After years of instructing with another martial arts school, we found ourselves becoming disillusioned. Issei Ryu Bujutsu came about through much soul searching, and careful consideration of our philosophies and goals: What were we searching for? How would we do things better?

Then the training began. Dissecting the techniques and lessons second nature to us; Exploring what works, what can be improved on, and how; Focusing on our intention of keeping techniques clean and simple; Working with our natural body movements and instincts; Drawing from our years of experience in martial arts and other physical endeavours, as well as our knowledge of the human body; We formed the basis of Issei Ryu Bujutsu.

When we established our academy, we knew from the start that what we have is a work in progress; and it will always be. We have to consciously remain open minded and be ready to adapt and evolve whenever necessary. There is no limit to learning, and inspiration is all around us.

Ultimately, we hope that what we have is a martial art that is well rounded, practical and effective for all types of people. In teaching martial arts, we aspire to not only push our students to greater physical capabilities, but to also give them life skills (such as perseverance, resourcefulness and self-belief) which they may apply to reach their personal goals.

Christian Oakley & Shaun Brewster (Founders)

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Equip our students with the knowledge and training in an effective martial art, which will develop focus, awareness, resourcefulness, confidence and fitness. Inspire primary greatness and a lifelong commitment to self-improvement. Provide a safe, friendly, professional and pleasant learning environment.

OUR IDENTITY

Brush stroke: Martial Journey's brush stroke represents the horizon. The horizon is something which is always ahead of us, something to strive towards. As we get closer, a new horizon presents itself. There is no end to learning. The brush stroke also conveys movement and energy which are an integral part of martial arts.

The seed: The Issei Ryu Bujutsu logo holds two images in one. It's a seed sprouting a leaf, representing life, growth, nurture, and potential; whilst also being a path which leads in to the distance, representing a lifelong journey and progress.

2011 Dec

Martial Journey c/o Christian Oakley & Cindy Chong, received the 2011 Top Martial Arts School Award through EFC Black Belt Schools - in recognition of our "school's growth, professionalism & excellent student service".
We celebrated our achievements during the year, in our first team bonding outing to Melbourne Indoor Paintball.
Dojo Break-up Bash with Jumping Castle & our first Combat Sketch presentation. Our 2011 award winners:

Happy Camper: David Hammersley
Bright Spark: Tony Blazevic
Rising Star: Joshua Tabone & James Bosnar
Above & Beyond: Max Huni
Apple Award: Rebecca Edwards

2011 Oct

Celebrated our 2nd Dojo Birthday by hosting a sausage sizzle fundraiser earning over $380 in 2hrs.
6th Annual Camp (Anglesea).

2011 Sep

Received a letter from the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, offering her congratulations on our achievements in the Wyndham Business Awards.

2011 Aug

Martial Journey was announced as a 2011 Wyndham Business Awards Winner, in the Service Category - Small Business.
Martial Journey c/o Christian Oakley was also awarded the Grandmaster Black Belt Award for achieving another significant income milestone.

2011 Jun

Awarded our 1st batch of Junior Black Belts to: Ella Bibby, James Bosnar, Fraser Paull, Joshua Tabone.

2011 Feb

Martial Journey c/o Christian Oakley was presented the EFC Master Black Belt Award for achieving an income milestone.
Hosted our annual Open Day during a time of record rain & floods.

2010 Dec

Dojo Break-up Bash with our first BJJ Mini Comp. Our 2010 award winners:

Happy Camper: Jamison Saunders
Rising Star: Kaiden Clarke
Above & Beyond: Josh Levy & Josh Flint
Apple Award: Ashley McCartan

2010 NOV

Cindy Chong presented the 2010 Outstanding Programme Director Award through EFC: Black Belt Schools - An International Award recognising her "diligence, dedication & commitment to excellence".

2010 OCT

Celebrated our first Dojo Birthday.
Introduced our Quest Fitness programme.
Participated in the 2010 Youth Action Conference @ MCG.

2010 SEP

Our first Train with Dad day.
5th Annual Camp (Anglesea).

2010 MAY

Our first Train with Mum day.
First BJJ grading.

2010 FEB

Dojo Open Day attracting record numbers.

2010 JAN

Point Cook dojo goes full time.
Introduced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & established affiliation with Ground Zero.
Increased to 5 Issei Ryu Bujutsu gradings per year (previously 3 gradings/year).

2009 DEC

Closed Chadstone & Geelong dojos.
Break-up Bash @ new Point Cook dojo. Our 2009 award winners:

Happy Camper: Jessica Price
Bright Spark: Emily Ludbey-Bruhwel
Rising Star: Ella Bibby
Above & Beyond: Adrian Bibby

2009 OCT

Relocated Point Cook dojo to 5 Wallace Ave, establishing the first dedicated martial arts centre in the area.
Introduced Micro Ninja classes (3-5yrs).

2009 AUG

4th Annual Camp (Camp Manyung).

2009 MAY

First Sun Seminar with 7 participants.
Hosted first seminar for kids (grappling).

2009 FEB

Relocated Point Cook dojo to the Point Cook Town Centre.

2009 JAN

Updated our syllabus to include a red belt level.
Switched to 1 hour classes.

2008 DEC

Returned to Cliffhanger for our end of year celebrations. 2008 award winners were:

Happy Camper: Liliana McRay
Bright Spark: Victor Simpson
Rising Star: Fraser Paull
Above & Beyond: Jake Jeffery

2008 AUG

Merged Bannockburn and Geelong dojos.

2008 JULY

Introduced Direct Debiting.
Open Day (Point Cook).

2008 JUNE

Participants completed our first Fitness for Kicks bootcamp.

2008 MAY

3rd Annual Camp (Lady Northcote).

2008 FEB

Introduced our first Kids' Safety Awareness Week.

2008 MAR

Signed up our first trainee instructor: Victor Simpson.

2007 DEC

Celebrated end of year at Wyncity Fun Factory. The 2007 award winners were:

Happy Camper: Victor Simpson & Jamie Horsburgh
Bright Spark: Nick Ritchie
Rising Star: Ivy Aitken
Above & Beyond: Jake Jeffery

2007 SEP

Open Day (Geelong).

2007 MAY

2nd Annual Camp (Anglesea).

2006 DEC

Celebrated at our new dojo with a Christmas BBQ, and handed out our first awards. The winners for 2006 were:

Happy Camper: Jake Jeffery
Bright Spark: Kiri Pedersen
Rising Star: David Zvedeniuk
Above & Beyond: Robyn McCoy

2006 NOV

Established new Point Cook dojo at Jamieson Way Community Centre.

2006 SEP

Our first Annual Camp (Anglesea).

2006 JULY

Consolidated Altona, Caulfield, Highett, and Mt Waverley to establish a Chadstone dojo offering more classes throughout the week. We had our first Open Day to promote the new dojo.

2005 DEC

Celebrated a successful first year with a Christmas Party at Cliffhanger.

2005 JUNE

Hosted our first seminar (Hanbo).

2005 JAN

Martial Journey academy of martial arts opened our doors to students for the first time, with classes offered in Altona, Bannockburn, Caulfield, Geelong, Highett and Mt Waverley.