Membership

SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy stands out for its unique approach by offering a comprehensive blend of multiple martial arts styles—such as Muay Thai, K1 Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), MMA and it’s unique style of Shirudo-Ryu Hybrid —all under one roof. This holistic approach sets it apart from other academies that may specialize in only one discipline or have a narrower focus. Here’s how Shirudo compares to other martial arts academies:

1. Multidisciplinary Approach vs. Specialization

• SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy: By offering a combination of Muay Thai, K1 Kickboxing, BJJ, MMA, and Shirudo Ryu — There is something for everyone or you can choose to do all styles offered. Students are able to receive well-rounded training that covers stand-up fighting, clinch work, submissions, and ground control, making them more adaptable and versatile in various fighting situations.
• Other Academies: Many traditional martial arts academies tend to specialize in one style or combat discipline. For instance:
  • Boxing academies focus exclusively on striking with punches.
  • Jiu-Jitsu academies concentrate on ground fighting and submissions.
  • Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing schools typically focus on specific striking techniques, often neglecting grappling. While these academies can produce highly skilled practitioners in one area, they don’t provide the same depth and breadth of training in all facets of combat.

2. Integrated Family Training vs. Individual-Focused Training

• SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy: Shirudo places a strong emphasis on family values and encourages family-oriented classes, allowing members of all ages to train together. This approach builds a sense of community, discipline, and mutual respect among family members, helping to create bonds through shared martial arts training.
• Other Academies: While many academies offer family classes, Shirudo stands out by making family-centered training a central part of its philosophy. Other schools may be more focused on individual progress, competition, or adult-focused training, without the same emphasis on family engagement.

3. MMA Preparation vs. Specialized Training

• SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy: Shirudo’s integrated training system, combining Muay Thai, K1 Kickboxing, and BJJ, is explicitly designed to prepare students for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition, where a fighter must excel in both striking and grappling. Shirudo’s focus on versatility ensures that students are not limited to one combat style but are trained to perform well in diverse scenarios, whether in the clinch, standing up, or on the ground.
• Other Academies: Many traditional martial arts academies might not offer a comprehensive MMA curriculum. For example:
  • Kickboxing or Muay Thai academies specialize in striking but don’t address grappling or ground fighting.
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools focus on ground fighting and submissions, but won’t typically offer striking training or clinch work, which are vital in MMA.
• Some academies specialize purely in MMA, but they might lack the depth in individual styles like Muay Thai, Kickboxing, or BJJ that Shirudo incorporates.

4. Cross-Training and Adaptability

• SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy: Shirudo’s curriculum promotes cross-training, where students learn how to combine techniques from various martial arts disciplines. This adaptability is key in creating a well-rounded fighter who can easily transition between striking and grappling, a crucial aspect in real-life self-defense situations and competitive MMA.
• Other Academies: Many schools focus on one discipline, leading to fighters who may be excellent in their chosen art but lack experience in others. For instance, a Muay Thai fighter may excel in stand-up striking but be at a disadvantage on the ground against a BJJ or wrestling specialist. Other academies that specialize in only BJJ or Boxing may leave students unprepared for multi-dimensional combat.

5. Comprehensive Physical and Mental Conditioning

• SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy: Shirudo’s training incorporates all aspects of physical conditioning—strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, and mental toughness. Whether it’s through Muay Thai’s intense striking drills, K1’s footwork and speed, or BJJ’s technical rolling, students develop a broad range of physical skills that support overall fitness and fight performance.
• Other Academies: Many other academies focus on the physical aspects specific to their discipline. For example, a Boxing academy might focus on cardiovascular conditioning and hand speed, while a BJJ school might prioritize flexibility and core strength. However, Shirudo’s cross-training ensures a more holistic approach to fitness, making it suitable for a wider range of combat scenarios.

