Sobukan Martial Arts

Important dates

Dojo closure dates

As you must surely be aware by now, Sei, Pacey, Sam and I are very excited about travelling to Japan to further our martial learning!

The last class is on Monday July 10, and we resume on Wednesday August 16. Fees will be payable in July only to cover classes in half of July and August.

We promise to bring home a plethora of new ideas, techniques and training methods to share with you.

Kudo Event

On June 17 Sobukan fielded a team from Kudo SA to an historical Kudo event Melbourne; the first event for all Kudo shibucho to meet, and wow, did they represent our state well!

In the morning we enjoyed the 3-4 hour seminar and learned some nice new moves. Our Kyokushin hosts were loving their first taste of Kudo.

In the afternoon we had a novice tournament against some very strong, experienced Kyokushin karate fighters.

First up was Jacynta in her debut fight against a 3^rd degree black belt and full-time martial arts instructor, who was trying Kudo for the first time. Jacynta was amazing, and racked up points with powerful and accurate punches, head-butts and effective ground defence for the first win. This result set the theme for our team.

Next up was Pacey against an opponent of roughly equivalent grade. He started off well, getting the early edge. His opponent was tough, physically much stronger and fought back hard, but Pacey kept up the pace for a convincing win.

Sam fought an Aikido/BJJ stylist in his debut, and overwhelmed his opponent for an impressive ippon win, the first of the day.

Daniel C drew a really tough opponent, a rock-solid Kyokushin 4th dan black belt. I had been working with his opponent earlier and was impressed with his powerful kicks and unbending mindset. Daniel took the fight to him and caught him early with punches. The fight was called short, however, when Daniel copped an enormous knee to the groin and could not continue.

Jacynta’s opponent had won her next fight by rear naked choke, setting up a rematch for the final. This time the black belt was getting more comfortable with Kudo and seemed much more dangerous. Jacynta showed true spirit not backing down despite some strong exchanges, and her final superwoman punch just put the exclamation mark on her sentence as she won her division.

Sam and Pacey then met in the final of their division. The team mates fought hard, and Sam did very well not to back down from his sempai’s strong offence. Pacey was the better fighter on the day, but I was super proud that our members took first and second place in the division.

This was a novice tournament, with many (including beginner grades Sam and Jacynta) fighting for the first time. Yet many of the fighters were experienced martial artists and seasoned competitors. I am very proud of how everyone fought and we put Kudo SA on the map.

Thank you very much to all of the organisers, participants and shibucho. Particularly huge thanks to the incredible hospitality of Kiley Baker of Eltham Martial Arts, who hosted the event and even allowed our team members to stay in the dojo for two nights.

Kudo Australia shibucho Paul Cale, Kudo QLD shibucho Ian Bone and myself then did a photo shoot for Blitz, Australia’s biggest martial art magazine. Look out for the new issue soon.

Japanese Cultural Day

Thank you to everyone who assisted with the Japanese martial art demonstration at the Japanese Cultural Day at Burnside Library on June 24. Although we didn’t have much of an opportunity to prepare, the demonstration went off without a hitch and judging by the crowd reactions, we were very popular!

Also a big thanks to the Australia Japan Association for the invitation to demonstrate, and for the generous gift card.

Judd Reid shihan Kyokushin Karate seminar

Pacey, Dan C, Jacynta and I attended an inspirational seminar by the amazing and humble Judd Reid shihan last night. Reid shihan was the first westerner to complete the 1000 day uchi deshi program, and the 19^th person to complete the world’s toughest martial art test – the 100 man kumite.

Thanks go to Peter and Dean sensei for the invitation to attend. This was just what I needed to help prepare for a tough grading in Japan, and we all learned a lot about never giving up on pursuing our dreams.

Due to the Kudo seminar and tournament in Melbourne, there will not be any Sobukan or Karate-bu classes this Saturday 17 June. My apologies for any inconvenience.

Kudo Australia membership mid-year applications and renewals are due now!

Why is Kudo Australia growing so quickly? Kudo is a traditional, safe and exciting Japanese mixed martial art. Kudo is not for armchair warriors seeking mystical, magical martial art secrets. Kudo-ka walk a hard path learning traditional martial virtues and conditioning their mind and bodies via realistic, physical, yet safe, training. A Kudo black-belt is rare and commands respect.

