FEDERATION HISTORY
With almost 40 years of history, there's lots to explore! Over time we will add snippets from the archives to help students understand where we've come from and all the work that's gone into creating the Federation and our martial arts.
Don't forget to read the history sections of your orientation manual and the general knowledge sections of your grading guides for even more insights.
OUR HISTORY
Almost 40 years of Federation history to explore
circa 1970s
The pre AFI days...
Kancho was the Senior Grade of Professor Wally Strauss. Here are some rare photos of Kancho (then Shihan) demonstrating various techniques on Shihan (then Sensei) Tom. If you look closely you can see the old badge.
Academy News #1 - August 1981
What were we doing 39 years ago...
Take a look at our first ever Academy News, originally called "Club News". I wonder if anyone can think of the reason Kancho changed the name?
There are still active members today that were training back in 1981. See if you can spot any names you know.
Academy News #35 - November 1992
What were we doing 28 years ago...
Including; Don Jacob JiuJitsu, 3 Little Monks, Gracie Seminars and much more.
1992
Don Jacob Seminars
On November 21st and 22nd, 1992 a number of Federation members attended Seminars by Professor Don Jabob, 8th Dan, who hails from Trinidad...
Academy News #49 - December 1997
Kancho becomes the first all-Australian 10th Dan
Our very own Melbourne based Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, Kancho Barry "Brad" Bradshaw, has made International martial arts history by becoming the first all-Australian Black belt Master teacher to receive the elite status of Grand Master, 10th Dan black belt, the highest grade rank possible in the martial arts.
Kunoichi #35 - June 1998
What were we doing 22 years ago...
Honbu classes officially begin! Interesting to note the prices of classes at seminars
Academy News #51 - December 1998
Shihan Peter "Frog" 'Morton honoured as a 10th Dan Grand Master
Shihan Peter Morton, founder of the Peter Morton Academies of Self Defence, long-time member of the Australian Shihan Kai, and good friend of the Kancho's, was presented with his 10th Degree Grand Master ceremonial red belt by Kancho Bradshaw.
Academy News #54 - December 1999
Hanshi "Peter" Albert Chek awarded 9th Dan
Professor “Peter” Albert Chek was Principal of Kawaishi Method Jiujitsu Australia and a first generation student of Kawaishi who won the 1947 Champion de Paris tournament and Kawaishi Medal. Chek was part of Wally Strauss' organisation when he came to Australia, and helped Wally translate four volumes of books that were hand-signed and given to Strauss by Kawaishi.
Several Instructors of Strauss were also sent to Tasmania to gain extra instruction from Chek, including Kancho Bradshaw. This was the beginning of the friendship between Chek and Kancho, that was renewed several years later.
Chek then moved from Tasmania to Perth and Strauss and Chek had a falling-out. Years later, Chek reestablished ties with Kancho, joined Kancho’s organisation and became a life member of the Federation. In 1999 he was awarded 9th Dan and inducted into the Australiasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Kunoichi #43
What were we doing in February 2000
Including; Shihan Peter Morton strapping seminar review, Visitation from the west, Gradings; A spectators view, A gradee's view, A panelists' view & A blackbelt gradee's view.
Academy News #62 - 2007
Hanshi Peter Chek passes away at 82. 1925-2007
Hanshi “Peter” Albert Chek - a life member of the Australian Shihan Kai and the Federation, sadly passes away at age 82. His is a life to remember.
Insights Into Martial Arts #11 - 2001
Kempo Jiu Jitsu by Grand Master Rober Gemmell
Kancho was invited to present 2 workshops in New Zealand as guest of the Shaolin Chuan Fa Association and Grand Master Robert Gemmell.