Meet the MINDSET Self-Defence Instructors

Charlie Riley

Head Instructor & Founder

New Zealand & Australia

Charlie brings together more than 35 years of experience in traditional martial arts, street self-defence and close quarters combat. He is an ICS Master Instructor, a certified Master Close Quarters Combat instructor, Black Sash Kung Fu instructor, and Kickboxing and Chinese Boxing instructor. He also holds instructorship qualifications in Unarmed Combatives, Pacific Archipelago Combatives and Filipino Combatives.

In New Zealand, Charlie was the Combat Striking Instructor for the Krav Fighter Gym in Auckland. He has trained thousands of men and women across New Zealand and Adelaide, Australia, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. His experience also includes working with corporate organisations, not-for-profit organisations, educational facilities and community groups to make practical self-defence training accessible.

Charlie’s teaching philosophy combines mental resilience with physical capability, reflecting his belief that effective self-defence begins with the right mindset. Instructor-led self-defence and CQC training is available throughout New Zealand by arrangement.