About me
Oceania Champion – Australia National Karate Team Member, Noumea, New Caledonia
My Socio-Political Psychology Seminar, Brisbane
My name is Peymân NikNazar (pronounced Peymaan, meaning “vow” or “promise” in Persian). I am a proud Persian-Australian and a globally recognised multidisciplinary authority whose expertise spans leadership, psychology, politics, philosophy, martial arts and modern dance. With over two decades of elite international experience, I deliver high-impact, cross-sectoral services to clients, executives, institutions, and organisations across the globe.
I offer the following premium, results-driven services:
- Advanced Leadership Strategy & Executive Management Consulting
- Effective Applied Psychology Training & Mental Health Mastery
(Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Strategic Counselling & Life Coaching) - Domestic & International Political Analysis & Strategic Political Leadership Consulting
- Advisory for Social Movements & Socio-Political Campaigns
- Public Motivational Speaking – including global conferences, masterclass seminars, and executive workshops
- Academic Research in Socio-Political Psychology & Postmodern Philosophy
- Elite Martial Arts, Tactical Self-Defence & Military Close-Combat Training
- Advanced Multidisciplinary Dance Instruction
Graduation Ceremony in Politics at The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane
My Applied Psychology Seminar, Monash University, Melbourne
Honoured to serve in leadership roles during my compulsory military service in the Iranian (Persian) Army as a Second Lieutenant. I led a military close-combat and commando training base and served as head coach for the Army’s Karate and Judo teams, preparing elite units for the All-Iranian Armed Forces Championships (2004–2006)
I conduct all professional sessions either in person or online, in both English and Persian, languages in which I am fully fluent. Additionally, I have an understanding of French, Japanese, Spanish, and Arabic, which supports my ability to engage across diverse cultures and contexts.
My Academic and Professional Credentials
With an academic foundation built on some of the world’s most prestigious and globally-renowned universities, my qualifications span across the sciences and humanities:
- Postgraduate Degree in Politics (Governance & Public Policy), The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, Australia – Consistently ranked among the world’s top universities for public leadership and global policy.
- Postgraduate Degree in International Relations, The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, Australia, Renowned internationally for strategic studies and diplomacy.
- Two Postgraduate Degrees in Psychology & Advanced Psychology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia – Globally recognised for leadership in psychological science and innovation.
- Postgraduate Degree in Philosophy & Theology, The Australian Catholic University (ACU), Brisbane, Australia – Focused on ethics, logic, metaphysics, and existential frameworks.
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering – Formally assessed and recognised by Institute of Engineers Australia, Shahid Chamran University (formerly Jundi Shapur), Iran – One of the world’s oldest centres of scientific excellence and engineering education.
- Extensive certifications in Leadership, Strategic Management, Business, Finance, Crisis Management, Sales, Marketing, Negotiations, Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Counselling, logical fallacies, Body language, and Life Coaching from globally recognised institutions and professional bodies.
Honoured to Represent as an Iranian-Australian Professional Athlete – Australian Open Karate Competition, Sydney, Australia
Featured with My Students on the Front Page of City South News, Australia – 2013
My Martial Arts, Fitness and Dance Qualifications:
- Founder & 8th Dan Black Belt of “Azarakhsh” (Jigokuryu) Martial Arts Style – A multidisciplinary, military-oriented martial art synthesising traditional and modern combat systems for both elite commandos and civilian self-defence.
- Second Lieutenant, Close-Combat and Commando Trainer, Iranian (Persian) Army; also served as Head Coach of the Army’s Karate and Judo teams, preparing elite units for the All-Iranian Armed Forces Championships (2004–2006).
- Certified Instructor in:
Karate (Kyokushin & Shitoryu), Judo, Aikijujutsu, MMA, Traditional Weaponry, and Military Close-Combat Systems - Gold-Level Coaching Accreditation in Karate,
Australian Karate Federation (AKF), The highest coaching certification in Australia. - Highest Fitness Certification –
Fitness Australia (AusActive), The top-tier professional fitness qualification (Level3) in Australia. - Former Member of the Australian National Karate Team & National Judge, Champion titles at Oceania, New Zealand & Australian competitions.
- Founder of “Atrisa” Dance Style and Internationally Certified Instructor in:
Fitness & Dance, Martial Arts, Body Combat, and Zumba
Strategic Influence at the Intersection of Leadership, Politics, and Cross-Industry Expertise
Speaking at a Social Movements Rally for Human Rights Activists – Brisbane
With over two decades of multidisciplinary involvement across global industries and socio-political arenas, I bring a unique synthesis of strategic leadership, political psychology, and behavioural insight. My work spans consultancy, research, and high-level advisory roles, enabling transformative change in both organisational and sociopolitical landscapes.
