AUSTRALIAN GYOKUSHIN RYU AIKI JUJUTSU FEDERATION

The Australian Gyokushin Ryu Federation (AGRAF) was founded in 2016 by Jon Marshall Shihan with the aim of spreading the art of Gyokushin Ryu Aiki Jujutsu and providing support and nurturing future students as well as developing instructors. This was authorised by the founder Washizu Terumi Kancho who awarded Jon the rank of Shihan and the title of Shibucho of the Oceania region and more recently South-east Asia.

The goals of the association is to spread Gyokushin ryu both in Australia and abroad and have direct access to the teachings of Washizu Sensei as well as the ability to train directly under him at the Honbu Dojo in Shizuoka. All affiliated dojo within the association are eligible to have the ranks and certificates awarded directly from the honbu dojo in Shizuoka.

The lineage of the Gyokushin ryu is particularly unique and special. The founder Washizu Terumi Sensei was a protégé of Mochizuki Minoru Kancho who founded the Yoseikan style of Aikido and was taught directly by Morihei Ueshiba (Founder of Aikido) Jigaro Kano (Founder of Judo), Mifune Kyuzo (10th dan judo)Funakoshi Ginchin (the man responsible for the introduction of Karate to mainland Japan from Okinawa)

Communication Channels

The AGRAF is a member of the International Gyokushin ryu Aikido Federation and reports directly to the honbu dojo in Shizuoka, Japan

Founder: Washizu Terumi Kancho

Honbu/Headquarters: Main dojo in Shizuoka, Japan

International President: Christian Patenauge Shihan

Australian Branch Chief (Shibu-Cho) : Jon Marshall Shihan

State Branch Chiefs (Shibu-Cho) : Instructors appointed by Jon Marshall Shihan

State Shibu-Cho

All states will have a Shibu-Cho or branch chief that reports directly to the Australian Shibu-Cho.

Responsibilities include but not limited to

  • Grading students up to 1st kyu or a rank agreed upon by Jon Marshall Shihan (this will depend on Instructor’s current grade, experience etc)
  • Liaising and providing help and support to dojo within their state
  • Reporting monthly to Jon Marshall Shihan

Current Shibucho by state are

  • Victoria : Con Divitaris
  • NSW: Paul Cale
  • Tasmania: Brad Palmer
  • Perth: Murat Atkas

All students within the association must deal directly with the state Shibu-Cho who will then report directly to the Australian Shibu-Cho.

All matters of rank, grading and curriculum must be reported to the Branch chief who will then relay any necessary correspondence or urgent messages directly to the honbu dojo in Japan.

Travelling to honbu dojo

Regular training trips and Gashukku are regularly organised both within Australia and to Shizuoka, Japan. It is highly recommended that you attempt to participate as often as possible. For those planning on travelling to Japan and training at honbu dojo, a request must be made through the State Shibu-Cho and then relayed to Jon Marshall Shihan. This is necessary as an introduction letter must be prepared to the honbu dojo informing them the dates, names of people etc.

This requirement is out of courtesy to the honbu dojo. Accommodation can be arranged as well as other pertinent matters. Please try to give us plenty of notice so we can ensure your trip is memorable and well planned.

For those keen on training in Japan, it is highly recommended but please remember that your behaviour, actions and attitude reflects your teacher, country and our association.

National events

In addition to our regular training trips to Japan that anyone is able to join, we will also hold at least 2 major grading a year as well as training seminars for both regular students and instructor’s workshops. These workshops are to provide ongoing mentoring and support to our affiliates as well as developing instructors. These events will be announced towards the end of every year so as to give plenty of notice for the upcoming year.

International Events

We plan to hold at least one training camp a year in Asia as well as the International Gasshuku that is held in Shizuoka every 2 years in October. This will be a 3 day event that is open to all students and instructors and will feature both international and local instructors. Again, plenty of notice will be given so as to make it possible for as many people as possible to attend. Naturally family are most welcome and encouraged to attend .

Gradings

Kyu gradings are usually held 3-4 times a year and all instructors are able to grade their students up to 1st kyu brown belt.

To ensure the standard for Shodan is maintained, all students testing for Shodan and above must do so at the dan gradings held twice a year. If they cannot make this trip then Jon Marshall Shihan must be consulted for alternative arrangements.

There are no honorary grades given out in Gyokushin ryu. There are also minimum time lines that must be adhered to in regards to dan rankings. To maintain a high standard these timelines are to be looked upon as a minimum guide, for someone training at least 3-4 times a week.

When considering grading a student, a combination of the following is critical:

  • Attitude
  • Ability
  • Attendance

Guideline for ranking in Gyokushin ryu

To obtain Shodan, a minimum of 3-5 years of consistent training.

Shodan-Nidan: 2 years

Nidan- Sandan: 3 years

Sandan-Yondan: 4 years

Yondan- Godan: 4 years

Godan- Rokudan: 5 years

Rokudan and above: Honbu dojo to decide

 Grading students from other Martial arts

The Gyokushin ryu comprises several martial arts primarily Judo, Karate and Kenjutsu and is practiced by high ranking practitioners and teachers of other arts. Unlike some schools, the Gyokiushin ryu is a progressive art and it is Washizu Sensei’s greatest wish that you develop your own budo and not just imitate the movements but rather try and think of the fundamental principles and fit them to your body. In saying this, the very core of the art is Aikido. People holding rank in other budo may be considered on a case by case basis in regard to ranking. Despite their current rank, a strong grasp on the fundamentals of Aikido is imperative and the awarding of ranks in these cases will be made solely by Jon Marshall Shihan. There should be no expectation or mention that they will be awarded a specific grade.

Passports/Grading Certificates

All students must purchase an International passport that is available for $15 from the headquarters.

This passport must be kept up to date with the student’s rank, kyu and dan gradings, seminars attended and membership renewal dates. Only a licensed instructor may sign/stamp the book.

There will be no certificates issued for kyu grades. These are to be documented in the passport. All dan certificates are issued directly from the honbu dojo in Japan and written and signed personally by the founder, Washizu Terumi Kancho.

The instructor must submit all grading forms and paperwork within 1 week of the test dates and inform the State Shibu-cho who will be testing.

All testing forms and instructions are available HERE

Instructor Grades

Instructor titles are authorised by Washizu Kancho and awarded by Jon Marshall Shihan on his behalf.

These titles are for instructors only and are not automatically awarded once a certain dan level has been achieved. These titles are:

Jyokyo : 1st-2nd dan

Kyodo: 3rd -4th dan

Shihan-dai: 5th dan

Shihan: 6th dan

 

On attainment of 6th dan, the red and white belt (kohaku-obi) may be worn to signify 6th dan and the recognition of the Shihan title. Unlike other schools of Aikido/Aikijujitsu, the hakama is not worn in Gyokushin ryu Aikido.