Chris Anastasiou
Totally recommend Philotimo Freestyle Jujitsu for anyone looking for a great atmosphere, supportive team and most of all safe Dojo for girls to be inspired and helped to develop their martial arts skills.
Sensei Rose is a trailblazer for girls learning self defence but most of all self confidence and life skills.
They have a range of all-girls classes.
She also offers mother and daughter classes and mums train for free!
A fabulous boys class has now been started too on Saturday mornings.
Our 2 daughters and son all moved to this Dojo from a larger one and enjoy going every week and have thrived!
Teressa Pittz
Yes to Philotimo Jujitsu – never to old to start ! I just started ? they have an awesome girls program your daughter will love it! The atmosphere is amazing for a defence class and mums and daughters can train together, its a really friendly atmosphere and all the sensei are so encouraging and a lot of fun ! You should join with her ?
Chris Anastasiou
Totally recommend Philotimo Freestyle Jujitsu for anyone looking for a great atmosphere, supportive team and most of all safe Dojo for girls to be inspired and helped to develop their martial arts skills.
Sensei Rose is a trailblazer for girls learning self defence but most of all self confidence and life skills.
They have a range of all-girls classes.
She also offers mother and daughter classes and mums train for free!
A fabulous boys class has now been started too on Saturday mornings.
Our 2 daughters and son all moved to this Dojo from a larger one and enjoy going every week and have thrived!
Andrea Jeanne
Philotimo Freestyle Jujitsu, fantastic mother’s class, free with kids. The training is fantastic for both kids and mums. We love it there and would highly recommend for self defence and fitness ????
Andi Cooper
Big fan of Philotimo, I’m a mum who trains there, I have tried a couple of different styles over the years and this is my favourite. Sensei is great, my daughter loves her and also the other mums are so welcoming and super friendly.
Teressa Pittz
Yes to Philotimo Jujitsu – never to old to start ! I just started ? they have an awesome girls program your daughter will love it! The atmosphere is amazing for a defence class and mums and daughters can train together, its a really friendly atmosphere and all the sensei are so encouraging and a lot of fun ! You should join with her ?
Emma Allen
I recommend Philotimo Freestyle Jujitsu for teen girls especially. It’s a hidden gem! The girls get more than physical self defence, the emotional and resilience benefits are also so valuable. The mentoring from older female Sensei’s is really inspiring. This is sport and life skills training at its best. Highly recommend it ❤️
Jenny O’Neill
I love this jujitsu! Definitely give it a go. Both my girls have got so much out of it – not just for their physical fitness, strength, balance and coordination but also for their self confidence and mental health?
Maggie Holles
Philotimo Freestyle (Hoshin!) is absolutely amazing. I have been with this dojo for many years and nothing has helped me more transition into adulthood, womanhood and university life than them.
I started as an insecure, disorganised teenager who struggled with ADHD and self-doubt and absolutely no resilience. But, I have not only gained more confidence with my physical fitness, as I am now confident to go places and feel safe, but I have gained mental discipline and control, which helped immensely throughout high school and university and in all aspects of my life.
I do not know where I would be without them. I wholeheartedly recommend this dojo to anyone who is struggling with high school and is worried about succeeding in uni in the future – we have amazing resources and a loving support system here for you to get you through it!
Margaret Lam
Can’t recommend this highly enough for any parents that might be considering this for their kids. Great all round program and very supportive Senseis, the kids get such wonderful one on one attention, great teachers that are fantastic role models for the kids.
The kids at all ages have so much fun and it builds their confidence, self defence and motor skills.Thanks for putting it together Sensei Rose, I know it’s a lot of work for you and all the wonderful senseis you train, we’ve just re-enrolled our kids for another year. See you in class! ?
Kim Pitt
Not only do the girls learn invaluable skills, they learn to work as a team and challenge themselves in a very positive environment. It’s a great release.
Maryanne Lia
My daughter has been training under Sensei Rose since 2013. During that time she has made many lovely friends and has been supported in her personal growth by the Senseis and the members of the dojo. She is a confident and fit young woman who is actively training at the age of 19 (also working and studying part-time).
She has had many positive and challenging experiences through Jujitsu. She competed very successfully at AMAC and NAS in Kata, continuous and points sparring, holding the title of Australian Champion for many years. In fact her competition results were such that she was awarded an extra 5 ATAR points as an Elite Athlete & gained entry to the University course she really wanted.
