our mission is to train 1 million students with the communication skills that will help them survive and thrive
we have maths, english and science, but we don’t have any systemised verbal training to deal with jerks, how to raise concerns and to live your dreams.
ABOUT
SKF founder Matt Purcell has been in the trenches, mentoring and speaking to youth across Australia for over a decade. Traveling to rural towns and major cities, there was a clear problem: students lacked the verbal and critical thinking skills to deal with conflict and achieve their dreams. It was WORDS that caused most of the issues in young people's worlds.
“I believe SKF is the key that will unlock the door to improving the well-being and confidence of the next generation. It guides youth to see how amazing they really are and how powerful their words can be. When students are taught the philosophy of SKF which is grounded in psychology, I believe we will see a generation rise up to be defenders of truth and not be OFFENDED by the truth. A generation who are respectful, confident, and seekers of truth. ”
For most of us, it’s a sad truth: No one has systematically trained us on how to speak effectively under pressure.
We have many physical self-defense codes such as boxing, karate, judo, and UFC. However, most of these are useless in everyday life because research has shown that the most common form of abuse in our culture is not physical, but rather verbal abuse
Social Kung Fu offers a new generation of verbal training that works when people are under pressure. It provides a set of techniques and principles that aim to equip young people with personal protection, improve their self esteem and become better communicators in their schools, workplaces and homes.
Social Kung Fu tightly adheres to the Australian Student Wellbeing framework as well as meet the Australian Curriculum outcomes for General Capabilities.
It has been built on the latest psychological evidenced based research around adolescent mental health and through the decade plus experience from Matt Purcell who has worked with hundreds of schools across Australia.
“Matt's work with the youth is remarkable. His energy, insight and experience working with young people is something every school and parent need to listen to. Very excited about Social Kung Fu.
— Dr Suzy Green - CEO of the Positivity Institute
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Matt Purcell
FOUNDER & CEO
Matt’s life goal has been to give back and to help people who might feel as though they don’t fit in to learn to understand themselves and overcome the negative emotions and mindsets that can hold them back. Matt partners with non for profits, and churches, and he founded his own mentoring center which supported hundreds of youth in music, academics, and life coaching. He was also an NDIS provider which he later sold.
He holds a Diploma in Mental Health and was nominated as Australian Of The Year for his work with youth in his community. -
Andrew mooney
NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Andrew is the national program director at Social Kung Fu and has been a passionate middle school educator for over a decade. He loves to bring learners together for highly engaging and meaningful learning experiences where they will be inspired, challenged and most of all, equipped.
Andrew has worked in Breakfast Radio and Founded one Australia’s largest Aid Agency Festival (Another Way to Love).
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natasha collins
CURRICULUM DEVELOPER
Natasha graduated from the University of New South Wales with a double degree in Arts and Education. With almost a decade of teaching experience, she understands the need for innovative and engaging wellbeing programs that accommodate the busyness of school life. In her Wellbeing role as a Ministry Coordinator, she realised the need for explicit teaching in self awareness and mental resilience using contemporary and engaging content. Natasha is excited to see how students will grow in confidence and courage through the SKF program.
HOW we DO IT
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON TRAINING
Watching a boring video isn’t going to cut through to students today. That’s why our delivery is live, virtual, and interactive without some of the most engaging content that is out there. Being virtual means we can reach the often unreachable schools in remote areas. We want everybody to be able to access SKF training.
PRACTICAL SCRIPTS & TOOLS
We equip students with scripts, mental health education, and exercises that build critical thinking, and confidence and prepare them to be ready for anything. Schools can access our library of scripts and videos to revisit the content.
DOJO SESSIONS
Our DOJO Sessions simulate a real conflict. Students pair off and practice what they have learned, some students practice online with other schools. This is a fun, engaging, and useful part of our training. Like all forms of self-defence, it’s about simulating a real situation so we can practice in a controlled and safe environment.
learn more
Matt on National Television speaking on youth issues 2015
Matt speaking in Knox Grammar
Matt speaking on Wesley Mission Tv
Changing Lives