By Kirra Livingstone
THE Genbukan Nanzan Dojo in Beerwah had their first international seminar since 2019, with their Japanese instructor coming to train dojo owner Rob Tierney’s students.
On October 14-16, the dojo had two three-hour sessions over each day, to teach existing members authentic ninjitsu, jujitsu, and traditional Japanese martial arts weapon use.
Owner Rob Tierney said it was great to have their Japanese instructor back after the covid-19 delay, who is a direct student of the grand master, and said it’s a special opportunity to be a part of.
“A lot of the techniques that at a basic level I understand, but most of the stuff he taught during the three-day seminar, was not necessarily new to me but about 30% of it was new to me,” he said.
“It’s always fantastic for him to come and have that direct contact with my students.”
Rob is the highest Japanese martial arts instructor in Australia and had previously owned his dojo in Brisbane for 20 years, which offers ninjitsu, jujitsu and traditional weapon use.
He praised the discipline and said how great it is to incorporate in your life for many benefits, not just for self-defence and the physicality of it.
“Apart from the obvious benefits of developing self-awareness, the physical aspects of it, your strength, flexibility and endurance, it’s really about self-defence of the body, mind and the spirit,” he said.
“It gives you that discipline approach to life where you have your self-confidence and self-discipline… it helps you clearly understand who you are and gives you a potential sense to danger.”
If you are interested, visit the dojo at Shop 7/7 Turner Street, Beerwah.
