Aaron Johnston CSM
Date Began Martial Arts: 1993
Aaron Johnston serves as a Senior Instructor with Black Dragon Kai and is widely regarded as a national authority in martial arts education, combative systems, and performance-focused training design. With over 30 years of experience, he integrates traditional martial arts with modern close quarter combat methodologies, prioritising personal protection, operational effectiveness, and immersive skill acquisition.
A retired veteran of the Australian Regular Army, Aaron’s distinguished military career spans deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is a former member of the elite 2nd Commando Regiment and a certified Special Forces Close Quarter Fighting Supervisor. His instructional legacy includes foundational leadership roles such as the inaugural Sergeant Major of the 7th Brigade Combat Behaviour Centre, Vice President of the ADF Martial Arts Association, and President of the Integrated Combat Club Brisbane.
Aaron was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in 2022, honouring his outstanding contributions as Senior Instructor and Subject Matter Expert in Army Combatives. His dedication to excellence has continued within Black Dragon Kai, where his influence and commitment have been formally recognised. In 2023, Aaron received the prestigious Gold Kai Award, presented alongside the Black Dragon Kai BJJ Student of the Year, marking a dual celebration of leadership and personal growth within the community.
As the originator of the Point of Impact Training philosophy, Aaron continues to pioneer approaches that equip martial artists and combat professionals to maintain composure under pressure, regulate fear responses, and make ethical decisions in high-stakes environments. His programs transcend physical technique, fostering psychological resilience and moral fortitude to ensure individuals act with integrity when it matters most.
Publications
- Point of Impact Training, The Forge, Published: September 10, 2024,
- https://theforge.defence.gov.au/article/point-impact-training
Martial Arts Ranks
- Red/White Belt - ACP IC CSM
- Red/White Belt - Kinetic Fighting IC
- 3rd Degree Black Belt - Jissen Budo
- 1st Degree Black Belt - Freestyle Martial Arts
- 1st Degree Black Belt - Kwon Bop Do (Taekwondo)
- 1st Degree Black Belt - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Sensei)
- Black Belt - Kokusai Budo Kai
Instructor and Coaching Levels
- Special Forces Close Quarter Fighting Supervisor
- Army Combative Program Level 1, 2, 3 Instructor
- Level 2 NCAS Australian Jujitsu Federation Coaching Course
- KEF IC Instructor Course
Qualifications
- Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience
- Bachelor of Organisational Leadership
- Diploma of Leadership (Army)
- Cert IV Fitness
- Cert III Fitness
- First Aid Certificate
- Mental Health First Aid
- Working with Children Blue Card
Awards
- Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM)
- Gold Kai
- 2023 Black Dragon Kai BJJ Student of the Year
Affiliations
- 7th Brigade Combat Behaviour Centre
Instructor at
By appointment only.
