Haragei Martial Arts

Hara Gei (literally "belly art" 腹芸) was the name of my first martial arts school. To distort the classic saying, I joined when I was seven years old and I've often looked back!

My teacher Alfredo Cameron closed our school when I was nineteen and away at university. I remain grateful that I happened to be back for a visit and attended the very last class at the community centre I had been training at for most of my life at that point. We practised Wado-ryu karate, which remains the only style which has ever felt quite 'right' to me.

I then went through a wandering period where I tried almost every martial art I came across. The list includes Judo, Japanese Ju-jutsu, BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai, Bokator (Kmer kickboxing), Tae-kwon do, fencing, Kendo, and probably a few more. During the coronavirus pandemic I connected with Sensei Darren Humphries of the Shintani Wado Kai organisation in Canada. He was kind enough to let me join his classes for several years and grade me to Shodan (1st degree black belt) in that style.

I also went on a deep exploration of the roots of Wado-ryu through intensive self-practice, reading of the grandmaster's book on the subject, and endless hours of internet research. This led me to Aunkai Bujutsu, a modern Japanese martial conditioning system which has become part of my karate and filled a deficiency I always felt there.

I am currently hosting Aunkai Bujutsu practice groups in Canberra (please contact me for details). I am also looking to begin hosting classes in Wado-ryu karate in the near (or near-ish) future. Again, please get in touch  if you would like to learn more.

In the meantime, please check out the blog for more explorations of martial arts practice and philosophy.

-Sam