Address: Unit 2/6 Seasands Drive
Redhead 2290
Phone: (02) 4942 6656
Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centre Redhead
Our centre in Redhead is a direct branch of the Warners Bay Headquarters, owned by Sensei Anna Hayes and Mel Hayes, and run by their teaching team of Sensei Joel Holland, Sensei Kaia Hayes, Sensei Neve Elliot and Sempai Davie McEwan. Our instructors encourage learning and growth through evidence based curriculum and there is a strong emphasis on wellbeing.
Sensei Joel began training as a Dynamite when the Redhead centre was located in Belmont North, Sensei Kaia began training as a Kindymite at the Warners Bay centre, and Sensei Neve began as a Dragon at the Morisset centre. They are passionate instructors, providing their vast experience and caring support to the Redhead students. With the added support of Sempai Davie McEwan who runs the BJJ beginner program, and Mat Rats, together they run a family oriented centre with a growing group of dedicated students, creating a wonderful learning atmosphere and a welcoming dojo for students of all ages and their families.
Age specific classes include:
Minimites (3 & 4 years)
Kindymites (5 & 6 years)Â
Dynamites (6-9 years)
Dragons (9-14 years)
Adults (14+ years)
Matayoshi Kobudo (Okinawan Weaponry)Â
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (14+ years)
Mat Rats (6-14 years)
Hunter Fight Fit (6+ years)
Come down and see our friendly staff and join our martial arts family today!
HVMAC is a registered Active Kids Provider!
Book your free intro session now!
HVMAC Redhead Training Schedule
Brian Hayes
Kyoshi | Chief Instructor | HVMAC Principal
Kyoshi Brian Hayes has been teaching Chitokai Karate since 1983. He was graded to 7th Degree Black Belt by his instructor, Hanshi Ken Sakamoto, in Kumamoto in 2018.
Sensei Hayes has won national titles in Arnis, Koshiki karate and also as a NSW team member for 8 years at the Australian Karate Federation national titles.
Competed in five Chito Ryu world titles, winning tournament Grand Champion in 2001 in Kumamoto Japan.
Sensei Hayes is also a Silver level NCAS coach and holds a Diploma in Sports Coaching.
Along with his wife, Shihan Sandy Hayes, he founded the Hunter Valley Martial Arts Centres, and is responsible as Chief Instructor for teacher training and grading standards at HVMAC dojos.
Sensei Hayes also holds a 6th Degree Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo, a Shodan in Iaido and a brown belt in Machado Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Sandy Hayes
Shihan | Master Instructor | HVMAC Principal
Shihan Sandy started Judo in a small town in British Columbia, Canada at the age of 11. She started karate in the 1980's at the age of 15. She was the only girl in the class.
On the provincial team from 1986-1990 in Canada, and on the NSW state team 1992-1998.
1986 Soke Cup - bronze in kata
1992 Soke Cup - bronze in kata and gold in team kumite
Australian Karate Federation nationals - bronze in team kata
Sensei Sandy is dedicated to empowering women and children in the community. She developed the Kindymites and Minimites programs, and the Fight Fit program.
Anna Hayes
Shihan | Master Instructor | Studio Principal
Sensei Anna began karate at the age of five in 2004 and attained her Fourth Degree Black Belt at age 26 in 2025.
Sensei Anna joined the NSW state team, Australian Karate Federation, in 2015 at age 16 and placed first at her first National event that year in the Junior Kumite event. She continued competing in the state team for six years.
Anna is also a Fourth Degree Black Belt in Matayoshi Kobudo, a Second Degree Black Belt in the Hunter Fight Fit program and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Anna graduated a bachelor degree in Communications majoring in media production in 2021 and became HVMAC's media manager. She now owns HVMAC Warners Bay and Redhead with sister-in-law Mel Hayes.
Mel Hayes
Studio Principle
Mel started working at HVMAC Warners Bay as program director in August 2006.
Mel is business partners with father-in-law Kyoshi Hayes in Rock and Water Australia. Mel is a skilled business, marketing and events manager.
Mel also works with husband Ben Hayes at his Newcastle based media company Eluminate.
Joel Holland
Shidoin | Senior Instructor
Sensei Joel began karate in 2007, achieved his Dynamites black belt in 2009, and his Senior Sandan in 2022. He achieved his Kobudo Nidan in 2023, and his BJJ blue belt in 2024. Sensei Joel was in the NSW state team in 2020.
Sensei Joel took on a full time position with HVMAC in 2024. He is also an accredited Rock and Water provider. Sensei Joel is the head instructor at our Redhead centre.
Kaia Hayes
Shidoin | Senior Instructor
Sensei Kaia began karate at the age of three in 2006 and achieved her 3rd degree black belt and Shidoin rank in December 2025.
Sensei Kaia joined the NSW state team, Australian Karate Federation, at age 12 in 2015 and competed for NSW for six years.
Kaia graduated a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours at the University of Newcastle in 2025 and is a Rock and Water accredited provider.
Ashley Weston
Assistant Instructor
Sempai Ashley is an advanced Chitokai karate student, and also trains in Okinawan Kobudo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Belinda Moss
Fight Fit Instructor
Edward Moss
Assistant Instructor
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