About us...
The Australian Federation of Instructors was founded by Kancho Barry Bradshaw in 1981 to teach the complementary disciplines of Tai-jitsu Ryu Jiu-jitsu, a modified form of Kawaishi Judo and Sil Lum Hung Kuen Chinese Boxing.
The combination of Martial Arts taught through this organisation, we believe, not only creates a complete self defence system, but also develops the whole person: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
We achieve this by using the martial art as a vehicle to the ultimate aim of our teaching, which is in the perfection of the character of its participants. We provide students with more than just a physical activity; we strive to provide an individual good health, intelligence, good character, and an ability to know worth. Ours is a physical and mental education based on a system of barehanded combat, not limited to just sport.
To find out more, read about our Principles and aims, and our vision.
What we teach..
Jiu-Jitsu - Taijitsu Ryu
JiuJitsu was the 'unarmed' martial art of the Japanese samurai. It was really the weapon of last resort, to be used if their sword was lost or broken. JiuJitsu therefore specialises in close hand to hand combat. The name JiuJitsu literally means 'gentle art'. It is a martial art whose central philosophy is the efficient and intelligent use of one's body. It is an excellent martial art for self defence because it relies on good technique, rather than strength, to be effective.
Tuition in JiuJitsu provides joint locking techniques, throwing, pressure points, grappling and striking. JiuJitsu could be considered a parent art form from which other martial arts like Judo, Karate and Aikido have developed. We emphasise throwing, grappling and restraining techniques. Find out more
Judo - Modified Kawaishi Method
Judo will teach you to fall correctly with minimum injury, how to throw a person using leverage not strength and ground grappling, all using a numbered and easy to remember system. Studying Judo will help you develop self discipline, individual initiative and mental alertness while physically training your body, improving your co-ordination, control and fitness. Find out more
Chinese Boxing - Sil Lum Hung Kuen Kung Fu
We teach a southern style Kung Fu, Sil Lum Hung Kuen Chinese Boxing at our and Box Hill Academies. Empty-handed set or form work, bag and mitt training as well as partnered free-exercise are all part of the class. Find out more
Why learn Martial Arts?
Our martial arts make you fit, are fun, are excellent for self defence, improve your physical coordination, teach you new skills, make you more aware, more disciplined and challenge your mind and body.
What are classes like?
A typical JiuJitsu & Judo class begins with a warm up using various breakfalling exercises. This not only teaches proper falling techniques, but conditions the body to take an impact from a fall or strike. This is usually followed by practicing the basic throwing techniques and various hand arts including restraint and control techniques. Towards the end of the class, groundwork is practiced to develop skill in ground-fighting and body movement (tai sabaki) and to further condition the body. A cool-down phase involving rolling techniques and a traditional bowing ceremony finish the class.
Within this framework, classes are incredibly diverse and dynamic. Classes are varied from week to week, with some repetition to develop basic skills, but with advanced techniques from Aiki-jiu-jitsu or Judo-do and other arts often mixed in so the student always has something new to think about.
A typical Chinese Boxing (Kung Fu) class focuses on fist and foot techniques. We start with joint mobility warm ups, then we learn striking including punching, open hand strikes and kicks. Students are then partnered up to practice striking combinations and counters and self defence application, which can be followed by free form sparing or punching bag work. Class finishes off with set form work which can include empty hand forms or weapons forms depending on student skill levels.
What to wear?
No special uniform is needed initially; just wear loose fitting clothing (track pants and T-shirt) and you can borrow a jacket from us. Later you may like to buy a uniform (judogi).
Who can learn?
General classes are open to males and females from 9 years old. Mighty Mite JiuJitsu classes are open to 6 to 8 year olds and run at our Box Hill Honbu Dojo. No prior experience is required.
Come along and see for yourself.
Beginners are welcome. No appointment required, just pop in and say hello. One of our instructors will happily answer any questions you may have. Class locations and times listed below.
Have more questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or enquiry directly using the form below and we'll get back to you straight away.
Find a Martial Arts school near you...
Bayswater
Class held
Tuesday
7:15 pm – 8:45 pm JiuJitsu & Judo
8:45 pm – 9:45 pm JiuJitsu & Judo 6th Kyu +
Box Hill South
Classes held
Monday: 7:30 pm – 9 pm JiuJitsu & Judo
Wednesday: 6 pm – 7 pm Junior JiuJitsu & Judo
Wednesday: 7 pm – 8 pm Kung Fu
Wednesday: 8 pm – 9:30 pm JiuJitsu & Judo
Saturday: 11 am – 12:30 pm Junior JiuJitsu & Judo
Saturday: 2 pm– 3:30 pm JiuJitsu & Judo
Camberwell
Class held
Sunday
10:00 am – 11:30am Kung Fu
Caulfield
Monash University (Caulfield)
Class held
Wednesday: 7:30 – 9:15 pm
Monash Sport Caulfield -
Group Fitness Studio
JiuJitsu & Judo
Clayton
Monash University (Clayton)
Classes held
Monday: 6:45 pm – 8:30 pm
Monash Sport Clayton -
Multi-Purpose Room
JiuJitsu & Judo
Viewbank
Class held
Friday: 6am-7am
Kung Fu
Sunday: 2 pm – 4 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo 13y/old to Adult
Sunday: 4 pm – 5 pm
Junior JiuJitsu & Judo
8-12 year old
Viewbank Primary
Class held
Friday: 1 pm – 1:50 pm JiuJitsu & Judo
for Viewbank Primary Students Only