Kudo is a complete martial art. Kudo-ka practice punches, kicks, knees, elbows, head-butts, judo-style throws, wrestling takedowns, chokes and joint locks. Yet Kudo is more than the sum of these parts; the rules allow infinite combinations of these skills – your possibilities are limited only by your imagination and commitment to training. Only in Kudo are you allowed to use head-butts to set up throws and set up submissions with strikes. Kudo safety equipment enables members to hone these skills in realistic full-contact sparring.

Check out Kudo on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqcE1J7z2eE

Kudo Australia members enjoy access to Kudo equipment, seminars, competitions, gradings and more. This month Melbourne will host a National Kudo seminar, tournament and grading. Next month Kudo SA will take a team to Japan train in preparation for the international Kudo Summer Camp in August.

Annual membership is only $44 per person.

For further information on Kudo in South Australia, please do not hesitate to contact state shibucho Chris Gillies at Sobukan martial arts.

Congratulations to the following new junior grades. Keep up the hard work!
9^{th kyu}: Hikaru & Oto
5^{th kyu}: Kazuya

Pacey, Daniel C, Sam, Jacynta and I will be travelling to Melbourne on Friday June 16 for the national Kudo seminar/ tournament/grading. There has been a lot of demand in Melbourne for Kudo, and this event will go down as a pivotal moment in Kudo history. Kudo Australia head Paul Cale will teach a Kudo seminar and a novice tournament in, and grades may be awarded afterwards. We will have an opportunity to watch some elite Kudo matches on the Sunday.

Consequently there will be no Karate-bu or Kumite class on Saturday June 17. Most of the regular Jujutsu students will be in Melbourne with me, but Geoff will be available to open the dojo for Jujutsu if students are keen. Classes will run as per normal on Monday June 19.

We have been invited to demonstrate Japanese martial arts at the Japanese Cultural Day at Burnside Library from 2pm on Saturday June 24. The plan is to demonstrate:

1. Kihon geiko (everyone – juniors and seniors)
2. Naifanchi shodan kata and applications (higher belts)
3. Jujutsu techniques (everyone who attends Saturday Jujutsu)
4. Kudo combinations (everyone who attends Kumite classes)

Saturday Sobukan classes will be held as normal. Japanese Hoshuko Karate-bu will be held from 12:40pm until 1:30pm on June 24, and I hope everyone can then head straight to Burnside Library for the demonstration. Please confirm your availability to participate at your earliest opportunity.

We have been invited to a seminar with Judd Reid shihan from 6:30pm on Thursday June 29 at Goodwood Primary School Hall. Reid shihan is a legendary Kyokushin Karate-ka; one of the few westerners to complete both the three year uchi-deshi programme with Kyokushin founder Mas Oyama Sosai and the 100-man kumite! Several people have advised they will attend. Please email me if you wish to attend by June 3.

Pacey, Sam and I will escape winter to climb Mt Fuji and train at some of the best dojo in Japan. We promise to bring home a plethora of new ideas, techniques and training methods to share with you. Classes will run until July 10, and resume on August 16 – please get together to train just like last time I went to Japan. Fees will be payable in July only to cover classes in half of July and August.

Competition training

Sunday training is back – for a limited time! Times and locations will be posted weekly on the Sobukan and Kudo South Australia Facebook pages. We are focussing on the 3Cs of Counters, Combinations, and Conditioning.

For those competing in June, make sure you:

• Attend all classes
• Run at least 3 times a week, including sprints
• Know your game; practice your counters and combinations daily
• Visualise yourself winning

Important dates

Thank you very much to everyone who helped out with the fundraising sausage sizzle.

While it was a quiet shopping day and we only raised $100 more than the cost of expenses, it was a great opportunity to spend time together, generate interest in the dojo, and hand out a few flyers. It was also nice to unwind with many helpers at the Avoca afterward. The money raised went towards dojo fees for a family that really needs it at the moment.

Thanks go to Geoff, Sei, Pacey, Levi, Jacynta, Sam, Sean C, Sean W, Tristan W, Satoe, Mayumi, Brad, Stephanie, Umehara san, Gail, Aiko and Meg.

Congratulations to everyone who achieved a new grade this month! congratulations to everyone who achieved a new grade this month! The dojo is looking very colourful, we need some new white belts! We also have three more ready to grade, but have missed a few lessons.

New junior grades
10^th: Amelie, Maya and Nina
8^th kyu: Satoe
7^th kyu: Ciaran and Shunyo
5^th kyu: Kashish
4^th kyu: Ben, Jade, Madi
3^rd kyu: Jyah
1^st kyu: Sei

New senior grades
5^th kyu: Jacynta, Zandy, Levi, Sam
4^th kyu: Sean C, Matthew
3^rd kyu: Daniel C
2^nd kyu: Takumi, Tristan

Competition training

Sunday training is back – for a limited time! Times and locations will be posted weekly on the Sobukan and Kudo South Australia Facebook pages. We will focus on the 3Cs of Counters, Combinations, and above all, Conditioning.