As a socio-political strategist and political psychology analyst, I advise politicians, social movement leaders, activists, and rights-based organisations across Australia, Iran, and internationally. I frequently contribute as a guest expert on media platforms (e.g. Radio 4EB Brisbane) and engage in public discourse around socio-political psychology, governance, power, and strategic influence.
My academic research centres on leadership dynamics, political strategy, and systems of power. My GDPA thesis from Monash University, “The Influence of Leadership, Political Jiu-Jitsu, and Social Movement Strategies on Socio-Political Outcomes”, was presented at the Annual International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP) Conference in 2020. I also lecture on cognitive biases, logical fallacies, and critical reasoning within philosophical and theological frameworks.
With a strong passion for travel, I have explored diverse cultures in countries such as Australia, Iran, Japan, Canada, England, France, Spain, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the UAE, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Austria, Thailand, and New Zealand. This global experience has significantly honed my leadership skills, particularly in conflict management and fostering ethical, multicultural work environments.
Furthermore, I was formerly affiliated with the following distinguished academic and professional institutions:
- The International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP)
- The Australian Political Studies Association (APSA)
- The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA)
- The Society of Australasian Social Psychologists (SASP)
Guest Presenter at Radio4EB, Brisbane
Graduation Ceremony in International Relations at The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane
Graduation Ceremony in Psychology at Monash University, Melbourne
Interviewed by New Caledonia Media Channels
Advanced Psychotherapy, Counselling & Clinical Hypnotherapy for Individuals, Couples, and Families
My former private clinic, PNN (Peymaan Nik Nazar) Psychotherapy, Oxford Street, Bulimba, Brisbane
I am an Australian Government-accredited Strategic Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, a certified Strategic Life Coach, and a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). In addition, I hold advanced qualifications in Transactional Analysis (TA) Counselling, as well as specialist training in non-verbal communication, body language analysis, logical fallacies, and cognitive bias identification, skills that are increasingly essential in high-level clinical diagnosis, behavioural profiling, and therapeutic intervention.
My clinical foundation is deeply informed by mentorship and supervision under globally renowned experts in psychotherapy, strategic intervention, and integrative hypnotherapy. I had the privilege of establishing and leading a distinguished private practice on Oxford Street in Bulimba, Brisbane, where I provided high-calibre psychological services to a diverse clientele from various cultural backgrounds. This hands-on experience, combined with continuous postgraduate training, has shaped a distinctive therapeutic methodology that fuses academic rigour with psychological precision.
My former private clinic, PNN (Peymaan Nik Nazar) Psychotherapy, Oxford Street, Bulimba, Brisbane
As an internationally approved Gottman Relationship Check-up Practitioner (certified by The Gottman Institute, USA), I conduct comprehensive, culturally attuned diagnostic assessments and integrate the Gottman Method, a leading evidence-based framework in couples therapy into bespoke relationship programs. My systemic approach combines the Gottman Method with Strategic Psychotherapy, Transactional Analysis, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and a range of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural techniques, to support couples in navigating relational distress, communication breakdown, trust recovery, and emotional disengagement.
In addition to clinical practice, I design and deliver high-level seminars, workshops, and keynote presentations on a wide spectrum of psychological disciplines. These include:
- Business and Socio-Political Psychology
- The Psychology of Leadership and Influence
- Self-Development, Self-Confidence, and Self-Esteem
- Sales Psychology and Behavioural Economics
- Anti-Bullying Strategies and Mental Strength Training
- Body Language Mastery and Communication Intelligence
Throughout my professional journey, I have gained valuable experience through my involvement with a number of esteemed Australian and international professional associations in the fields of psychology, psychotherapy, and clinical hypnotherapy. These affiliations have enriched my practice and informed my integrative approach to client care. My previous memberships include:
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The Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA)
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Clinical Member – The Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA)
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The Australian Transactional Analysis Association (ATAA) – an association member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
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International Member – The American Psychological Association (APA)
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The Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ASCH)
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The Australian Hypnosis Alliance (TAHA)
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Iranian Australian Association of Health Professionals (IRAHP)
Graduation Ceremony in Philosophy & Theology at The Australian Catholic University (ACU), Melbourne
Global Authority in Martial Arts, Combat Psychology, and Strategic Studies
At Age 4, Seated Between My First Instructors – Shihan Amin Mazhari and Shihan Omid Mazhari, Shiraz, Iran
Advanced training session with Grand Master Soke Tetsuhiro Hokama, 10th Dan – Okinawa, Japan (2012)
With an elite and internationally recognised background in martial arts, fitness, and performance psychology, I empower clients to develop not only exceptional mental resilience but also physical strength, agility, and self-mastery. My martial arts journey began at the age of 4 with rigorous training in Karate and Judo, which laid a strong foundation in discipline, technique, and philosophy. Over time, I expanded my practice into a wide range of traditional and modern martial arts disciplines, allowing me to cultivate an integrated approach rooted in over 40 years of high-level training and more than 25 years of professional instruction, combining both time-honoured systems and innovative methodologies.
