Jack Rozinszky OAM is a trailblazer for taekwondo in Australia.  

In 1956 aged 16, he escaped communist Hungary and migrated to Australia two years later. With an existing passion for wrestling and gymnastics, Jack was looking for a place to train in martial arts. So, he created one.  

In 1963, he founded the Melbourne Taekwondo Centre, the first taekwondo club in Australia at the time. Within a couple of years, the club operated as a full-time school, and by the time of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, had a club member participating within the heavyweight class.  

Now, Jack is 9th Dan Jidokwan, the highest attainable rank within the Jidokwan school of taekwondo, and 9th Dan Kukkiwon Grand Master, the highest practical rank attainable in the martial art.  

Jack was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to taekwondo in The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours list.  

“At nearly 85 years old, this recognition motivates me to continue to support the upcoming generations to do their best and have a never-give-up attitude, while representing our great country with pride,” he says.  

“It is a great honour and surprise to be recognised by my peers, and it means a lot to me.”

Jack is also an inductee to the World Taekwondo Hall of Fame, member of the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame and member of the World Taekwondo Federation.  

In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal, instituted to commemorate Australian sporting achievement.  

He says he hopes this recognition will have further impact on the sport.  

“I hope to see more development of taekwondo practitioners, to see family participation through generations in all of our branches, to see the improvement of practitioners as they develop their skills and show support and knowledge being passed onto others, and create safety for all Australians,” he says.  

“Continuing the legacy of the Australian honours system means that others can be recognised for their contribution to the community, personal development, wellbeing, and encourage all Australians.  

“I may not be around for the next 50 years, but will do my utmost to keep encouraging the up-and-coming generations and future Olympians.”