means I enjoy a well-rounded health regime. I have seen enormous benefits from attending FunFit and… read more
Mike Godfrey
Tracy-Lee Reaper profile picture
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My son , now 19 , mentioned yesterday that he was so grateful to have taken your teens self-defense classes! Apart from the fun physical classes and solid defense methods learnt. He said that the skills and knowledge gained have been invaluable. If he finds himself in a potentially threatening situation, he is able to draw on the awareness and de-escalation techniques he learned in class to safely diffuse the situation. He says “The instructors taught us how to trust our instincts, assess risks, and prioritize our safety above all else. I feel more empowered and prepared to handle any situation that comes my way. I highly recommend these self-defense classes to anyone looking to gain practical skills and confidence!"
Tracy-Lee Reaper
Brandon Szeto profile picture
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Been training in martial arts for 15 years, I appreciate the quality of Sensei Tim's instruction and the depth of his skill. Incredibly honoured to be a part of the academy
Brandon Szeto
Leo Li profile picture
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Had no idea what i was getting into upon engaging this class for my daughter, at her own request.. But it's been the best few years worth of memories of our lives. For my little girl and for me as well ! Thank you very much sensei Tim🙏.
Leo Li
Nadia Batchelor profile picture
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My daughter does kick boxing sessions weekly at personal strength. She enjoys the supportive and safe environment whilst having fun keeping fit. Tim has created a great space for young people to be the best version of themselves.
Nadia Batchelor
S L profile picture
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UPDATE: it's been almost 5 years since I left this review. We're still going strong! I'm still training with Tim 💪 My now 10-year-old son is still doing Ninjas classes 👍 Great local gym with a very welcoming environment. I've been training with Tim for almost 2 years and I always enjoyed his personalised approach which helped me to achieve my goals. Tim is always very encouraging and makes each training session challenging, but rewarding. Apart from training adults, Tim is excellent working with kids and my 5.5yo son is always looking forward for his next Little Ninjas classes, which he started as a 3-year-old. Kids classes are always fun, with a mix of games and various exercises teaching self-awareness and safety. I would definitely recommend FunFit to everyone.
S L
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Fantastic mix of fitness, self-defence and life skills in a fun environment. Builds confidence, respect and strength - both physical and mental - in the children. Highly recommend!
Karen Wakil
Estelle Demontrond-Box profile picture
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My boy really enjoys Tim's teenagers' fitness classes: Tim is very encouraging and motivating and has a good sense of humour! The class is very energetic and fun! Highly recommend!
Estelle Demontrond-Box
Edward Kim profile picture
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Tim always keeps the workouts fresh and interesting and was always committed to safety. Workouts were always challenging but catered to the level you were at. Never a boring session and looked forward to them always. Great community feel and music too! Only reason I'm not going anymore is because I moved to the other side of Sydney.
Edward Kim
Ruth Hawkins profile picture
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Both my 4 year old girl and 6 year boy absolutely love the classes. They've done lots of other activities over the years but there's something about being a little ninja that makes them light up and they enjoy every minute of the class.
Ruth Hawkins
Michael Darcy profile picture
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Great classes. My daughter loves them. They're a good mix of fun, fitness, knowledge and skills. An awesome find.
Michael Darcy