For those competing in June, please attend Sunday training when possible, and also:

• Attend all classes
• Run at least 3 times a week, including sprints
• Know your game; practice your counters and combinations daily
• Visualise yourself winning

Today five of us spent a solid hour of jogging, sprinting, punching, kicking, clinching and pushing my car until we could barely move! I hope to see more join next week – after all it will be my birthday!!

Important dates

Happy Easter Sobuclan!

Classes are on as normal over Easter – perfect for burning those chocolate calories.

See you in the dojo!

Hi Sobuclan,

This month’s newsletter is a couple of days early as I have some important reminders:

• Paul Cale, head of Kudo Australia, will be visiting our dojo tomorrow (Monday March 27)
• Register for the grading by Wednesday March 29
• Register for the TJKN karate tournament by April 1
• No junior class on Wednesday April 5

Important dates

Paul Cale

I am very honoured to advise that Paul Cale Shibucho will visit Sobukan on Monday 27 for adults’ classes.

You will be aware that Paul Shibucho is the head of Kudo Australia, but you may not be aware of his military and martial art pedigree. Paul Shibucho is the only Australian to hold black belts in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Judo, Kyokushin Karate, Taekwondo, Aikido and Kudo. He is a former Commando and Counter Terrorism expert. He is a panel member of the IOC Combat Sports programme. He leads a number of organisations including Kinetic Fighting.

Needless to say – do not miss training Monday night! Come with an open mind and remember your etiquette – don’t forget to answer with ‘OSU!!’.

Grading

Please register for the grading by emailing chris@sobukan.com.au with the following details and paying the $25 fee by Wednesday March 29.

• Name:
• Belt size:
• Prospective grade:

Good luck!!

No junior class on Wednesday April 5

I will be in Canberra for a business trip from April 4 – 6 and therefore there will be no junior class on Wednesday April 5. Apologies for any inconvenience. Sobukan brown belts Pacey and Geoff will run adult classes as per normal.

Competitions

The TJKN karate tournament and the BJJ State Titles are both on April 8. Registrations for both close this weekend.

These are rare opportunities to compete in SA – support local martial arts and test yourself!

Fundraising

Please help out with a sausage sizzle at Woolworths Cumberland Park on April 23 to raise funds for dojo activities, support Sobukan members and recruit new members! We start sizzling at 11am, please arrive early to help set up.

AMAA training day

Thank you Tristan, Sam, Jacynta and Sei for accompanying me to the AMAA training day on March 19. This was only a great opportunity to promote Kudo and learn a little Krav Maga and Hapkido. I was very proud to hear a lot of discussion regarding the skill level of Sobukan students!

It still seems like we have just entered the new year, yet here comes Autumn. March is our preparation month for gradings and competitions – don’t miss a class!

Important dates

Grading

One month until our grading! Please find the syllabus attached, and take note of the additional resources in the appendix. Please take charge of your learning; come early and practice what you have learned. Ask me or your seniors to teach you any parts of your syllabus you are unfamiliar with.

Competitions

The TJKN karate tournament and the BJJ State Titles are both on April 8. A number of people, particularly kids, have indicated an interest in competing in the Kumite, Kata and Kata bunkai events at the Karate tournament. Please register now via the link above and let me know what events you are competing in – the more the better!

As I will attend the Karate tournament, we will need to nominate a team captain to support anyone competing in the BJJ State Titles. So far a couple of people have indicated an interest in competing, please confirm whether you will be competing ASAP!

Kudo

We have some big Kudo events on the horizon:

• Kudo QLD Titles are scheduled (TBC) for April 9
• Kudo SA Titles are being planned for June. I have started to arrange for two high ranking instructors to travel from Japan to officiate, hold a grading and teach a seminar. Mark this one in your calendar, and start training now, I want Sobukan to do well!!

Japan

If all that wasn’t enough, a team of Sobukan members will be accompanying me to Japan in the second half of July!

