I'm not a black belt! I'm in training for my black belt but I can certainly teach you Kyokushin Karate and Titans Muay Thai Kickboxing as it was taught to me. Second, I'm not one for puffery, I'm a realist. I say it as I see it. The martial arts that I'll teach you are awesome for your strength, your core, your reflexes, your fitness, your confidence and your self respect. I know this because that's what I've observed first hand. Third, when I believe in something you'll hear about it. I'm all for sharing information in the hope that you can add to it and make it better. And last of all, I understand that competing or grading is not for everyone and lots of members come to train for FITNESS & FUN. Life is all about balance.

The hardest thing about any training is getting yourself there. This I know well. We are all lazy and habitual by nature. The less we do, the less we want to do. It's a habit. The good thing though is , the more we do the MORE we want to do. It's true! So let me say one more thing. This is hard, everyone finds it hard and it's supposed to be hard. This is Kyokushin and This is Muay Thai!

I've learned it's NOT what your willing to DO to get where you want to go, it's what you're willing to GIVE UP!!! So give up the TV a few nights a week and get yourself down to the dojo and get yourself looking like one of the 300.

My Training Instructors:

Shihan George Kolovos (5th Dan), Sensei Judd Reid (3rd Dan), Sempai Phil Jacobson (2nd Dan) and Sempai Kiley Baker (2nd Dan). With no intended disrespect to any other, they are four of the finest and most dedicated Kyokushin instructors I know and have had the privilage of spending countless hours with in the dojo. I am a product of their teachings and this is what I bring to you. So what are you waiting for. Get yourself down here and I'll get you back into shape.

History: Sempai Bernard Schokman

Sempai Bernard Schokman started his training in Martial Arts at the University of South Australia in 1989. At that time Sensei Steve Nikolic was teaching Full Contact Wado Ryu Karate and Bernard trained while undertaking a degree in computer science. After successfully completing his degree and developing his IT career, Bernard then moved to melbourne.

In 2000 he stumbled across Shihan George Kolovos' Melbourne Martial Arts Academy in Flinders Street and has been training there and at the Eltham Martial Arts Academy ever since. Bernard's primary focus is Kyokushin Karate and Titans Muay Thai Kickboxing but is recent years has also enjoyed cross-training in Boxing, Jiu Jitsu (ground fighting) and Arnes (stick fighting).

Sempai Bernard Schokman is a two time Victorian Kyokushin Full Contact Champion, has competed and won several World Ring Karate (WRKA) events, has attended various camps in Victoria and Thailand and travelled to Japan to further his training and understanding. He was also a regular participant in Sensei Judd Reids Friday Night Fight class and has trained with many of the great instructors. They have all provided their unique view of the martial arts and as always, it is not only a privilage to have trained with them, but an experience to simply be in their presence. Not in any order of martial art style or rank - Shihan George Kolovos, Shihan Eddie Emin, Sensei Judd Reid, Grand Master Bobby Taboada, Sensei Andrew Sotiros, Shihan Hasegawa, Sensei Gonghan (Shanghai China), Shihan Cameron Quinn, Shihan Oishi, Shihan Shichinohe, Shihan Tabata, Shihan Jim Phillips and Shihan John Taylor.

When the great Mas Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate was asked the secret to the martial arts, he simply responded with one word, sweat! I'm a firm believer that the secret of good health starts with regular exercise that makes you sweat. The older I get, the more I believe in it. I've always been involved in all sorts of exercise - mixed martial arts, running, gym, cycling, etc - and when I've stopped exercising, I feel lathargic, I put on weight, my body stops working the way I know it should, my back aches and I find it harder to sleep. But with regular exercise, my body just works the way I remember it always has. Not bad at nearly 40.

Which Martial Arts is right for me? Kyokushin Karate, Titans Muay Thai Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Jiu Jitsu, Arnis, Boxing, Kung Fu? There are so many to choose from and so many different instructors. My advice would be to read this article Which martial art is right for me? watch classes, speak to instructors and read the promotional material and finally, use your own judgement. Even though you may know nothing about dancing, you know a good dancer when you see one. Watch for instructor and student behaviour but most importantly, trust your own judgement, you know more than you think you do about martial arts.

There are many benefits in doing any of the Martial Arts. If we haven't been able to answer your Martial Arts frequently asked questions here then please contact us by phone, email or post. If you would like to come down and watch a class then check out our class times.

Osu, Sempai Bernard Schokman

Eltham Martial Arts Head Instructor: Sempai Kiley Baker