From Our Family to Yours
Third Dan Traditional Gōjū Ryū Karate (Gōjū Kensha lineage) | Level 6 Completion in the Art of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada
Sensei Sheryn Gung is a martial artist, Oriental health practitioner, spiritual coach, writer, presenter and mother. She is a personal student of renowned international instructor, Hanshi James Sumarac, 8th Dan. Under Hanshi James, she also studies Nei Chia Chinese Internal Kung Fu: T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Ba Mu Zhang, Swimming Dragon Ba Gua Zhang (Chen Pan Ling Style) and Qi Gong. Sheryn also holds Completion in the Art of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada, under the lineage of legendary Grandmaster Bobby Taboada. She has trained with Sensei Morita, Sensei Tomoko Takami and Hanshi Michiro Noguchi (Japan), as well as the late White Crane Kung Fu master, Master Tseng (Taiwan).
Sheryn complements over thirty years of experience in the martial arts with over two decades’ experience in the healing arts, predominantly in shiatsu, Japanese needle therapy, moxibustion and related therapies. Drawing on her background as a spiritual coach, Sheryn loves to share her rich understanding of Oriental philosophy and personal growth with her students.
Sheryn has had the honour of editing and providing creative overview to The Living Bubishi, written by Hanshi James Sumarac and Kyoshi Richard Kay. Her articles have been published in a host of magazines and professional journals, including Blitz Martial Arts Magazine. Sheryn is also a featured martial artist in Claudia Botero’s Martial Arts Colouring Book for Adults.
Sheryn is married to Sensei Ross. They live in beautiful Jan Juc with their fiery young daughter, Alaya, happy Buddha-Baby, Bodhi, and Zen Shetland sheepdog, Hendrix.
In her downtime, Sheryn likes long walks along the Surf Coast trail, stand-up paddle boarding, knitting, learning the hang drum and face-painting. She’s definitely a matcha or chai latte gal over coffee.
Find out more about Sheryn on www.SherynGung.com.au.
I cannot think of a better role model for my teenage daughter.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.
From First Stripe to Last Strike, We’ve Got You.
Third Dan Traditional Gōjū Ryū Karate (Gōjū Kensha lineage) | Level 7 Fully Qualified Instructor in the Art of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada
Sensei Ross McDonald became interested in martial arts as a young boy through his love of action movies. He started training in Zen Do Kai before deviating to Gōjū Kai karate. Karate training ultimately introduced him to the weapon that would change his life: the simple rattan cane, and the Filipino art of Balintawak Arnis Cuentada.
Ross eventually came to train in Gōjū Kensha Karate with Hanshi James Sumarac, 8th Dan, while continuing to study Balintawak. After just a few years of solid arnis training, he was able to grade for Fully Qualified Instructor in the U.S. He lived and trained with Grandmaster Bobby Taboada (pictured with Ross) at his Charlotte home before grading in Las Vegas at a Balintawak World Camp and GM Bobby’s 60th Birthday. Ross’ speed and proficiency with the cane earned him acclaim. He was not only awarded the rank of Fully Qualified Instructor (FQI) but was featured in Filipino Martial Arts Digest. Ross is now one of only a few Balintawak Senior Instructors in Australia, and founder of Surf Coast Balintawak. Along with other seniors, he recently led the Australian and New Zealand contingent at GM Bobby’s World Camp in Cebu, Phillipines.
You can spot Ross walking Hendrix the Sheltie along Jan Juc Surf Beach or taking roadtrips along the Great Ocean Road with Sheryn, Alaya, Bodhi and Hendrix. He enjoys working out, playing guitar and cooking BBQs on his OzPig. He still loves action movies.
‘If you wish to fight, you have lost your connection to the universe. If you wish to hurt, bully or dominate people, then you are already defeated.’
- Hanshi Ohtsuka Tadahiko, 9th Dan Goju Kensha Karate
Budō means ‘Martial Way’. No tournaments or competitions, but the discovery of self and a focus on your personal journey through authentic and inspired training. Budō is a traditional approach that is becoming increasingly rare in a field consumed by sport and trophies.
Sensei Sheryn and Sensei Ross are personal students of Hanshi James Sumarac, who was taught by Hanshi Ohtsuka Tadahiko, founder of Gōjū Kensha Karate.
Gōjū Kensha Karate is an extensive and sophisticated martial art style. Traditional Gōjū Ryū Karate is at its core - and Hanshi Ohtsuka dedicated his life to researching Gōjū, tracing its origins to the Chinese Internal Martial Arts (also known as Internal Kung Fu, or nei chia).
Significantly, Hanshi Ohtsuka was the first person to translate the sacred text Bubishi from ancient Chinese to Japanese - and wished to bring the wisdom of its teachings to the wider world. It is really only since Hanshi Ohtsuka's passing in 2012 that he is being recognised as a revolutionary and genius in the martial arts. It is because of his tireless efforts in training, researching and recording karate that his students and the future generations can study a truly traditional style, practised in the Budō manner.
50+ Combined Years of Excellence in Martial Art Instruction.
Small Group Classes and 1:1 Sessions for personalised tuition.
Outstanding level of Student Care.
Your child is guaranteed to have either Sensei Sheryn or Sensei Ross as an instructor, and will not be allocated to junior assistants.
Comprehensive karate curriculum includes Traditional Gōjū Ryū Karate, Street Defence, Oriental Philosophy and Personal Growth.
Traditional Budō (‘Martial Way’) karate training means no competitions or tournaments, but a focus on personal growth.
Comprehensive arnis curriculum includes the full training syllabus of every level as taught by Grand Master Bobby Tabaoda, plus practical drills and applications. Training items include blocks with counters, grouping systems and disarms.
Complimentary Pre-Gradings to help you/your child shake out nerves and prepare for Gradings.
Fun, inspired and creative classes in a safe and positive environment.
Qualified fitness professional means that warm-ups are safe.
Affiliated with Gōjū Ryū Kakurin-Kan Karate-do International and Balintawak Arnis Cuentada International, recognised and established lineages.
Both Sensei Sheryn and Sensei Ross continue to train and study in the martial arts to better themselves and offer more to their students.
Current Working with Children Checks.
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