6. Training for Self-Defense and Fitness vs. Competition Focus

• SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy: Shirudo trains students for a wide range of goals, from self-defense to fitness and competition. By providing a broad skill set that includes both striking and grappling, Shirudo prepares its students for real-world self-defense situations and builds functional fitness, while also catering to those interested in pursuing competition, including MMA and other combat sports.
• Other Academies: Some schools, especially those specializing in one discipline, may be more competition-focused. For instance, Boxing or Kickboxing gyms might be geared towards athletes aiming for competition, with less emphasis on self-defense or overall fitness. Similarly, Karate schools might emphasize traditional forms and self-defense, but with less focus on real-world applicability or fitness outside of technique.

7. Community and Supportive Environment

• SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy: Shirudo emphasizes community-building by fostering a supportive and inclusive training environment. The academy is built on values of respect, camaraderie, and discipline, with an emphasis on developing both martial skills and strong personal character. This creates an environment where students of all levels feel encouraged and supported.
• Other Academies: While other schools may also focus on respect and discipline, Shirudo’s strong emphasis on family values and the sense of community makes it particularly welcoming to families and individuals looking for a well-rounded, supportive atmosphere.

Summary:

SHIRUDO Martial Arts Academy offers a unique, well-rounded experience that combines Muay Thai, K1 Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA and its flagship style of Shirudo Ryu all under one roof. Its multidisciplinary approach, family-oriented values, and adaptability for both competition and self-defence set it apart from other martial arts academies, which may specialize in only one style or focus more on individual training. Shirudo’s holistic philosophy ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of combat, improve their fitness, and develop strong mental discipline in a supportive community environment.

Whilst we have great respect for many other Martial Arts clubs out there, we naturally feel that SHIRUDO offers students a range of flexibility in the martial arts they can learn. This is something that very few clubs can offer and naturally we feel that this in turn helps develop an all-round strong martial artist who isn’t locked to one style but has the ability to adapt to any situation to defend themselves successfully. Added to these benefits is the high level of talented coaches, instructors and senior students within the club. Members are also given many other benefits that other clubs do not offer. We run 50 weeks of the year, with Premium memberships having 24/7 access, in an encouraging and non-intimidating class environment, making it possible for students to train without restrictions on time or their ability.

Yes. We have public liability insurance which covers all classes Australia wide. Note that the membership fee paid by students does not provide comprehensive personal accident insurance but does cover up to $500 for extreme injuries. All students over 18 and their parents must sign waiver forms before joining. Our strictly controlled non-contact environment means that most injuries are extremely rare.

We are proud to be members of Martial Arts Australia MAA and Martial Arts International MAI
As well as the SHIRUDO Ultimate Martial Arts Association.

The initial registration fee will vary depending on a number of factors such as Family member discounts as well as every month we run special promotional offers.

All of these costs are explained at time of membership.

At your trial class, you will feel welcomed and helped through the class not only by the experienced black belt instructors but also by other students. Generally speaking, the trial will involve an introduction to the basics of whatever style you have chosen to do. It may involve many different things such as striking, blocking and kicking techniques as well as self-defence or grappling techniques. And these will be practised at a moderate pace so a student can grasp the initial coordination required.

Students are welcome to train in track pants/shorts and t-shirts to start with in all our styles initially. And for the styles that require uniforms, these can be purchased at around the 4-week mark. Cost of the uniforms vary from $69 to $160. In order to create a sense of club unity in our Muay Thai, Kickboxing and boxing, all students are required to wear our branded t-shirts and shorts as part of the uniform.

The average time taken for a student to achieve their provisional black belt in SHIRUDO can vary depending on a lot of factors – such as how many classes they attend in any given week and/or the speed at which they learn as everyone learns at a different pace. Past experience can affect the time as well. On average, earning a provisional black belt can be between 3 to 5 years. Our Jiu Jitsu from beginner to black belt will take a minimum of six years without exception. We have junior black belts that can be earnt in around 4 years. However, once they turn 16, they are required to do another year of training to earn a senior black belt.