0410 686 585
Stars and Stories
Our Stars & Champions: Their Success Stories
Laura Morison: Australian & Oceania Champion | 3rd Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt
Laura Morison’s extraordinary journey stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, discipline, expert coaching, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Since beginning her Taekwondo training as a young child in 2007 and joining Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Sydney in 2009, Laura has transformed into one of Australia’s most accomplished and respected martial artists.
Under the world-class guidance of Grand Master Dr Hassan Iskandar OAM and International Master & Elite Coach Kedar Iskandar, Laura developed the technical skill, championship mindset, and leadership qualities that would propel her to the highest levels of competition. Her family’s commitment to travelling across Sydney to train at Pinnacle Martial Arts reflects the academy’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier centres for elite Taekwondo excellence and character development.
Through years of relentless training, Laura earned her prestigious 3rd Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt while building an outstanding competition record. She achieved gold medal success at local, regional, state, national, Oceania, and international championships, proudly representing Australia on the world stage. Her performances consistently demonstrated the discipline, courage, sportsmanship, and determination that define a true champion.
Laura’s achievements were further recognised when she was inducted into the Official World Taekwondo Hall of Fame as a recipient of the prestigious Youth Excellence Award, an honour reserved for exceptional young martial artists who have made a significant impact within the global Taekwondo community.
Beyond her medals and titles, Laura’s success reflects the proven philosophy of Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Sydney—developing champions in life as well as champions in sport. Through a unique combination of physical training, mental resilience, leadership development, and traditional martial arts values, Laura has grown into an inspiring role model for young athletes across Australia.
Today, Laura Morison represents the very best of Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts: excellence, integrity, leadership, and the belief that with expert guidance and relentless determination, extraordinary achievements become possible.
Rosa Li – Australian Taekwondo Champion | Future Medical Leader | Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Sydney
Rosa Li’s remarkable journey is a powerful example of how elite martial arts training can shape champions both on and off the competition floor. As an Australian Taekwondo Champion, academic high achiever, and future medical professional, Rosa’s success reflects the values, discipline, and leadership developed through years of dedicated training at Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Sydney.
Under the expert guidance of Grand Master Dr Hassan Iskandar OAM and International Master & Elite Coach Kedar Iskandar, Rosa developed into an outstanding athlete known for her determination, resilience, and championship mindset. Training at Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts in Marrickville and Chester Hill, she mastered the technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects of elite Taekwondo, earning Gold Medals at Local, State, and National Championships while proudly representing Australia at prestigious international events, including the Korean Open, Australian Open, and Commonwealth Championship selections.
Beyond competition success, Rosa embraced every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Through intense training, she learned to push beyond her limits, develop unwavering self-confidence, and build the resilience required to perform at the highest level. Her experiences competing and training alongside athletes from South Korea, China, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and around the world broadened her perspective and inspired a lifelong passion for learning and leadership.
The lessons Rosa learned through Taekwondo became the foundation for her academic excellence. The focus, perseverance, discipline, and work ethic instilled through martial arts helped her achieve the outstanding ATAR required to gain entry into Medicine at Monash University. Today, she is pursuing her vision of becoming a leader in Global Health, committed to improving healthcare outcomes and making a positive impact on communities worldwide.
Rosa’s story perfectly embodies the Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts philosophy—developing champions in sport, education, leadership, and life. Her achievements demonstrate how world-class coaching, strong values, and relentless dedication can unlock extraordinary potential. Today, Rosa Li remains an inspiring role model for young athletes across Sydney, proving that the skills learned through Taekwondo can create success far beyond the martial arts arena and empower individuals to achieve greatness in every aspect of life.
Mary Cham – 3rd Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt | Champion Athlete | Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Sydney
Mary Cham’s inspiring martial arts journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and the transformative power of world-class Taekwondo training. As a highly respected 3rd Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt, accomplished competitor, and long-standing member of the Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts family, Mary has become an outstanding role model for aspiring martial artists throughout Sydney.
Mary began her journey at Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts in Chester Hill as a dedicated Red Belt with a clear vision—to achieve excellence and earn one of the most prestigious recognitions in the martial arts world. Through years of disciplined training under the guidance of Grand Master Dr Hassan Iskandar OAM, International Master & Elite Coach Kedar Iskandar, and the Pinnacle coaching team, Mary transformed that vision into reality, proudly earning her internationally recognised 3rd Dan Kukkiwon Black Belt from the World Taekwondo Headquarters in South Korea.
Throughout her Taekwondo career, Mary consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Her impressive achievements include success at Local, School, State, and National Championships, where she established herself as one of Pinnacle’s most respected competitors. While injury prevented her from pursuing international representation, her dedication and perseverance throughout every challenge exemplified the true spirit of a martial artist.
