BMA - Busselton Martial Arts

Congratulations to all of our students who graded over the weekend!

It was a smaller grading this time around, but what the group lacked in numbers, they more than made up for with heart, determination and spirit.

Every student stepped onto the mats ready to challenge themselves, and they should all be incredibly proud of what they achieved.

What many people don't see is that a grading is about far more than just the few hours spent in front of the panel. Success is built over weeks and months of hard work, commitment and the support of those around you.

A special mention must go to all of the students who weren't grading but still turned up to support their training partners. They spent ninety minutes pushing through the basics during what has affectionately become known as "Thursday Hell Night", before backing it up again with three hours of training on Saturday.

That willingness to put your own time and energy into helping others improve says a lot about the culture we are trying to build. Karate is an individual journey, but nobody reaches their goals alone. The encouragement, camaraderie and respect shown throughout the weekend were exceptional.

Gradings aren't simply about techniques or physical ability. They test character, resilience and the ability to keep moving forward when you're tired, uncomfortable and under pressure.

Congratulations once again to everyone who participated and to those who supported from the sidelines and on the mats. You have all done yourselves, your families and the dojo proud.

— Shihan

We don't post a lot, it is more about lack of time to be honest than effort.
Working all day, then hitting classes with your team, plus family commitments and like everyone else in the world can demand most of your time.

But I would like to make a special mention to everyone that came in to support those grading.

It is actually our tradition, for any teenager or adult, grading or not, you turn up and support your peers 3 times a year for the Thursday night (aka hell night) and for the 3 hour seminar on Saturday.

Last night, from complete beginners to veteran students, we had 44 on the floor and not everyone could make it either. So we're expecting more tomorrow morning!

It's nights like this, that after 43 years of training and 33 years coaching in Busselton that make us proud for the family we have created at BMA.

Western Australia Day Public Holiday

Dojo is CLOSED today, enjoy your day and see you tomorrow for classes

One of the things many people rarely experience anymore is the feeling of being fully switched on.

Modern life has conditioned people into comfort, routine, screens, and safety. We sit too much, move too little, overthink everything, and slowly begin shrinking ourselves to fit inside predictable routines that keep us existing — but not truly living.

Karate interrupts that process.

There is something powerful hidden inside hard physical training and controlled pressure. When training becomes intense, something changes. The breathing sharpens. The senses wake up. The mind becomes present. Suddenly the noise of everyday life disappears — stress, bills, politics, self-doubt, anxiety — all pushed aside because for those moments your focus is completely in the here and now.

That feeling is important.

A person who regularly steps into discomfort inside the dojo begins changing outside the dojo too. They carry themselves differently. They handle pressure better. They become calmer under stress, harder to intimidate, and more resilient when life becomes difficult.

People often misunderstand martial arts and think it’s about aggression or learning to hurt people. In reality, good karate teaches the opposite.

It teaches people how not to fall apart under pressure.

One of the biggest problems today is that many adults and children have become disconnected from challenge, movement, and physical confidence. People stop testing themselves. Stop moving with purpose. Stop believing they are capable of hard things.

Over time, many simply accept low energy, poor confidence, anxiety, and stress as “normal life.”

But human beings were never designed to live fragile lives waiting for the weekend to feel alive again.

We were built to move.
To adapt.
To struggle.
To overcome challenge.

Karate is simply one of the vehicles we use at BMA to reconnect people with those parts of themselves again — in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

Not everyone who walks into the dojo becomes a fighter, in our older years that's not what we're there for.

But almost everyone who stays becomes stronger — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

And that changes lives. 🥋

Most people don’t realise how slowly confidence can fade.

We have a great mums and dads group running at the moment. Take a chance!

It rarely happens all at once. It usually begins with small changes over time:
• standing a little shorter
• speaking a little quieter
• avoiding challenges
• stepping back instead of stepping forward
• slowly convincing yourself you’re “just not that type of person”

I’ve watched this happen to both children and adults over many years of teaching karate.

The body often reflects the story a person has been telling themselves internally for a very long time. Poor posture. Hesitation. Anxiety. Lack of confidence. Low energy. Social withdrawal. The belief that “I’m not capable” or “I’m not enough.”

But I’ve also seen the opposite.

I’ve seen the moment a person decides they’re tired of feeling stuck. The moment they walk into the dojo nervous, uncertain, and uncomfortable — but still willing to try.

That decision alone changes something.

They begin standing taller. Speaking clearer. Making eye contact. Pushing through discomfort. Slowly becoming stronger physically and mentally.

But confidence does not come from motivation alone.
It comes from repetition.
Consistency.
Community.
Showing up again and again — especially on the days you don’t feel like it.

That’s one of the most important things karate gives people.

Not just punches and kicks — but structure, accountability, resilience, self-respect, and a community that encourages growth instead of excuses.

For children, it builds confidence and discipline during the years they need it most.
For teens, it provides direction, challenge, and belonging.
For adults, it becomes a way to reconnect with themselves again physically and mentally.

