Grand Master Spiridon Cariotis
Head Instructor – USMA Taekwondo
Grand Master Spiridon Cariotis is an 9th Degree Black Belt in ITF Taekwon-do with over 50 years of experience as a practitioner, instructor, coach, and examiner.
He began his Taekwon-do journey in 1970 as a young student in South Australia and has dedicated his life to the study and teaching of the martial art ever since.
In 1993, he founded USMA Taekwon-do, which has grown into a respected school with a strong reputation for quality instruction and long-term student development.
Experience & Background
Grand Master Cariotis has been deeply involved in both the Australian and international Taekwondo community for decades.
His experience includes:
- Over 50 years in martial arts training and instruction
- Former Australian National Team Coach (2002–2019)
- Coaching athletes at World Championships and international competitions
- Qualified International Instructor, Examiner, and Referee
- Experience across multiple martial arts disciplines including Karate, Boxing, Judo, and more
He has also played a role in developing Taekwondo within Australia, including leadership positions and involvement in national organisations.
Developing Students at All Levels
Under Grand Master Cariotis’ guidance, USMA Taekwon-do has produced students who have represented Australia at the highest level.
USMA students have competed internationally and achieved:
- Medals at World Championships
- Success at Asian and European Championships
- Strong results across national and international competitions
In one international campaign, USMA students contributed to 37 medals for Australia, reflecting the depth of training and preparation within the school.
The school has also received wider recognition, including media coverage following outstanding international results.
A Focus on Correct Teaching
At USMA Taekwondo, students learn directly from Grand Master Cariotis, ensuring that techniques are taught clearly and correctly from the start.
It’s a rare oppotunity to learn from a Grand Master on a daily basis
As he often emphasises, the quality of instruction plays a critical role in a student’s development.
With a strong focus on:
- Technical Accuracy
- Structured Progression
- Understanding over Memorisation
- Practical Self Defence
Students build a solid foundation that supports long-term growth in Taekwondo.
Philosophy & Approach
For Grand Master Cariotis, Taekwon-do is more than just physical training. It is about developing people.
For GrandMaster Cariotis, Taekwondo is more than just physical training. It is about developing people.
His teaching places strong importance on:
- Discipline and Self-Control
- Respect for others
- Personal Growth and Confidence
- Building Character through Consistent Training
“It’s not all just punches and kicks. For me, it’s much deeper than that. A connection is created with the people I teach… students discover themselves, build confidence, and learn to overcome their fears.”
This philosophy is reflected in the culture of the dojang and the way students are guided through their training.
A Lifetime Commitment to Taekwondo
The commitment of Grand Master Cariotis to his students for over 30 years has been the foundation of USMA Taekwondo in Australia.
Grand Master Cariotis continues to teach and train full-time, working with students of all ages and levels—from beginners taking their first class through to advanced black belts and international competitors.
Everyone is Welcome – but Space is Limited
