Why we do
what we do
Literal Meaning:
Philotimo comes from the Greek words “filos” (friend) and “timi” (honor), suggesting a love of honor or friendship
The concept extends beyond simply valuing honor. It involves taking pride in one’s actions, fulfilling responsibilities, and acting with generosity and a sense of duty towards others. A person with philotimo volunteers their time, helping others without expecting something in return, or takes on additional responsibilities to ensure a task is done well
OUR MISSION
Self defence for women and girls of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds (CALD)
Girls and Women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds often have special needs and requirements that can create barriers to accessing programs like self- defence
Martial arts are often male dominated or have mixed classes, which women of Islamic backgrounds cannot attend.
Philotimo as a women-only dojo provides a safe, culturally appropriate and encouraging environment for all women, and specifically women of CALD backgrounds who wish to train Jujitsu.
Our Lakemba dojo was started with the aid and support of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Association (IWWA) in the summer of 2020. Since that time it has grown to a full sized program with classes for all ages, and introducing women’s classes in 2023 for mothers of the girls we teach.
Girls train the full syllabus of Jujitsu in a welcoming and challenging environment with respect to the specific needs of our students.
In November 2022 the senior girls from the squad took out the first place spots in their divisions in the All Girls Open Styles Martial Arts competition. They then topped this achievement in October 2023 at the World Cup, where all of them placed in their divisions, including World Champion, Silver and Bronze placements. We are extremely proud of their achievements.
The Lakemba dojo does not bow on or off the mats, or to the teacher, but rather pays mindful attention to the beginning and end of class
We are proud in 2023 to be partnering with many different community organisations in the Bankstown and Liverpool areas to bring support and confidence to girls and women.
It is the heart of Philotimo that we are a welcoming and inclusive environment for all women of all backgrounds.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
BEHIND THE SCENES
Want to learn more? Follow the canterbury squad on Instagram @CanterburyGirlsJujitsu to keep up with the latest news, or reach out and come try a class with us!
Children have attended our free holiday programs
champions of National and State All-styles competitions
Families have used our 100% australian owned programs developed especially for Philotimo Students
number of times our head instructor has been nominated for Australian of the year
The Canterbury Squad trains on Thursdays – you don’t need any prior martial arts experience. Just come and have a go!
Our strength in our diversity
Partnerships
WE ARE HAPPY TO WORK & SHARE OUR VISION WITH motivated PARTNERS.
We have run programs in partnership with STARRTS, IWWA, LMA, GIRL GUIDES, and so many more. Reach out to talk with us about our programs for new immigrants, refugees, women’s groups and more.
“Without doubt the kids couldn’t wait to get down to the martial arts aspect of the program each week – the instructors were engaging and the kids totally absorbed”
Halima
“Springboard” Primary School program with Creating CHances, Philotimo and Punchbowl Public
“From the start the girls were focused and excited to train. The instructors were patient and kind, and made the lessons fun as well as informative”
Fatima
Fairfield, NSW
CONTACT US
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
Our programs can make a huge difference not just for individual students, but in schools, after care programs, co-curricular activities and so much more.