Sobukan Dojo

Apologies for the inconvenience but kids classes will be cancelled on Wednesday November 4 and Wednesday November 11 as there will be no instructors available.

Senpai Sei will take the kids class on Monday November 2 and adult classes on November 4 and 11.

Young students are reminded to use the syllabus videos to practice at home.

As a young black belt 35 years ago, I was searching for a dojo that was welcoming, traditional, yet taught super-effective principles and techniques for all fighting ranges. My search for the perfect dojo took me to Japan, Okinawa, Thailand and Brazil to research the most effective fighting arts. I have had the fortune of training with some of the most amazing people and having incredible experiences.

When I created Sobukan 15 years ago, I wanted it to be for all, not just fit, strong and hyper-competitive alpha males. A place of education, health, fitness, fun and fighting technique. Teach anyone, learn from everyone.

The Sobukan syllabus is unique; a system that builds on common principles to efficiently and effectively develop sharp striking, smooth throws, slick submissions and solid self-defence capabilities.

Sobukan has delivered 15 years of joy. Not only has it improved the health, confidence and fighting ability of 1000+ fine individuals, but it has grown into a community of supportive friends. We have trained, travelled, competed, demonstrated and graded together. We have helped each other in hard times.

Amongst my proudest achievements are the three black belts I have awarded to Pacey, Dan and my son Sei – all amazing  individuals and martial artists in their own right. A Sobukan black belt is proficient in all ranges of fighting – including those banned in sportive MMA. 

A sensei must set an example, including having the courage to make difficult decisions. Martial arts should enrich (not dominate) your life, as they have mine. I’ve accepted an offer of an overseas posting next year and will have to step away from the dojo at the end of December. I look forward to the opportunity to be a student again, this time in China.

Thank you all for your understanding and acceptance. Thank you for being part of the history of Sobukan. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. I’ll miss you all.

Yes, we are training tonight! We usually train on public holidays.

MMA and BJJ Legend Yuki Nakai sensei will visit Adelaide to give a seminar for the first time. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a pioneer of BJJ, Japan’s first black belt in BJJ and a trainer of MMA legends.

When: Sunday 15 March 10am – 1pm

Where: Arruda BJJ 375 Cross Rd, Edwardstown

Wear: Gi, with your BJJ grade (white if ungraded)

Cost: $80 – pay in advance.

Classes cancelled Australia Day.

Following a student poll, we will cancel classes on Monday 26 January due to the public holiday and extreme heat. See you all on Wednesday!

2025 was a very special year – we witnessed Sei and Dan earn their black belts. We now have 4 black belt instructors with a total of more than 100 years experience in the martial arts! Congratulations gentlemen, you do us very proud.

Grading is next week. It’s too late to learn the syllabus now. How can you make the most of the grading?

I’m going to make a few assumptions here:

1. You’ve attended enough classes. For most people, one belt a year is ambitious. Especially for higher belts.
2. You have a SMART plan and GROW strategy (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, review the white belt syllabus).
3. You’re up to date with fees.

That being the case, let’s look at what you can do this week to prepare.

1. Review the syllabus. Not just the new information, but everything up to your current level. If you are testing for an orange belt, review everything from white and yellow belt syllabuses. In addition to the syllabus overview, there is a webpage with detailed requirements for each colour belt. 
2. Watch the syllabus videos. There are hyperlinks to a range of youtube videos from the syllabus pages of the website.
3. Practice at home. Try using a mirror or recording videos of yourself and comparing to the syllabus videos.
4. Invite another dojo member to practice with you. Help each other.
5. Ask a higher belt for advice if you are stuck. We have a messenger chat for just that.

Remember, you don’t need to be perfect at grading. I’ll observe and mark your progress and provide advice on how you can improve. Some people will receive gradings at the end of the year, others next year. When you are ready, you’ll receive the stripe/belt. So relax and enjoy.

The EOY grading will be held during Monday and Wednesday classes in December. We will start with white belts on Monday 1 December, and progress via rank order. Wednesday 10 December will be a regular training day with Dan in charge.

Gradings are $25 for coloured belts, $250 for black belts. Please pay your grading fee in advance so you will be added to the list.

Those not grading are also welcome to participate – although the focus will be on those testing for new stripes and belts.

The final training session for 2025 will be Monday 22 December. The first session for 2026 will be Monday 5 January.

Apologies for any inconvenience, but there will be no classes on Wednesday 26 November as an instructor is not available. Don’t forget to practice at home in preparation for grading in December!