Master Instructor of the Federation.
Member of Board of Master Instructors, Federation President.
Shihan Jay Icasiano, 6th Dan Master Teacher
Shihan Jay Icasiano
Shihan Jay began his martial arts journey in 1986 in his first year of high school. Encouraged by his father – who had trained briefly himself – he joined ‘Banyule Judo and Jiu Jitsu Club’ held in the gymnasium of Banyule High School.
Shihan Jay’s first instructor was Kyoshi Chris Bailey, then a 1st Dan and Principal Instructor of the dojo, who remains his Sensei to this day. After receiving his black belt, he also came under the guidance of the Federation’s founder Kancho Bradshaw.
As he advanced through his Kyu grades, Shihan Jay took on more and more leadership responsibilities – serving as Taisho in training, teaching classes, supporting the assessments of lower grades and handling class administration.
After receiving his black belt in 1993, he joined the Board of Master Instructors helping to uphold the Federation's quality standards and supporting its evolution. With the Honbu opening in 1998 in Blackburn, Shihan Jay deepened his contributions to governance, grading systems and competition structures.
While his progress through the Kyu grades has followed the traditional path, Shihan Jay’s development into a leader has been shaped far more by his experiences learning, mentoring and connecting with his instructors and students.
The defining influences of his journey have been Kyoshi Chris, Kicho Adam and Kancho Bradshaw, who were more than just role models but constant presences both on and off the mat.
Through years of training, travel and long conversations, Shihan Jay developed not only as a martial artist, but as a person – later using these experiences to underpin his own approach to teaching, leadership and community.
For Shihan Jay, the core purpose of the Federation is to bring out the best in each person, recognising that learning is never uniform.
Every student brings different strengths, challenges and development styles, requiring a flexible and considered approach to teaching and assessments.
And it’s seeing students from all walks of life grow together from year to year, grade to grade, white belt to black belt, that brings him the greatest satisfaction – reflecting the Federation’s enduring culture of inclusiveness and respect.
Positions Held and Achievements:
- Member, Board of Master Instructors
- Principal Instructor of Ageru Tatsu Do Ryu, the Federation Honbu (Headquarters)
- President of the Federation Executive Committee
- Lead Instructor to Kancho Bradshaw and Kaicho Adam Bradshaw at the Bradshaw Academy of Martial Arts (Blackburn) & Federation Honbu (1999 – 2018)
- Assistant Instructor at Banyule Judo School/Bushi Ryu School of Knights (1993 – 1999)
- Increased the number of academies from 4 to 10, with black belt instructors growing from 14 to 25.
- Led and assisted 32 specialist seminars since 1999
- Plays an active role in the Federation’s external engagement with the wider martial arts community – consisting of collaborations with other organisations and knowledge sharing
“A strong group is built when instructors and seniors lead by example, share responsibility, and create an environment where juniors feel respected, challenged and supported.”
Find a Martial Arts school near you...
Bayswater
Class held
Tuesday
6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(18yo+ beginners+)
7:15 pm – 8:45 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(18yo+ 6th Kyu+)
Box Hill South
Classes held
Monday:
7:30 pm – 9 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(Teenager - Adult)
Wednesday:
6 pm – 7 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(6-12 year olds)
7 pm – 8 pm
Kung Fu
(Teenager - Adult)
8 pm – 9:30 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(Teenager - Adult)
Saturday:
11 am – 12:30 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(6-12 year olds)
2 pm– 3:30 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(Teenager - Adult)
Camberwell
Class held
Sunday
10:00 am – 11:30am
Kung Fu
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Caulfield
Monash University (Caulfield)
Class held
Wednesday: 7:30 – 9:15 pm
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Group Fitness Studio
JiuJitsu & Judo
(Teenager - Adult)
Clayton
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Classes held
Monday: 6:45 pm – 8:30 pm
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Multi-Purpose Room
JiuJitsu & Judo
(16+ to Adult)
Heidelberg
Class held
Monday:
6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(6-12 year old)
7:15 pm – 8:45 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo
(Teenager to Adult)
Viewbank
Class held
Friday: 6pm-7pm
Kung Fu
(Teenager - Adult)
Sundays: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo - Adults & Teenagers 13+
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Open mat for class participants
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
JiuJitsu & Judo - 9 to 12 year olds
Viewbank Primary
Class held
Wednesday: 1 pm – 1:50 pm JiuJitsu & Judo
for Viewbank Primary Students Only