About Success Martial Arts Lismore
A long standing part of the Lismore community
For over four decades, families in Lismore have trusted our school as a place where children and adults can train and grow with confidence.
We are a stable, established school with deep local roots, consistent leadership, and a clear way of teaching that has stood the test of time.
People come to us for different reasons.
They stay because the environment feels organised, supportive, and real.
What we believe about training
We believe good teaching is calm, structured, and consistent.
Children learn best when expectations are clear and encouragement is steady.
Adults learn best in focused environments where progress is practical and ego is left at the door.
We value clear instruction, patient teaching, steady progression, and respect for each student as an individual.
We care about doing the basics well, week after week.
Experience you can rely on
Our teaching approach has been refined over many years of working with thousands of students across different ages and life stages.
lessons start and finish with purpose
students know what is expected
teachers are prepared, attentive, and present
Consistency is built into how we train and how we teach.
The people you will meet
Our teaching team is made up of committed professionals who care deeply about their role.
They are guides and role models that students see week after week.
What matters most to us is character, reliability, and the ability to connect with students in a thoughtful way.
Parents regularly tell us they value knowing who is teaching their child and that those people are consistent, capable, and calm.
meet our teachers
SENSEI RICHARD MARLIN
Founder
For over 40 years, Richard Marlin has guided students, supported families, and mentored instructors through martial arts in the Lismore community.
He established Success Martial Arts with a focus on structure, steady progression, and developing capable teachers who lead by example. He continues to shape the direction and standards of the school today.
SENSEI LISA MARX
Senior instructor and teacher of teachers
For over 25 years, Lisa Marx has been part of Success Martial Arts, leading program delivery and supporting the development of instructors through leadership and teacher training.
Her classes are energetic, structured, and clear, with a strong emphasis on consistency and standards.
Sensei Deborah Lindsay
Senior instructor
For over 15 years, Deborah Lindsay has been part of Success Martial Arts and has more than 10 years’ experience teaching children and adults.
She brings steadiness and clarity to her classes, helping students feel safe and capable as they progress.
A place that feels right
Our school culture is shaped intentionally.
Classes are structured.
The atmosphere is welcoming.
Students are encouraged to try, improve, and support one another.
There is room here for confident students, quiet students, beginners, and people returning to training later in life.
Everyone starts somewhere.
What matters is being met with respect and clear guidance.
If this feels like the kind of environment you are looking for, the next step is simple.
You are welcome to book a free introductory lesson and experience the school for yourself.
Meet the team.
See how classes run.
Decide if it feels right for you or your child.