Welcome to SOBUKAN
You are now part of our community, the Sobuclan. You have a place that you belong. We are excited about sharing our brand of ‘tough love’ and learning together with you. Here is some introductory information to start the learning journey.
What does SOBUKAN mean?
Sobukan comprises three Japanese characters, reflecting our endeavour to develop all-round martial artists with superb self-defence skills:
総: Comprehensive
武: Martial Art
館: Academy
Our history
Founded in 2011, Sobukan began as the dream of a young martial artist who wanted to learn the most effective combative systems in a fun, safe and traditional environment. Chris Gillies has been researching the world’s most effective martial arts and training methods for four decades. Sobukan is the dojo Chris wanted to train at.
Our mission
To help you and your family to be healthier, happier and safer.
Our founder’s motto
Teach anyone and learn from everyone.
Safety policies
Several of dojo rules relate to our safety policies, designed to protect the welfare of all members from injury, abuse and illness. Members and instructors must maintain familiarity with our safety policies.
Our rules
- Safety first – injuries are contrary to all our goals. Protect yourself and your training partners.
- Treat all others with courtesy and integrity.
- Never use violence to gain, only to protect. If violence is required, be decisive, but use minimum necessary force.
- Commit to a healthy lifestyle.
- Never attend the dojo under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with an infectious illness.
- Maintain personal hygiene at the dojo.
- Accept responsibility for the risk of injury that occurs in martial art training.
- Only teach with written permission by the founder.
- Focus on what you can do, not on what you cannot.
- Do your best and accept the outcome.
Dojo etiquette
You are not expected to remember any difficult foreign vocabulary at first. However, in order to create a culture of mutual respect and shared learning, Sobukan uses traditional greetings before and after class. This helps you to fit in when we have training trips to Japan or visiting instructors.
Members line up in order of grade, with the highest grades on the right facing the instructor (sensei). To commence or conclude the class, the instructor will call ‘Seiza!’. Students will then sit in the formal Japanese method with the lower parts of their legs tucked beneath them. This may be a little uncomfortable at first.
To start the class:
Instructor: Mokuso (close your eyes and focus on your goals)
Instructor: Mokuso yame (finish and open your eyes)
Instructor: Shinzen ni rei (bow to the front)
Senior student: Sensei ni rei (bow to the main instructor)
All: Onegaishimasu (please teach me/us)
Senior student: Sempai ni rei (bow to the assistant instructor(s))
All: Onegaishimasu (please teach me/us)
Senior student: Otagai ni rei (bow to each other)
All: Onegaishimasu (please teach me/us)
To finish the class:
Instructor: Mokuso (close your eyes and focus on your goals)
Instructor: Mokuso yame (finish and open your eyes)
Instructor: Shinzen ni rei (bow to the front)
Senior student: Sensei ni rei (bow to the main instructor)
All: Arigato gozaimashita (thank you for teaching me/us)
Senior student: Sempai ni rei (bow to the assistant instructor(s))
All: Arigato gozaimashita (thank you for teaching me/us)
Senior student: Otagai ni rei (bow to each other)
All: Arigato gozaimashita (thank you for teaching me/us).
Structure
The SOBUKAN syllabus has eight belt colours from white to black. There are three steps to each colour, represented by belt stripes. Each stage contains technical requirements in the ranges of standing (tachiwaza), clinching (kumiwaza) and ground (newaza) fighting, plus self-defence (goshinjutsu) and training drills (kata). Candidates above orange belt also demonstrating sparring (kumite).
Everyone learns differently and at different speeds. Progress depends on the genetic gifts, circumstances and commitment of the individual. You are responsible for your learning. You will receive plenty of support, but advances must be earned. You are encouraged to make personalised notes on this guide as you learn.
Note that we invest most of our class time on partner drills, as these are the most fun and effective way to improve your abilities. Kata is your homework! Kata have significant benefits in improving body coordination, conditioning, and correcting movement or rehabilitating from injury – and you don’t need a partner! Focus on learning a couple of moves per class and drill at home until you remember them.
Setting goals
Challenging goals are best achieved in stages. The SOBUKAN syllabus helps students to manage their own learning using SMART goal setting and GROW achievement methodologies to progress through each stage.
SMART
Specific
Measurable
Action-oriented
Realistic and relevant
Time-bound
GROW
Goal – what do you want to achieve
Reality – what is your current situation; including SWOT: strengths, weaknesses, strengths and opportunities
Options – brainstorm ways to achieve, in the context of your constrictions
Way forward – do it! Break your goal into smaller parts and do something every day towards it.
Sobukan Dojo 