Tom Adam from Canberra Martial Arts is the new President of the Phillip Business Community, taking over from long-time member Robert Issell.

A local Phillip business owner, Tom started Canberra Martial Arts in January 2011 after moving to Canberra with his wife and two young children.

“When we started we were 3 members in a small room at the Phillip Pool and the goal was to have 10 members by the end of the year. Well, at the end of the year we had 50 members and a lease in Colbee Court,” says Tom.

“Back in 2016, someone said I had a ‘nice hobby business’ and I didn’t sleep for 2 days. So I decided it was time to take action.

“In 2018 I walked away from a job at the Department of Defence and went full time.

“The club is going from strength to strength and now has over 330 members and teaches 5 different styles of martial arts and 3 fitness programs,” says Tom.

Canberra Martial Arts teaches HapKiDo, TaeKwonDo, Kumdo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Taekyun as well as Women’s Self Defence courses, early morning bootcamps, cardio boxing and Turbo30 Fitness classes. It’s also very much a community and offers over 40 classes per week for ages 5 to over 60.

Tom believes Canberra is a great place to start a business. With its low unemployment rates and higher disposable income, people also have free time and really invest in their lifestyle and invest in themselves.

“Martial arts are really popular and there are so many clubs in Canberra that people asked me how I was going to compete”.

Tom says he doesn’t think that way.

“There are three other schools in Phillip and we talk to each other. They aren’t my competitors, they are my colleagues. They teach different stuff to me and everyone has their own niche”.

While moving to Canberra and starting Canberra Martial Arts was a learning curve, Tom believes his education and previous experience running a business has stood him in good stead.

Tom chose Phillip as the location for his business because of its central location and he became involved with the Phillip Business Community after seeing how badly the area was in need of upgrading and invigoration.

“Some of the outcomes we want to achieve include the beautification of the area and fair parking. The Phillip Business Community is also working to create marketing opportunities for the businesses in the area as well as social and educational events for members,” says Tom.

The Philip Business Community is working with the other business precincts of Hume, Fyshwick and Mitchell to put across the views of the business community to government and has recently contributed to a budget submission.

“While there is overlap in issues facing the different precincts, each area has its own unique challenges,” says Tom.

“In Mitchell it might be sidewalks, but in Phillip parking is a major issue.

“We are also keen to work with the other precincts to cross-promote businesses especially as some of them have multiple locations across Canberra”.

So, if you have a business in Phillip or are thinking of locating your business in the area, make sure to get in contact with the Phillip Business Community. They are a great resource for local knowledge, advocacy and social and educational networking events. If its time to get off the couch and get active, don’t forget to talk to Tom at Canberra Martial Arts where you will no doubt find a fitness program that meets your needs.