Throughout my martial arts journey, I have trained under numerous distinguished Japanese and international Grandmasters, most notably Grand Master Soke Tetsuhiro Hokama (10th Dan, Founder of the International Karatedo Kobudo Kenshikai Organization, Okinawa, Japan ) and Grand Master Isoharu Watanabe (10th Dan, Founder of the World Gojuryu Karate Association Watanabe-Ha, Osaka, Japan). I have also participated in specialised training seminars with iconic figures such as Grand Master Tsuguo Sakumoto (10th Dan, Okinawa, Japan – President of the Ryuei Ryu Ryuhou Kai).
Over the course of my career, I have earned advanced Dan Black Belts across multiple disciplines, such as Karate (Kyokushin, Shitoryu, Gojuryu, and Full Contact), Judo, Aiki-Jujutsu, Aikido, and Kobudo. Additionally, I have pursued extensive training in traditional sword arts, including Iaido (Tenshinryu Hyoho), Iaijutsu, and Kendo.
During my compulsory military service in Iran, I was selected as an elite army martial arts coach and close-combat/commando instructor, leading my team to national victories in Karate and Judo at the All-Iranian (Persian) Army Championships (2004–2006) and earning recognition as one of the nation’s top young coaches. Complementing my practical expertise, I have pursued advanced academic study in Psychology of War and Strategic Studies at Monash University and the University of Queensland, which has further deepened my understanding of conflict psychology, military strategy, and the psychological dynamics of high-stakes performance under pressure.
As an Oceania Karate Champion, I was honoured to represent Australia and the Australian Karate Federation (AKF) as a national team member at the 2022 Oceania Cup in New Caledonia, and again as a Gold Medalist at the 2023 New Zealand Open, Christchurch. I was awarded the highest fitness instructor qualification from Fitness Australia (Aus Active) (Level 3), National Kata & Kumite Judge and also the “Gold Coach” certification from the Australian Karate Federation (AKF), recognised as Australia’s most elite coaching distinction. Additionally, I used to be a National Kata & Kumite Judge of AKF.
Furthermore, I am a nationally recognised martial arts instructor (AMACS) with a Cert IV in TAE, Queensland State Champion, and Australian National Medalist in both Kata and Kumite disciplines. I’ve served as an international referee, mentored high-performance athletes at elite clubs such as Fitness First, and obtained instructor certifications in Les Mills Body Combat.
My ongoing development in various forms of martial arts reflects an unwavering pursuit of mastery. This thirst for excellence inspired a deep exploration of cross-disciplinary martial arts, culminating in the founding of Azarakhsh (in Persian) and Jigokuryu (in Japanese) — The Way of the Sharp Lightning or Hellish Style of Combat — a registered martial arts system I established and registered in Australia in 2011, which has since been disseminated worldwide.
Official Iaido Demonstration – Queensland Knife Show, Brisbane, Australia
Azarakhsh (Jigokuryu) Style and I Were Featured in Martial Arts Magazine – Iran’s First and Leading Martial Arts Publication (2014)
Interview with Sport Era Magazine -One of Iran’s Leading Sports Publications (2009)
Practicing Kendo – The Way of the Sword
Advanced training session with Grand Master Watanabe Isoharu, 10th Dan – Osaka, Japan (2012)
Recognition by Senior Martial Arts Instructors – My Jigokuryu International Seminar, Iran, 2014
My Martial Arts Performance: High Kick at Shuri Castle (Birthplace of Karate), Okinawa, Japan – 2012
Executing My Tamashiwari (Stone Breaking) Demonstration in Front of High-Ranking Military Officials – Iranian (Persian) Army, 2004
Recognition by Senior Martial Arts Instructors – My Jigokuryu International Seminar, Iran, 2017
Proud Member of the Australian National Karate Team and Champion of the 2023 New Zealand Open Karate Championships, with the President of the NZ Karate Federation – Christchurch, New Zealand
Rooted in decades of scientific research, experience, and integrated psychological principles, Jigokuryu combines the most effective self-defence techniques across major styles with insights from performance psychology and the mind-body connection. Today, I serve as the President of the International Jigokuryu Martial Arts and Fitness Organisation (IJMFO), which boasts affiliated black belt instructors, schools, and international branches around the world. My current rank is 8th Dan Black Belt in Multidisciplinary Martial Arts, a testament to my lifelong dedication, precision, and command in this field.
