Meet the Instructor

Mike Pitros teaches because he believes martial arts can genuinely change a person - not through belts or recognition, but through the slow, honest work of understanding how to move, think, and carry yourself. His teaching reflects a simple belief:

Martial arts is not about memorising routines or collecting belts. It is a path of principle, awareness, discipline, and personal growth.

Early Martial Arts Journey

Mike began his Kenpo journey in 2005 in Melbourne, where he developed a foundation in structure, precision, and respect for training.
These early years shaped his direction and instilled the values that guide his teaching today.

Training Under Grandmaster Paul Mills

In late 2016, Mike began studying the system of Kenpo developed by Grandmaster Paul Mills, a direct protégé of Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker.
After training personally with Mr. Mills in 2016, he continued his training under Ms. Kathy Owen at Newark Kenpo Karate in Delaware, under Mr. Mills’ guidance.

Through this training, Mike gained a deep appreciation for Kenpo’s:

  • logical motion

  • flow and continuity

  • timing and structure

  • principle-based understanding

These principles remain central to his movement and teaching philosophy.

Still a Student

Mike's training didn't stop when he earned his black belt - it deepened. He continues to study regularly, attending seminars and training with the senior black belts who were shaped by, and remain committed to, Grandmaster Mills' system. For Mike, being in the room with people who knew Mr. Mills and carry his principles forward is not an obligation - it's a privilege.

Judo, studied under Mr. Ech Neng Tan at Phnom Doun Penh Judo Club, has deepened his understanding of balance, leverage, posture, and controlled motion - qualities that enrich his Kenpo foundation considerably.

Under Sifu Nino Pilla, whose decades of experience span multiple disciplines, Mike continues to broaden his understanding of timing, structure, flow, and movement efficiency.

A Deeper Perspective on Martial Arts

In October 2025, Mike completed a thesis on the balance of mind, body, and spirit, a project undertaken as part of his journey toward black belt.
This work reinforced his belief that martial arts must go beyond physical skill; it should cultivate emotional control, mental clarity, responsibility, and resilience.

This perspective shapes his approach to teaching every student.

Teaching Philosophy

Mike’s teaching emphasises:

  • principle over memorisation

  • understanding over repetition

  • awareness over reaction

  • structure over strength

  • calmness over chaos

  • quality over speed

Belts are earned through genuine understanding and consistent effort, never rushed or handed out automatically.
Each rank reflects real progress, not status.

Mike’s goal is to create an environment where students of all ages can grow safely, respectfully, and purposefully.

Commitment to Lineage

Mike remains committed to training and advancing within the lineage of the late Grandmaster Paul Mills’ system of Kenpo.
He teaches with humility, clarity, and an unwavering respect for the principles passed down through his instructors.

He honours this lineage not by imitation, but by preserving its essence with precision, integrity, and continued study.

Skill over Spectacle.

i.

Principle First

Every technique is taught with the reasoning behind it, so students learn to adapt rather than memorise.

ii.

Calm Under Pressure

Training environments are demanding but supportive. Composure is built through repetition, not fear.

iii.

Long-Term Development

No shortcuts, no belt chasing. Real skill takes time, and we honour that pace for every student.