Class Schedule
"The girls are just loving karate. They always come away after each class very happy and full off beans.
Thank you Sensei Sheryn!" - T.P, Girl Instinct Mum
Girl Instinct and Kid Instinct Karate classes cover:
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Practical self-defense strategies, both physical and mental
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Kata (forms - predominantly Goju Ryu kata, and also historic kata because of the valuable principles they offer)
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Bunkai (self-defense applications specifically from forms)
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Kumite (sparring)
... as well as a host of other techniques and exercises that are part of the extensive syllabus of Goju Ryu Kakurin-Kan Karate-do.
Goju Kensha Karate is an extensive and sophisticated martial art style, founded by Hanshi Ohtsuka Tadahiko, 9th Dan (Kyoshi James Sumarac's instructor). Traditional Goju Ryu Karate is at its core - and Hanshi Ohtsuka dedicated his life to researching Goju, tracing its origins to the Chinese Internal Martial Arts. Significantly, Hanshi Ohtsuka was the first person to translate the sacred text Bubishi from ancient Chinese to Japanese - and wished to bring the wisdom of its teachings to the wider world. It is really only since Hanshi Ohtsuka's passing in 2012 that he is being recognised as a revolutionary and genius in the martial arts. It is because of his tireless efforts in training, researching and recording karate that his students and the future generations can study a truly traditional style, practised in the budo ("Martial Way") manner.
Girl Instinct Karate classes uniquely integrate our vast Goju Ryu syllabus with relevant personal development topics, Oriental philosophy and street defense. This makes Girl Instinct an extremely comprehensive martial arts program - especially at the beginner level.
Kid Instinct classes introduce the students to basic personal development topics, such as courage, awareness and safety.
“If you wish to fight, you have lost your connection to the universe. If you wish to hurt, bully or dominate people, then you are already defeated.”
- Hanshi Ohtsuka Tadahiko, 9th Dan Goju Kensha Karate
Note to Parents: The age ranges of the classes are offered as a guide. Please feel free to speak to Sensei Sheryn if you're unsure which class your child should enroll in.
All Classes run by Victorian School Term.
Kid Instinct: 6 - 12 year old Boys and Girls. Beg - Int
With Sensei Sheryn | Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00pm
Yes, there are blocks, punches, kicks and kata in Kid Instinct... but there are also innovate games so your child learns through play! Sensei Sheryn's "Adventure Courses"* - live action board games - are extremely popular (even with teenagers!), where students learn proper sparring techniques, rolls, balance, focus, coordination and teamwork all through imaginative play. Kid Instinct features an extensive syllabus in Traditional Goju Ryu Karate, ensuring that your child receives a genuine and thorough martial education.
*Available at Tanden Torquay.
Girl Instinct: 12 - 19 yo Girls. Beg - int
With Sensei Sheryn
*Currently Unavailable; please consider Fit 'n' Fierce
The flagship Girl Instinct class where we're as serious about training and improving as karateka as we are about having fun! Personal growth topics explored include body image, identifying positive role models, listening to your intuition and finding your voice. Oriental philosophy topics include Yin Yang and Five Element theories, and understanding and feeling ch'i through sensitivity exercises.
Balintawak Arnis Cuentada: 10 yo+ Boys and Girls
With Sensei Ross | Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00pm
Arnis (Filipino Stick-Fighting) is not only breath-taking to watch, it's one of the most powerful and practical forms of weaponry available. It easily lends itself to knife and sword fighting - and is exceptional for self-defense. The Balintawak style features the use of a single rattan cane whilst keeping the left hand "live". Ross McDonald is a Fully Qualified Instructor, having trained and lived with the legendary Grand Master Bobby Taboada before his FQI grading in the US.
fit 'n' fierce martial fitness class (13+ yo)
With Senseis sheryn & Ross | Thursdays 6:00 - 7:00pm
Find your Fierce with this MMA-inspired workout! Fit 'n' Fierce features genuine boxing, kickboxing and grappling techniques amidst burpees, push-ups and crunches, in a workout designed to get your heart pumping and your muscles burning! Usually a HIIT circuit, Fit 'n' Fierce includes cardio and weight exercises for a complete work out. Importantly, learn how to work out safely and effectively (Sensei Sheryn is a qualified personal trainer); modifications are demonstrated. All fitness levels are welcome. Perfect for friendly family rivalry! Please wear appropriate workout gear and bring a water bottle, yoga/exercise mat and light hand weights (optional).
