Chief Instructor Lachlan Cooper
Lachlan Cooper — Founder & Chief Instructor of Red Croc Martial Arts and 6th Degree Black belt
Lachlan Cooper is the founder and Chief Instructor of Red Croc Martial Arts (RCMA), a modern martial arts organisation built on the philosophy “Success Through Failure.” With more than three decades of martial arts training and 20+ years of military service, Lachlan brings real-world leadership, discipline, and operational experience into every class he teaches.
Lachlan enlisted in the Australian Army in 2000 and began his career as an Infantry soldier with 3RAR (Parachute Battalion). During a break in service from 2005 to 2010, he completed a Carpentry trade and worked as a Correctional Officer before re-enlisting and continuing his military career.
In 2010, Lachlan was posted to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment as an Armoured Vehicle Driver. In 2014, he transferred to the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, serving with the 1st Military Police Battalion and a Domestic Policing Unit. Across his career, he deployed operationally to East Timor, Afghanistan, Malaysia, and Singapore, ultimately attaining the rank of Sergeant.
His military service shaped his approach to martial arts — practical, disciplined, and focused on resilience, leadership, and situational awareness. Parallel to his service, Lachlan has trained in martial arts for close to 4 decades, developing deep experience across traditional and modern combative systems.
Martial Arts Qualifications
6th Degree Black Belt — United Tae Kwon Do
1st Degree — KEF-IC Army Combatives
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
Krav Maga Instructor (KMG)
Lachlan’s lifelong contribution to martial arts has been formally recognised with international honours, including:
- Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame — Budoka of the Year (2010)
- World Karate Hall of Fame 2010
- Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame — Lifetime Achievement Award (2025)
The Founding Of RCMA
Red Croc Martial Arts was founded as a direct extension of his service mindset — to build capable, confident people who can handle adversity both on and off the mat.
Under Lachlan’s leadership, RCMA focuses on: Developing confidence and resilience in children and adults Teaching practical self-defence and awareness Building leadership and discipline Creating a strong, supportive martial arts community His mission is simple and unwavering: To help people become stronger, more capable, and more confident in life — not just in martial arts. Success Through Failure.
Notable Qualifications
Diploma of Leadership and Management
Diploma Of Government
Diploma of sports coaching (currently studying)
Cert 4 in investigations
Cert 3 Carpentry