A sensei must be more than just an instructor, they should be a passionate student, a supportive coach, a role model and a trusted friend. Their lessons are not isolated to the dojo, and their personal achievements reflect good judgment and discipline.
The value of a sensei may be measured by the quality of their advanced students.
Sensei Chris Gillies
Chris sensei is a proud father, a multilingual university graduate, a former diplomat, and the head instructor of Sobukan dojo.
Chris sensei has coached and competed in Kudo, full-contact Karate, Kickboxing, and BJJ, winning state and national titles.
He has trained in martial arts for more than 35 years, including many years in Australia, Japan and Brazil.
| Martial Art | Grade | Instructor |
| Jujutsu | Black belt (4th degree) | Soke Okuyama Ryuko (Japan) |
| Karate | Black belt (4th degree) | GM Vince Palumbo (Aust) |
| Judo | Black belt | Sensei Michael Headland (Aust) |
| Koryu Uchinadi Kenpo Jutsu | Black belt | Hanshi Patrick McCarthy (Aust) |
| Shito-ryu karate | Black belt | Sensei Fujimoto Sadaharu (Japan) Sensei John Boswell (Aust) |
| Pangamot | Black belt | SGM ‘Cacoy’ Canete (Philippines) GM Vince Palumbo (Aust) |
| Kudo / Daidojuku | Brown belt | Jukucho Azuma Takashi (Japan) |
| Brazilian Jiujitsu | Brown belt | Professor Pedro Galiza (Brazil) |
| Krav Maga | Practitioner 5 | Graham Kuerschner (Aust) |
Sempai Steven ‘Pacey’ Pace
Pacey sempai is the first, and currently only, person to have received a Sobukan black belt. He also holds a black belt in Jissen Budo and level 1 in Kinetic Fighting. He has competed in Kudo and BJJ. His skill in all ranges of the martial arts are only surpassed by his personal character and integrity.
Gday Chris we trained together with John Boswell looks like you have had an interesting martial arts jurney well done I have a little club in the northern suberbs it’s going well it would b good to have a chat one day .Hamish
Hi Hamish,
Of course I remember you, how are you? I touched base with Boswell sensei recently, must call him again. By all means lets catch up sometime.
Chris
Where is your dojo Chris
Hi chris. My no is 0400836543. I just want to know where your dojo is and your fees please. Thx
Hi Linden, thank you for your interest. The dojo and cost info is all listed at https://sobukan.com.au/class-times/
Regards
Chris
Hi Chris, looks like you are doing great things with families, children & martial arts. I remember our training with Master Palumbo and the demonstrations we participated in fondly. I often remember your explosive style with admiration. I intend to catch up and say hi at some point. Best wishes, Matt Hogan
Hi Matty, great to hear from you. I am still grateful for your assistance with some martial art demonstrations. Please do try to find the time to drop by. Regards Chris.