Some things on the menu:

• train at some of the best Kudo, Karate, Jujutsu and MMA dojo in Japan
• sing our hearts out at Karaoke
• eat bucket-loads of sushi and other culinary delights
• climb Mt Fuji
• visit Disneyland
• day trips to various locations in and around Tokyo
• attend fireworks festivals
• explore a castle
• see the Great Buddha
• reflect at shrines and temples

So far Pacey and Sam are in, and a couple of others are ‘maybes’. If you want to attend, speak to me or these guys ASAP to ensure you can share flights and accommodation. If you need more motivation, check this out.

We have a sausage sizzle at Woolworths Cumberland Park on April 23 to raise funds for dojo activities and equipment, including this trip.

It’s turning out to be a huge year already – get in on the gradings, competitions and trip to Japan!

Important dates

Grading

Less than two months remain until our grading! I have emailed the new syllabus, please take note of the additional resources in the appendix. Take charge of your learning; come early and practice what you have learned. Ask me or your seniors to teach you any parts of your syllabus you are unfamiliar with.

Competitions

The TJKN karate tournament and the BJJ State Titles are both on April 8. A number of people, particularly kids, have indicated an interest in competing in the Kumite, Kata and Kata bunkai events at the Karate tournament. Please register now via the link above and let me know what events you are competing in – the more the better! As I will attend the Karate tournament, we will need to nominate a team captain to support anyone competing in the BJJ State Titles. So far a couple of people have indicated an interest in competing, please confirm whether you will be competing ASAP!

Kudo

We have some big Kudo events on the horizon:

• The World Cup is in India from Feb 10 – 13.
• Kudo QLD Titles are scheduled (TBC) for April 9
• Kudo SA Titles are being planned for June. I have started to arrange for two high ranking instructors to travel from Japan to officiate, hold a grading and teach a seminar. Mark this one in your calendar, and start training now, I want Sobukan to do well!!

Japan

If all that wasn’t enough, a team of Sobukan members will be accompanying me to Japan in the second half of July!

Some things on the menu:

• train at some of the best Kudo, Karate, Jujutsu and MMA dojo in Japan
• sing our hearts out at Karaoke
• eat bucket-loads of sushi
• climb Mt Fuji
• visit Disneyland
• attend fireworks festivals
• explore a castle
• see the Great Buddha
• reflect at shrines and temples
• day trips to various locations in and arund Tokyo

So far Pacey, Sam and Zandy are in, and Daniel C might also be on board. If you want to attend, speak to me or these guys ASAP to ensure you can share flights and accommodation. If you need more motivation, check this out.

We have a sausage sizzle at Woolworths Cumberland Park on April 23 to raise funds for dojo activities and equipment, including this trip.

Calligraphy

Thank you to Umehara san for hosting his annual kakizome sessions at Sobukan in early January. Umehara brought all the calligraphy equipment and spent several hours teaching our members how to brush their goals in Japanese.

Happy New Year! I trust you have enjoyed a happy, healthy and safe holiday period. I look forward to seeing you at the dojo on Monday 9 January and working off a couple of Christmas kilos that I gained from munching my way through some very generous gifts from members.

Please don’t feel guilty if you have indulged a bit these past weeks; its what you do between New Years and Christmas that matters, not what you do between Christmas and New Years. Life is balance. I hope you have focussed on happiness and safety these past couple of weeks and have recharged yourself for a year of fighting fitness!

News Year’s Resolutions can be quickly forgotten, but goals are vital. For help developing goals, please visit last January’s newsletter. As always, I encourage you to talk to me, and others, about your goals. Not only can others support you, but the act of publicly announcing a goal builds accountability. Set your goal, plan for success, and execute with discipline.

Every year Umehara san hosts a kakizome session at Sobukan. Kakizome translates as ‘first writing’. Umehara san will help translate your goal, or theme for the year, and teach you how to brush the Japanese character at our first class on Monday 9 January.

I reflect upon my five-year vision for Sobukan and how we can start turning vision into reality. I am very proud of our system. In 2016 I spent many hours refining our syllabus to make better use of our time together, and to recalibrate from a prescriptive toward a more descriptive syllabus.

I encourage you to review the adjustments, which include:

• Focus on counters and combinations, to develop core skills
• Closer alignment between the junior and senior syllabus to assist smooth transition
• Formalisation of self defence

The best system in the world still needs quality people to make it work. Sobukan is no exception. Teamwork is essential to develop dojo leaders, to create further training opportunities, and establish Japanese exchange opportunities. Accordingly, I have selected kizuna (bond/relationship) as my theme for 2017.

I will create a new page on our website introducing some of our members, particularly the higher belts. I have asked James Pill to interview our students, starting with the brown belts. Your cooperation will be appreciated, but is not mandatory.

Important dates