This is why we train.

Not to become perfect martial artists — but to become stronger, more capable human beings over time.

And sometimes, all it takes to begin changing your life… is stepping onto the mats for the first time. 🥋

Peter Shihan and I share a very closely mirrored path in the martial arts and instead of trying to write my own articles of the exact same topics we agree on, he has kindly said I can share his.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GdbYoCXS1/

WE DON’T teach “high-level” competitive Jujutsu here. In fact, I reckon a Jujutsu purist would cross the street to avoid getting stuck in a conversation with a great pretender like me. Whatever!! Given the chance, I would probably corner them and comatose them into a state of boredom by telling them in detail about my buggered left knee.
What we do teach and preach is an original form of karate that developed and evolved waaaaaay, way back before modern karate was even a thing. The concepts were simple and straight forward - situation arises, assess situation, deal with situation quickly and decisively, GET HOME SAFE.
Clearly here in the 21st century, the child version of what I pretend to teach is somewhat watered down from the adult version for some really good ‘Use Your Own Imagination ‘type reasons but the message remains intact.
Alongside the best-known aspects of physical karate training, we also give instruction on basic holds, throws and takedowns, and submissions. In addition to this a major part of our philosophy here is how we educate our young students the importance of keeping our assailant safe from harm.
I fully understand how this approach to self-defence and growth development in kids does not resonate with everyone which is why I am more than happy to promote and guide anyone towards more competitive schools that produce some very good Jujutsu fighters if this is their ambition for themselves or their children. As it happens, I know a really good local Jujutsu school whose young instructor is very passionate and a great teacher of Jujutsu. Just ask 😊
Don’t read this the wrong way, I am not underselling what we do here. I just have a very different idea of what Playground Politics looks like for kids. They only need a few simple tools and strategies to maintain control in situations that give them limited options for negotiation. I also understand that kids don’t need forty-nine positions for great submissions to become someone to be proud of – They only need a few things in their toolbox that gives them the confidence to take on their world with confidence. Isn’t that the point anyway?
Our training isn’t built around fantasy or trophies. It’s built around pressure testing basic concepts, simplicity, and real-world decision making.
Strong. Confident. Capable.
That’s the goal.

Take a minute out of your day today to remember those that fight for us.

See you all back on the mats Tuesday.

Have a wonderful Easter break everyone.

Training resumes Monday 13th as per usual.

🥋 Junior Gradings — Effort, Courage & Growth 🥋

Sunday morning saw some of our junior students step onto the mats for their gradings, with ages ranging from 6–12 years, from beginners through to blue belts.

Gradings are always a big moment for our younger students. Nerves, pressure, excitement and the opportunity to show what months of consistent training have built.

Every student was asked to give their best effort, demonstrate strong fundamentals, and show the attitude and focus expected of martial artists.

What stood out most was the determination. These students pushed themselves, supported each other, and showed real growth not only in technique, but in confidence, discipline, and resilience.

Gradings are never just about belts, they are about learning to stand up under pressure, try your best, and keep going even when things feel challenging. That is where the real lessons are found. Gradings are also about how the dojo will progress over the next 4 months.

Congratulations to all juniors who graded.

Your hard work showed, and you should be proud of the progress you’ve made.

Arigato🥋
Craig Shihan

🥋 Grading Preparation Seminar, Hard Work Across All Levels 🥋

Today we completed a major step toward our senior gradings with a full seminar bringing together 40 participants, ranging from beginners through to 4th Dan black belts.

The week began with 90 minutes of intensive fundamental training on Thursday night, setting the physical and technical standard required moving forward.

Today built on that foundation with three hours of partner work, focusing on HAPV self-defence principles, application drills, and the core fundamentals that underpin everything we do in classical karate.

It was great to welcome visiting black belts and students from Pemberton, Manjimup, and Perth, all coming together to train, share knowledge, and push each other in the spirit of traditional martial arts.

The focus was simple — fun through fundamentals. Regardless of rank, everyone returned to basics, refining movement, body mechanic's, timing, structure, and practical application. This is where real progress happens.

It was especially rewarding to see so many students successfully complete their gradings, and to watch our advanced juniors step forward and test themselves while maintaining the high standards expected of their ranks. Moments like these show the strength and future of the dojo.

We also recognised an important milestone, with three students achieving their 5-year and 10-year training anniversaries — a testament to perseverance, loyalty, and long-term commitment to the martial arts journey.

The seminar was personally led as part of our ongoing grading preparation, drawing on experience within Koryu Uchinadi (3rd Dan) and Classical Karate Goju Ryu (6th Dan) — blending traditional principles with practical, application-based training.

We cannot thank enough McCarthy Hanshi for his support and the support of the Australian Koryu Uchinadi

A huge congratulations to everyone who attended. The effort, attitude, and willingness to work hard across all grades showed exactly what strong martial arts culture looks like.

The work continues — gradings are earned through preparation, persistence, and consistency.

BMA🥋