She is now training in Olympic Taekwondo as a result of her earlier achievements and is also still actively involved in Philotimo Jujitsu as are a fresh crop of very good black belt instructors.I was so excited to be able to train for free after so many years watching from the sidelines. I am 50 and last year I was losing confidence as I broke three ribs due to weak bones from cancer drugs. Now after less than a year of training I can do breakfalls and forward and backward rolls and feel that the weight bearing exercise is actually strengthening my bones. And it is SO MUCH FUN.
Come and join us at Hunter’s Hill.
Carmen Lia
I have been training here for over 5 years now and i could not love it more it is the most welcoming environment and the self defence has helped me many times and has become a large part of my life.
Danny Osomanski
Sensei Rose and team have taught all 3 of my children. Her stranger danger program has been invaluable to the kids awareness and we still use the skills today. Her modern warrior program was sensational and so helpful teaching the kids responsibility. I could go on! Rose has this incredible capacity to never give up even in the most challenging of times & has taught us all resilience. I could not recommend her highly enough. Thank you Sensei for all you have done for us and all you do for the girls and boys in your community
Ashley LeMay
I highly recommend this dojo to any parent. My daughter started in her first year of high school and she has benefited in sooo many ways! She has so much more self confidence in herself and her abilities. I have loved seeing her achieve results and break through mental barriers, she would have initially thought not possible! Rose Smith who runs this dojo, is an amazing individual who genuinely cares about each of her students, and I thank her and all of the Sensei‘ s for their hard work & dedication.
Melindah Loh Haining
Highly recommend Philotimo Freestyle Jujitsu. The instructors have been very supportive and inclusive – it feels more like a community than just a martial arts class. I particularly like that the female instructors are great role models for my primary school daughters. I have even started training at the dojo and am loving it!
Steph LeMarinel
The confidence and joy that my daughter gained from her time in the dojo is absolutely precious to me as a parent. The skills she has gained in self-defence and all round fitness will stay with her all her life! They are proud of teaching kids appropriate goal-setting, socialising, and striving to be a truly productive person in society. Thanks Rose, you are one in a million.
Ruby Farquhar
Philotomo Jujitsu has helped me feel strong and independent being a teenage girl especially when I was in high school as I made new relationships with people and felt more comfortable as a person. It also made me feel safer on the streets at night when travelling by myself. I ? recommend for anyone to do martial arts!!
ATTN: Rose Smith
Hi Rose,
I just wanted to write a quick well done for your interview on news breakfast (ABC) this weekend past. I thought your comment on the way a government acts making it hard to be an example to our kids had me standing up in front of the TV yelling that you are a legend!
Whilst that comment took the hosts by surprise and it wasnt really explored, I admire you greatly for saying it. Courage, conviction and integrity.
Looks like you offer a great program up there. Love the community spirit you are trying to foster and the idea that you look after each other and the wider community. Also like your statements surrounding the why of martials arts.
Anyways, thought I should give you that feedback. Have a great day.
Thanks again,
Josh Ellis
Liberty Campbell
Dear Sensei Rose,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the “Winning the Homework War” program that my son Jason participated in this year.
We have always struggled with homework, due to fear of failing, not understanding what is required, seeming to be too much and there is always better things to do attitudes.
The program was a brilliant way to help us break down the homework barriers and excuses and with simple strategies that were so easy to implement.Since doing the program, Jason is so much better organised, he is committed to getting his homework and study completed and on time, he is not worried about admitting if he does not understand what is required or for help. It has truly made everyone’s life so much better.
The final added benefit is now seeing the improvement in his grades, this term he came third in his class in Japanese with a score 20% higher than the class average.
Thanks again
Karen
A Grateful Mum
Karen HadjinicolaProof of Jason’s improvement since WtHW.
Thanks
Karen
Karen HadjinicolaFrom: Liberty Campbell
Sent: Monday, 16 September 2013 3:32 PM
Subject: JapaneseDear parent,
Just a quick email to let you know your son achieved 71% in the Term 3 listening test, placing him 3rd in the class. The class average was 53%. Well done Jason on a fantastic result in Japanese!
Regards,
Liberty Campbell
Languages KLA Leader
St Pauls Catholic College, Manly
Wendy McKay
Rose Smith presented a workshop on resilience at the Bankstown East Hills Inter School Group SRC Meeting on Friday 5 April.
Throughout 2012 the students had done a number of workshops on anti-bullying and they requested some input on developing resilience in 2013.
I became aware of Rose and her work on building resilience in students and her work with the PCYC through the local newspaper.I contacted her to discuss the possibility of presenting to a group of secondary students. Rose embraced the opportunity with great enthusiasm. From the initial conversation she has been very generous with her time and her resources, tailoring her presentation to meet the needs of a group of 35 students from 10 high schools in the Bankstown East Hills School Groups.