Prices
There are many martial art schools to choose from and for parents who are new to martial arts, it often comes down to price. We are not the cheapest but as with all things, you get what you pay for. Because of what makes us different, we believe we offer excellent value for money... and our students would agree! In the name of transparency, below is what you can expect to invest in upfront if you and your child decide to join after the first complimentary lesson. Instalment options are available.
Kid Instinct & Girl Instinct Karate Classes:
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$200 per term
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10% Family Discount applies to members of the same immediate family, and includes students who are in different classes.
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- $25 Casual Class
- Annual Membership: $100 ($50 Half-Yearly Membership if joining in Terms 3 or 4)
- Dogi Karate Uniform: $50. This is a quality uniform that will last at least a few years.
- Girl Instinct Tee (optional): $50. Girl Instinct Gear is ethically made from certified organic cotton. A Girl Instinct Tee can be worn instead of the dogi top on very hot days.
Balintawak Arnis Cuentada Classes:
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$200 per term
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10% Family Discount applies to members of the same immediate family
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$30 Casual Class
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Annual Membership: $100 ($50 Half-Yearly Membership if joining in Terms 3 or 4)
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Foam Arnis Stick: $17 or Traditional Rattan Cane: $20.
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*Note that there isn't a formal uniform for Balintawak, although practitioners generally wear a Balintawak branded t-shirt; our own Balintawak tees are coming soon! Please wear appropriate workout gear.
Fit 'n' Fierce Classes:
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$200 per term
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10% Family Discount applies to members of the same immediate family
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$25 Casual Class
Any Two Classes:
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$360 per term
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10% Family Discount applies to members of the same immediate family
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Benefits of Membership
Kid Instinct and Girl Instinct membership means that you are affiliated with Goju Ryu Kakurin-Kan Karate-Do International, as well as the the headquarters dojo in Japan. By being a member, you are eligible to participate in Kyoshi James' Karate Camps and workshops, as well as Girl Instinct Martial Art Retreats and workshops. Significantly, you also have the opportunity to learn from guest Japanese masters including Hanshi Noguchi (the current head of our lineage) and Sensei Morita at Kyoshi's Karate Camps. Later, when you become a senior rank, you will have the opportunity to train in Japan if you desire. These opportunities are not always available at Australian martial arts schools; we are afforded these privileges because Kyoshi James and his senior students have maintained tradition and honoured lineage.
Balintawak Arnis Cuentada membership keeps you affiliated with Grand Master Bobby Tabaoda's school, and associated schools around the world. Members have the privilege of training with, and being graded under, Grand Master Bobby when he visits Melbourne every two years. You also have the opportunity to train with other senior instructors. Female members are eligible to participate in Girl Instinct Martial Art Retreats; international training excursions can also be organised for senior students.
Being a Member also entitles you to:
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Discounts off Workshops that Sensei Sheryn holds throughout the year
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Complimentary special training days with Kyoshi James, either at his retreat in Lancefield or when he visits us (karate students only).
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The opportunity to train in other classes and across affiliated dojo at no extra cost. For instance, Girl Instinct members may choose to train in the Kid Instinct class as well, and have the freedom to train at our upcoming Surf Coast dojo and/or Kyoshi James' retreat in Lancefield. (Karate students only).
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First priority for Girl Instinct Martial Art Retreats. Our Retreats are so awesome that girls who don't train in Martial Arts are eager to join the fun!