On Saturday 4 June 2005 the annual Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (AMAHOF) awards were presented at the Holiday Inn at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
The AMAHOF encourages, promotes, develops, extends and supervises martial arts throughout Australasia. It was established in 1995 to recognise and reward the outstanding service of martial artists of all styles in the pursuit of excellence.
This year esteemed member of the Peter Morton Academy of Judo Jujitsu Karate, Peggy O’Malley, was inducted into AMAHOF and the World Karate Union Hall of Fame (WKUHOF) as: Instructor of the year – Jujitsu (New South Wales). Also at the awards ceremony, the International San-Ryu-Do Federation presented the Founder of the academy, Peter Morton, with a Medal of Honour and life membership of the federation. Peggy began her martial arts training in 1971, graded for Shodan (1st dan black belt) in 1983, was awarded life membership of the academy in 2002, appointed to the Board of Directors of the academy in 2004 and awarded the rank of Godan (5th dan black belt) in 2005.
Peggy is a valued member of the academy, participating in many martial arts exhibitions for the local community at festivals and fund raising events. She has taught junior and senior students of the academy at various branches in the Queanbeyan and Canberra region and conducted self-defence courses for women demonstrating how a female can defend herself when under physical or mental attack, and imparting to women that they are not helpless.
Martial arts, netball, tennis, little athletics, running and basketball are sporting activities that Peggy loves and has been involved in over the past three decades. Of all these sports it is the academy – its philosophy and style of martial arts – that has had the most impact on Peggy.
Through teaching Peggy has seen young children grow into young adults with self-confidence and an understanding that with persistence and dedication most of life’s problems can be overcome.
She is currently teaching at the Radcliffe branch of the academy and it is through teaching that Peggy has endeavoured to pass on the philosophy and teachings of the academy.
With the motto of the academy, Be Master of Yourself, forming the basis of her day-to-day life, Peggy has gained lifelong friendships, inner strength and an ability to overcome obstacles in her own life.