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The Sobukan approach

The Sobukan syllabus has a theme for each belt designed to develop real strength and balance by focussing on eliminating weaknesses. This is obviously the reverse of most traditional martial art schools which tend to concentrate on building great strengths while gaping … Continue reading

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Recommended reading for Sobukan students

There is a wealth of martial art books, DVDs, i-phone applications etc available on the market, but which ones are really worth buying? Most resources have some value, but on a limited budget with limited time, it is prudent to … Continue reading

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忘年会

Sobukan EOY party!! Who: Your family is invited to the SOBUKAN Bonenkai – EOY party. Where: Himeji Japanese Garden on South Terrace, City. When: 11am Sunday 11 December. What: Training – just a little Eating – please bring food with … Continue reading

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Comfort zone

Staying within your comfort zone is easy, but progress lies just beyond. I once made a difficult decision. I could have chosen to remain with my first karate dojo, where at 18 years old, I was a black-belt instructor. I … Continue reading

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Wet blanket, wet tea towel

Apart from perhaps some hard-style karate-ka, the importance of relaxation is pretty much unanimously accepted. Relaxation leads to improved speed, power, agility, flexibility and many other elements crucial to martial arts. Relaxation is pivotal to the judo maxim of 精力善用 … Continue reading

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Shuhari – the stages of learning

守破離 Shuhari describes the three phases of learning experienced in the martial arts. It is not a common term, even in Japan, but many avid martial artists are already familiar with it. Shuhari is not exclusive to martial arts, originally … Continue reading

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Night #2

The first kid’s class and second adults class are in the books! I expected three children tonight, but was pleasantly surprised to find 7 eager young students between the ages of 3 and 10, with two more kids watching! Another … Continue reading

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SOBUKAN kicks off!!

I was anticipating a modest start, but in the lead up to the SOBUKAN opening, it seemed like very few of the student candidates were going to make it for the night – apologies for business trips, illness and appointments … Continue reading

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SOBUKAN kicks off Tuesday 27th September 2011!

Welcome to the grand opening of SOBUKAN! SOBUKAN students will learn a range of the most effective Japanese martial arts in a traditional format. The mission of SOBUKAN is to enrich student’s lives by making them feel healthier, happier and … Continue reading

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