Kyl Reber

BJMA Affiliated Club: Chikara Martial Arts, Oxley QLD

I started my BJMA Journey in 1994. After training in a previous style in country Queensland, I moved to Brisbane, linked up with then Sensei Brad Ross (Now Soke – 10th Degree), and became one of the first Zen do Kai students at the Graceville Dojo in Western Brisbane. I trained in that Dojo under Soke until the rank of 1st Degree Zen Do Kai in 1996, then took over the club as Soke moved back to his home town of Maryborough. I have taught at that club ever since, and it has evolved into now what is a full time centre, now known as Chikara Martial Arts.

Currently I am a full 9th Degree, Hanshi in Zen Do Kai, a 9th Degree Trainer in BJMA Kickboxing (Muay Thai), and a 3rd Degree Advanced Instructor in BJMA Krav Maga. I also have a passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, holding a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Peter de Been.

My main focus and drive that keeps me in BJMA, is returning to my students, and whoever wants to learn, what Martial Arts has given to my family and I, and showing them how much more there is to what we do than just punching and kicking. The community we have developed at CMA (Chikara Martial Arts) is an example of this, and our ongoing commitment to Soke Bob Jones and the other Sokes.

You will never know it all, and BJMA is a style that promotes that, and has for as long as I have been involved. It was the major factor that brought me to the style in 1994, and even now, my opinion has not changed. We are of course “The Best of Everything in Progression”.

Three attributes I consider important within a Martial Artist are:-

1. Humility – No matter what the rank, you never forget you were once a white belt too. You are never too good to sweep the floors, or get on and train with the rest of the class. Every year we go to Thailand for the annual training camp. I do everything my students do over there. Students are not good listeners, but they are excellent imitators.
2. Evolution – Constantly seeking new information, new techniques, and new ways to be better. This has to be done to pass new information on to your students, and for you to grow as a Martial Artist and a human being.
3. Martial Arts is a Lifestyle – You can’t be a great Martial Artist on the mat or floor, and off it you are just a terrible person. If you want to be a good Martial Artist, “wear the black belt” 24hrs a day. You can’t just be that person when you are training, you must be that person your whole life. The belt does not define you. Actions speak louder than words.

What advice would I give someone who is starting out in BJMA?

All I would say is just BE PATIENT. There is no race to what we do, no end date. You see so many immediately immerse themselves in training (which is fantastic), but just chip away, making good consistent progress. Don’t run that risk of burning out. “Quick to ripen, quick to rot.”

I am proud to say that I have never had a break, and have just continued to chip away. Blink your eyes, and like me, it will be 25 years. By following that idea, life when it attempts to get in the way, may be dealt with better, and as I always say to my students, some training is better than no training.