Rod Martin: the pulse behind the team-based interdisciplinary care philosophy at GO2 Health.
Picture a dedicated athlete surrounded by a collaborative team of specialists – physiotherapists fine-tuning movement patterns, nutritionists optimising fuel for performance, and sports psychologists strengthening mental resilience.
For Rod Martin, this was life as an elite athlete representing Australia in karate.
Rod’s journey in martial arts began at a young age, and over the years, he honed his skills under the guidance of influential karate masters. Now, as a highly accomplished martial artist holding a 7th Dan Black Belt in Gojuryu Karate, Rod developed a deep understanding of body mechanics, movement patterns and the delicate balance between pushing limits and maintaining wellness. He also experienced firsthand the power of coordinated healthcare in the pursuit of peak performance.
“When you compete in an elite sport environment, you have a wraparound team of health practitioners supporting you every step of the way. They’re all focused on helping you achieve your goals, optimising both body and mind.”
Merging Western science with Eastern medicine
After leaving the world of elite sport, Rod’s passion for human performance and wellbeing led him to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. A lifelong learner, Rod built on his Western health foundations – a Bachelor of Science majoring in Microbiology and Immunology – to explore Eastern health philosophies, expanding his understanding of the body’s natural energy systems and healing capabilities.
an integrated approach to patient care
Rod’s karate background has always brought something special to his TCM and acupuncture practice – a unique blend of scientific understanding and holistic thinking, combining traditional methods with modern insights into anatomy and physiology.
As a highly sought-after practitioner, Rod has experience supporting patients with chronic pain, digestive issues, stress, anxiety, and musculoskeletal concerns. In addition to his practice, Rod founded Hoshindo Karate. Here, his understanding of movement, perseverance, and holistic wellness come together, guiding students on their own journeys to mastery.
Shaping a new model of healthcare
Looking back on his time as an athlete, Rod had a realisation: most people never get to experience the coordinated care required for optimal health. This revelation ignited his passion for a new approach to everyday healthcare.
Rod wanted to shift how we think about health and wellness, showing that elite-level, team-based care shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for athletes but an accessible reality for everyone. He understood that when you feel your best, you show up differently for yourself, your family and friends and your work. The ripple effect of positive health can transform not just individual lives but whole communities.
the founding of GO2 Health
Alongside friend, ex-military doctor and co-founder Dr Kieran McCarthy, GO2 Health was launched in 2016. On paper, they seemed worlds apart – elite sports to military medicine – but when it came to their vision for healthcare, they were in sync.
What began as a small clinic in Everton Park, Queensland, has evolved into a rapidly growing interdisciplinary healthcare hub of GPs, nurses, medical specialists and allied health practitioners. Together with REFORGE, our veteran care service, we’re now supporting thousands of Australians, including over 7000 contemporary veterans. At GO2 Health, our patients – no matter their health story – can access the tools, knowledge and collaborative support to understand the big picture and take charge of their health.
Rod consistently champions the idea of health as a journey along a continuum. This approach shifts the focus from merely treating symptoms and managing disease to preventive care, optimising function, and building resilience so that people can lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Ask Rod about the future of GO2 Health, and he’ll passionately tell you we’re just getting started. He’s always looking for new ways to expand our impact and reach more people who can benefit from our ‘home of health’ approach.
Learn more about the GO2 Health story and how we deliver purposeful, personalised care for every health journey here.
Learn how our team-based approach can support your health journey – click here to find the right healthcare services for you.
