Chief Instructor and school owner Peter “Chewy” Chmielewski began his interest in swords at an age of 12, learning fencing in Europe. Over 12 years, Peter represented his region and Country on a number of occasions. He also practiced Kendo and Karate, before a major life change occurred, taking him to Australia in 1987. Here, Peter taught fencing, first in Adelaide then in Brisbane. His students included members of the Medieval Society and Australian athletes competing in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

In 2007, Peter fell in love with Kumdo (Gumdo), which he learned first from Master Ki Wan Kim and from Master Peter Rozario.

Peter is a member of Kumdo Australia and believes that the Korean Way of the Sword, through its variety, complexity, dynamism, power and philosophy delivers a system of sword fighting like no other. “If you know Kumdo, you know them all…hmm…almost!.”

Peter’s passion for swords is not limited to using them. He has accumulated quite a collection over the years! He also studies related sword techniques – Iaido and Jodo under Sensei David Kolb (Bayside Budokai).