Yamagawa-ha Fudoshin Ryu Jujutsu is a sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. It is an official branch of the Fudoshin Ryu system of Martial Arts, which was formed by Robert Lawrence in 1968. The club was established by Darren Ball, who has over 32 years of experience and holds the rank of Fudoshin Master and 5th Dan, as well as the title of Shihan (Model Teacher).
The club operates out of the Seaford Dojo, which is located at the Seaford Community Centre on the corner of Station and Broughton Streets in Seaford, Victoria. In addition to regular training at the dojo, Yamagawa Budo also conducts courses, workshops, and seminars on traditional Japanese Budo both in Australia and internationally in Japan.
Fudoshin Ryu is a multidiscipline school of Martial Arts that integrates techniques, philosophy, and syllabus from Judo, Jujutsu, Karate, Aikido, Weaponry, and other fighting arts. Students at Yamagawa-ha Fudoshin Ryu Jujutsu learn various aspects of these different martial arts, ultimately gaining a well-rounded education in martial movement and applied philosophy. This integrated system is known as Sogo Bugei in Japanese.
The club's website provides information on upcoming events, news, and a guestbook where visitors can leave comments. There is also a contact page for any inquiries or feedback. Yamagawa-ha Fudoshin Ryu Jujutsu offers a 4-week Introduction Course, priced at $39. 99, which covers the 4 foundation disciplines of beginner training: fitness, strength, and conditioning; karate movement; judo movement; and weaponry movement.
The Introduction Course, valued at $120, introduces students to basic etiquette and protocol, as well as the fundamental movements and exercises practised in all training. Kihon (fundamentals) and Reiho (etiquette) form the backbone of how the Martial Arts are studied at the club. Students learn customs, forms, rituals, strength, conditioning, flexibility, movement, footwork, and various techniques and drills.
Judo, translated as the Gentle Way, is a throwing and grappling art that originated in Japan in the 1880s. It is based on traditional Japanese Jujutsu techniques and focuses on safe practises for disruption of balance, throwing, locking, and restraining techniques. Karate, which originated in Okinawa, utilises dynamic movements and predominantly employs punches, kicks, strikes, and strong footwork as a method of self-defence.
The club also offers instruction on Hanbojutsu, the art of the half-staff. The Hanbo is a versatile and powerful weapon that is about hip height, such as a walking stick or cane. Students learn the basics of handling and wielding this weapon for defensive purposes.
The Introduction Course at Yamagawa-ha Fudoshin Ryu Jujutsu is coordinated by Evan Jones, who has over two decades of Martial Arts training experience. Evan is passionate about helping people discover their inner strength and is available to answer any inquiries regarding the course.
Overall, Yamagawa-ha Fudoshin Ryu Jujutsu offers a comprehensive and integrated system of Martial Arts training, providing students with a well-rounded education in martial movement and applied philosophy.