Mary’s technical excellence in Taekwondo, practical self-defence skills, and outstanding martial arts ability have earned admiration from coaches, competitors, and fellow students alike. More importantly, her humility, leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement have made her a valued mentor and inspiration within the Pinnacle community.
Her success reflects the Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts philosophy of developing champions both on and off the mat. Through expert coaching, structured training, and a strong emphasis on respect, discipline, confidence, and resilience, Mary has achieved far more than belts and medals—she has developed the character and leadership qualities that will benefit her for life.
Today, Mary Cham proudly represents the high standards of Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Sydney. Her journey demonstrates that with dedication, expert instruction, and a supportive martial arts family, extraordinary achievements are possible. She remains a shining example of excellence, inspiring the next generation of students at Pinnacle Martial Arts in Marrickville, Chester Hill, and across Sydney to pursue their goals with confidence, determination, and unwavering commitment.
Olivia Tarlamis is a shining example of what dedication, discipline, and the right coaching can achieve through martial arts. Training at Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts in Sydney, Olivia has developed into both an Australian Taekwondo Champion and an award-winning dancer, proving that true excellence comes from well-rounded training.
Under the expert guidance of Grand Master Dr Hassan Iskandar, International Master Elite Coach Kedar Iskandar, and Elite Coach Christian Tarlamis, Olivia has built not only elite-level Taekwondo skills but also confidence, focus, and resilience. Their world-class coaching at Pinnacle Martial Arts Sydney has played a crucial role in shaping her journey.
Olivia’s achievements speak for themselves. She earned a Gold Medal at the 2016 Australian Taekwondo Championships in Victoria in the Black Belt division and was awarded Dancer of the Year in 2018 for the second time. Her success highlights the powerful connection between Taekwondo and dance—two disciplines that demand flexibility, balance, coordination, and mental focus.
Training at Pinnacle Martial Arts in Marrickville has strengthened Olivia’s physical ability, particularly her leg strength and balance, which directly enhances her performance in ballet. At the same time, the discipline and structure of Taekwondo patterns have sharpened her memory, precision, and overall athletic performance.
Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts in Sydney is more than just a martial arts academy—it is a place where students develop life skills that extend far beyond the mat. By combining Taekwondo with elements of Karate, Kung Fu, self-defence, and martial arts fitness, Pinnacle offers a complete training system that builds strong, confident, and capable individuals.
Olivia Tarlamis’ journey is proof that cross-training is a key to success. Through her commitment to both Taekwondo and dance, she embodies what it means to be determined, resilient, and an inspirational role model.
Bassam Hames Kara-Hassan is a shining example of dedication, discipline, and excellence.
As the proud recipient of the Rainbow Crossings Young Champion Award, Bassam has shown remarkable commitment to his Taekwondo journey at Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Sydney, inspiring everyone around him with his focus, perseverance, and champion mindset.
We are also proud of Bassam Hames for winning the 2022 and 2023 NSW Champion titles, as well as becoming an Australian Taekwondo Champion through outstanding performances. His success reflects not only his hard work, but also the strength of the Pinnacle community and coaching culture. From training floor to competition arena, Bassam continues to grow as a talented athlete, a respectful role model, and a young leader with a bright future ahead.
Sam Iskandar: Australian Champion 2024 and 2025
Sam Iskandar is a true champion and a proud representative of Pinnacle Martial Arts Sydney. With 20 gold medals and zero losses across national, state, regional, and local competition, Sam has set an extraordinary standard of dedication, discipline, and excellence.
His achievements as Australian Champion in Brisbane 2024 and Adelaide 2025 reflect not only his natural talent, but also the relentless work ethic and championship mindset that define his journey.
At ASMA 2026, Sam once again proved his greatness by competing with a Red Belt rank in the Black Belt Division against two top-tier black belts. He won every round by 12-point margins in both fights, securing gold in a remarkable display of technical skill, confidence, and composure under pressure. This was more than a victory — it was a statement of excellence and a powerful example of what can be achieved through commitment and belief.
Sam’s success is a reflection of years of hard work, elite coaching, and the strong support of the Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy. His journey continues to inspire every student who steps onto the mat, showing that with focus, discipline, and perseverance, outstanding achievements are within reach.
Bassam Hames Kara-Hassan is a shining example of dedication, discipline, and excellence.
As the proud recipient of the Rainbow Crossings Young Champion Award, Bassam has shown remarkable commitment to his Taekwondo journey at Pinnacle Taekwondo Martial Arts Sydney, inspiring everyone around him with his focus, perseverance, and champion mindset.