Stuart started martial arts at 4 years old following his fathers foot steps in Shotokan Karate. Stuart’s father originally owned Karate schools in Scotland and Australia giving Stuart his passion for martial arts. Stuart achieved first dan black belt at 10 years of age, competing in numerous tournaments virtually undefeated as a junior until the age of 17 where he was introduced to Muay Thai kick boxing.
At this point Stuart realised kickboxing was his next big challenge. Training closely with the founder of Bulldog Gym Nick Stone has been Stuarts mentor and trainer since 1992 travelling around Australia stamping the Bulldog name in the ring where ever they went. Together they formed a life long friendship. Stuart second home was Thailand’s Fairtex training camp in Bangkok where he learnt physical and mental conditioning.
Stuarts kickboxing fight record of 30 fights for 27 wins, 17 in the way of KO’s, winning his last 20 straight which included World Kick boxing title and Commonwealth Muay Thai title. Stuart also ventured into professional boxing with 6 fights and 6 wins gained him much respect nation wide within the boxing and kick boxing community. Stuart was known for his speed and precision technique which he now passes onto his students at Bulldog Gym Castle Hill. Now retired Stuart’s focus is on his younger brother Steven McKinnon who recently won the WBC Super Cruiser weight title in Jamaica.
Stuart has also trained many World and National Champions some of these include Shane Meads, Frank Zammit, Danny Abduhla and Mick Neilland. Stuart also trains a number of young up and coming fighters that are constantly in the winner’s corner.
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