ABOUT
Girl Instinct & Kid Instinct
at Tanden Martial Arts
Girl Instinct: An Innovative Martial Arts program to Empower and Honour Today's Young Women.
"Girl Instinct" is a fresh take on "Women's Intuition". Girl Instinct Karate is taught by Sensei Sheryn Gung, and is a powerful synthesis of traditional martial arts, personal growth and Oriental philosophy designed specifically for tween and teenage girls. Your daughter will learn practical self-defense strategies that will develop into sophisticated techniques as she continues to train, with a firm emphasis on learning to trust her instinct.
"Kid Instinct" embraces the same philosophy, where concepts are introduced at an age-appropriate level.
Our Difference:
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20+ Years of Excellence in Martial Art Instruction
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Outstanding level of Student Care
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Small classes for personalised tuition
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Comprehensive curriculum includes traditional martial arts, street defense,
oriental philosophy and personal growth -
Traditional budo ("Martial Way") training means no competitions or tournaments
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Fun, inspired and creative classes in a safe and positive environment
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"Girl Instinct" is designed specifically for "tween" and teenage girls
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Many opportunities to enhance your training, including our amazing Girl Instinct Martial Art Retreats
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Affiliated with Goju Ryu Kakurin-Kan Karate-do International
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Proudly Supports Plan International's "Because I Am A Girl"
Girl Instinct's and Kid Instinct's roots are in Goju Kensha Karate, founded by the late Hanshi Ohtsuka Tadahiko, 9th Dan. Hanshi Ohtsuka was Kyoshi James Sumarac's instructor; Kyoshi James teaches Sensei Sheryn and Sensei Ross. (More information will be available here about Hanshi Ohtskua, Goju Kensha and our style's history. If you are interested to find out more, please visit www.jamessumarac.com).
Your child will learn traditional Goju Ryu kata (forms), their bunkai (self-defense applications), kumite (sparring) and a host of other techniques and principles. There are no tournaments as the focus is on the personal journey through authentic and inspired training. The way we train is called budo ("Martial Way"), a traditional approach that is becoming increasingly rare in a field consumed by sport and trophies. At Tanden, student care is paramount, and you can be confident that your child is receiving a quality martial education through an extremely comprehensive martial curriculum.
As well as common martial virtues of confidence, focus and respect, your child will learn:
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Meditation, Positive Thinking and Practising Gratitude
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Self-esteem, Body Image and Healthy Eating (especially for Girl Instinct students)
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Fundamentals of Oriental philosophy, including ki (life force energy), and Yin Yang and Five Element Philosophies. Meridians and common Acupoints are introduced as students reach an intermediate level.
Girl Instinct and Kid Instinct may well be the start of your child's journey to becoming an
empowered, self-assured, amazing young adult.
We also offer Arnis and Fit 'n' Fierce. Check out Classes & Prices for details!
"Karate is not about punching and kicking but the study of human relations."
- Hanshi Ohtsuka Tadahiko, 9th Dan Goju Kensha Karate
"I am proud to manage a dojo where each student and her/his progress is genuinely cared for. The focus from the very beginning is training for life through a true martial education. In other words, students are taught from the get-go to aim beyond black belt. A style such as ours can certainly be sustained throughout life - as are the personal growth principles and Oriental philosophies explored. Each session is carefully planned to match martial practices and self-defense exercises with relevant activities and personal growth or philosophical discussions. Importantly, our martial art programs are heartfelt and REAL. Martial arts has been my way of life for a very long time and I'm passionate about sharing it with the younger generations. I look forward to welcoming you and your child to the Tanden family."
- Sensei Sheryn Gung
Tanden Martial Arts Affiliation
Traditional Goju Ryu Karate
Girl Instinct might have a colourful striped logo - but when it comes to martial arts, we mean serious business. Sensei Sheryn has almost two and a half decades of experience in the martial arts, and trained alongside her siblings when she was younger - both Dan ranks. Her husband, Ross, is also a gifted and multi-disciplinary martial artist, and a patient and precise instructor.
Importantly, Girl Instinct and Kid Instinct Karate classes are affiliated with Kyoshi James Sumarac's school, Goju Ryu Kakurin-Kan Karate-Do International. When you or your child joins Girl Instinct or Kid Instinct, you automatically become a member of Kyoshi James' dojo (training school), and are eligible to enjoy the many benefits of membership. Kyoshi James was a personal student of Tadahiko Ohtsuka O'Sensei, a revolutionary master of Goju Ryu who contributed significantly to martial arts. As such, we are also affiliated with headquarters in Japan under Hanshi Michiro Noguchi, who became the head of this lineage when Ohtsuka O'Sensei passed away in 2012.
Balintawak Arnis Cuentada
In Arnis, we are affiliated with Grand Master Bobby Tabaoda's lineage of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada. Grand Master Bobby has directly taught both Sensei Ross and Sensei Sheryn over many years. Our students also have the privilege of training with, and being graded under, the legendary and internationally-acclaimed Master when he visits Melbourne every two years.
Giving Back
Tanden Martial Arts proudly donates 10% of all karate Term Fees and Workshop Fees to Plan International's "Because I Am A Girl" Campaign, to support the fantastic work they do for girls in developing nations. Read more about how Girl Instinct gives back.
