Maddy Houston

Head Instructor - 5th Dan

Maddy's journey at Factor10 Martial Arts began in 2002 when at 6 years old she attended at class with her neighbours at the local Taekwondo club run by Master Damien O'Flaherty. Instantly Maddy was hooked, and 23 years later she is now the Head Instructor of the local club she attended her first class at. 

Maddy achieved her 1st Dan Black Belt in 2005 and graded to 5th Dan in 2023. Maddy began competing in competition poomsae in 2005, winning her first Nations Championships that year. Maddy was selected for her first Australian Team in 2014, competing at the Taekwondo Universaide, in China, and was selected again later in the year to compete at the Taekwondo Commonwealth Championships in Scotland, where she achieved a Bronze medal. In 2016 Maddy achieved her biggest goal as an athlete, she was selected to represent Australia at the Poomsae World Championships in Peru; the rush of nerves, adrenaline, excitement, and sense of pride is something Maddy will never forget. 

Maddy began working at Factor10 in 2009 on the reception desk after school, and by 2010 found herself on the mats teaching classes. Maddy always thought Taekwondo was great as a student, and an athlete, but taking the step to become an instructor was one of the best things she have ever done. Being a Taekwondo Instructor, and a Head Instructor is the most rewarding job, it is so wonderful watching students develop as martial artists and, and seeing them grow and develop as people. Taekwondo not only teaches the skills of kicking, punching, striking, and self defence, but it also instils many life skills - discipline, commitment, resilience. 

Factor10 is one of a kind, and Maddy is so grateful that it was the local club that her parents signed her up at.

Taekwondo Qualifications:
5th Dan Black Belt
4th Dan Kukkiwon
International Poomsae Referee
1st Class Australian Taekwondo Poomsae Referee
Level 1 Performance Coach Poomsae
Level 1 Performance Coach Kyorugi 

Coaching Qualifications:
Master of High Performance Sport
Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science
Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport
Certificate III in Fitness

Taekwondo Achievements/Experience:
Australian Taekwondo Staff Member
Australian Taekwondo Queensland Administration Officer
Australian Taekwondo National Championship Poomsae Coordinator 2024
Australian Taekwondo World Poomsae Championships Team Coaching Staff 2022
Australian Taekwondo Univeraide Team 2014
Australian Taekwondo Commonwealth Championships Team 2014 - Bronze Medal
Australian Taekwondo Kukkiwon Hanmadang Team 2015 & 2019
Australian Taekwondo Wolrd Poomsae Championships Team 2016
Australian Taekwondo Online Oceania Championships Team 2021
Australian Taekwondo National Development Squad 2012
Australian Taekwondo Poomsae Officiating Committee Chairperson 2022-2023
Queensland Poomsae Coaching Staff 2017-present 
Queensland Poomsae Performance & Referee Committee Chairperson 2017 -2021

Other Qualifications:
Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
First Aid
CPR
Anti-Doping Fundamentals
Child Protection/Safeguarding Children & Young People
Harassment & Discrimination
Community Coaching Essential Skills Course