My past affiliations with the following national and international organisations have greatly enriched my martial arts expertise and deepened both my technical skills and philosophical understanding of the discipline:
- I.K.O. Matsushima International Karate Organization Kyokushin-Kaikan (Iran Branch)
- World Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (WSKF) (via the Iran Shitokai Karate Association)
- Australian Karate Federation (AKF)
- Fitness Australia / AusActive
- Iran Karate Federation (IKF)
- Iran Judo Federation (IJF)
- Judo Federation of Australia (JFA)
- Australian Kendo Renmei (Queensland Kendo Renmei)
- Tenshinryu Hyoho Iaido – Australia
- Aikijujutsu Budokan Iran
- Aikido Budokan Iran
- Iran Self-Defence Committee under IJF
- Martial Arts Australia (MAA) and Martial Arts Alliance
- Queensland Karate Association (QKA)
Striking the Sky –Roundhouse Kick at the Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
Practicing Judo with Shihan Chikara Kariya at the Kodokan – World Headquarters of Judo, Tokyo, Japan (2012)
Artistic Expression Through Motion: My Journey in Multidisciplinary Dance
Flamenco Dance Performance – Gold Coast, Australia
Dance has always been a profound form of expression for me, one that transcends language, culture, and borders. Throughout my journey as a performer, choreographer, and movement educator, I have trained in and explored a diverse range of dance styles, drawing from global traditions and contemporary innovation. My experience spans multidisciplinary dance with an improvisational movement approach, inspired by and incorporating elements of:
Contemporary, Persian, Flamenco, Afro, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Reggaeton, Popping, Waacking, Salsa Solo, Tango, Arabic, Zouk, Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Zumba, and more.
This rich and eclectic foundation led me to develop my own distinct contemporary fusion style, ATRISA, a Persian name meaning “Fierce and Beautiful Like Fire.” ATRISA is a powerful blend that seamlessly integrates martial arts, Flamenco movements, Latin styles, Persian expressiveness, and African flavours. This unique dance language is not only physically dynamic but also emotionally evocative, aiming to tell stories of strength, identity, culture, and transformation through movement.
Whether in performance, teaching, or choreography, I am passionate about unlocking the expressive potential of the human body and guiding others to move with authenticity, presence, and power.
I have been a member of the following professional dance organisations:
- AusDance (Australian Dance Council)
- Zumba® Fitness
Performing My ATRISA Dance Style at Vent Space – Brisbane, Australia
My Public Performance of the ATRISA Dance Style, Plaza de España, Madrid, Spain
Performing My ATRISA Dance Style at Mad Dance House – Brisbane, Australia
Performing My ATRISA Dance Style at the Persian New Year Festival, Organised by the Iranian Society Queensland (ISQ) – Queen Street, Brisbane
My High-Impact Zumba Dance Class
Exploring the Mind, World, and Art: My Personal Interests & Research BackgroundExpertise
Behind the Scenes of Clarabelle: Co-Directing in Brisbane, 2016
In addition to my professional expertise in psychology, martial arts, and performance, I am deeply driven by a passion for understanding the broader human experience through the lenses of intellect, creativity, and exploration. My personal interests encompass philosophy, theology, comparative religion, politics, international relations, and peace and conflict studies. These areas continuously shape my worldview and contribute to the richness of my integrative, multidisciplinary approach.
Creatively, I express myself through music and cinema. I play both electric and flamenco guitar, and I have completed formal training in acting and filmmaking in Australia. In 2016, I co-directed the short film Clarabelle in Brisbane. I also engage with film communities as a guest lecturer, delivering psychological and philosophical analyses of cinematic works. One notable lecture featured an in-depth exploration of A Dangerous Method—a film that dramatizes the ideological and personal tensions between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud—which I presented for the Iranian Society of Queensland (ISQ).
My lifestyle reflects a strong commitment to physical and mental discipline. I am passionate about swimming, sport shooting, rock climbing, mountain climbing, and hiking—all of which reinforce my dedication to the mind-body connection and ongoing personal growth. Additionally, I have a deep enthusiasm for global travel, which has taken me to countries across continents. These immersive experiences continually enrich my understanding of diverse cultures and human perspectives.
Fuelled by a lifelong passion for mountain climbing and hiking
Traveling around the world – Mexico City, Mexico, 2023
Leading a Les Mills Body Combat Class, Brisbane, Australia
Honoring Tradition: Judo Battles at the Historic Kodokan – Headquarters of Judo Worldwide, Tokyo, Japan – 2012
Musical Reflections – Guitar Practice in Kings Park, Perth (2011)
Public Azarakhsh (Jigokuryu) Style performance with my students at Kings Park, Perth – 2012
A Lifetime of Martial Arts Competitions
Iaido Training with Shihan Mel Shead (far left) – I’m third from left | Perth, Australia, 2011
Featured with My Students on City South News, Australia – 2013
Judging at the Australian National Karate Championships – Group photo with the Queensland Karate State Team, Geelong, Victoria, 2024. I’m sixth from the right in the top row