The presentation engaged the students from the outset and inspired and stimulated them to take the material back to their schools to discuss ways in which the strategies could be implemented by the SRCs.
I look forward to hearing back from the schools with regard to the strategies they have implemented.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance with relation to the resilience workshop in the context of the ISG SRC.
Regards
Wendy
Wendy McKay
Student Welfare Consultant
Bankstown and East Hills School Groups
South Western Sydney Region
Department of Education and Communities
9408 8913
David Eggleton – a Happy Dad!
The anti-bullying program gives kids some great practical tactics for dealing with real life bully situations how to distract a bully and change the outcome of a situation for the better was helpful! One of the key focusses of the program was to take the techniques away and practice, practice, practice to embed them.
Annette Gilchrist, Glebe
My son did the free anti-bullying program course at the Glebe PCYC. He loved it and gained confidence
Leanne Lorist
Dear Sensei Rose
My daughter really enjoyed the classes at the Glebe PCYC free anti-bullying program. Very important in todays society. Definitely recommended these classes to my friends and school mums. Thanks ever so much.
Janis Albright
Dear Sensei Rose
The course provided children with concrete techniques to stop bullying and was fun, humourous and grounded in a combination of philosophies of martial arts and psychology. Brilliant!
Melissa Piers, Glebe
The anti bullying program at the Glebe PCYC was a lot of fun. Alaura enjoyed the games Rose plays and enjoyed practicing on her brothers and sisters. It was soooooooo soothing!
Kareena Newman
Sensei Rose ;
FANTASTIC program that teaches children AND parents how to deal with bullies. Well worth the drive which was one hour and 20 minutes!
Thankyou for your wisdom and support with this very important issue. It has definitely made a difference in our lives.
Kareena Newman, Theresa Park NSW
The Mother of a Fire Dragon
Dear Sensei Rose
From the first day my son joined the martial arts dojo of Hoshin, I have not stopped being amazed and impressed with the changes Sensei Rose and her young instructors have wrought in my child.
Within weeks of starting, his manners improved dramatically. His teachers noted his exceptional politeness. Other parents began noting his good manners when picked up from play dates with friends. But that was just the beginning. I dont think I can list all the ways Hoshin has improved my childs life. His self esteem, looking people in the eye (and the clever way Sensei teaches that skill) shaking hands and introducing himself. The skills he has developed with his rolling and falling. I cant believe that is MY unstretchy son down on the floor doing the SPLITS!
Then there are the impromptu chats that Sensei has each lesson. He has come home captivated with her drawings on the whiteboard of the human brain and neural systems, the muscles, the way our brains work. Her knowledge of how drugs and alcohol affect the body and her truthful, amusing and direct
discussions about the consequences we dont hear about, like adult depression, have made more of an impression on him than all the healthy harold lessons he ever had in primary school or the mixed ones he has had in high school.I cannot finish without mentioning the communication skills we have all learned with Sensei. Earlier this year we attended an excellent program on family dynamics and how we can even set our children up to be victims by the way we play our roles in the family. Every single parent who attended this program was blown away with the notes, the quality of the lectures and the fun way Sensei involved our normally bored teenagers. I cannot put a price on the value of doing her classes, only say simply she
is priceless.As my son insists I am a very embarrassing mother I will say simply ;
Linda Dooley
Dear Sensei Rose
David has improved 10 fold with his behaviour and he said ‘he likes school and enjoys it again ’ (again comment I thought was interesting). It shows us how positive ‘Hoshin’ has been for him, along with dealing with school bullying issues, and his passion in sailing, is all turning positive, for our little man. So makes the gut wrenching feeling in my stomach subside when I drop him off at school now. He is so happy and today for the 1sttime ever he decided to do 2 min pick up cause his sister was sick.This way I could still pick him up and his sister stay warm/rested in the car. So proud. Such a little thing, but a big thing to both of us.
Thank you again and again Rose and your team, it’s all worth it!!!
Deborah Hodge
Dear Sensei
My two boys have participated in the Manners Program, completing level 1. They are currently working on Level 2 and I have found that the program has helped them think about their manners & behaviour and improve in that area each week. One particular area where the improvement has been significant
and very welcome is doing it the first time. As any parent knows, getting the children to do what is asked of them without repeated nagging can be a difficult task. I have found that when the kids have a focus and a goal, they are motivated to change their behaviour and actually do what is requested immediately. The Manners Program has certainly helped my childrens table manners, courtesy and improved the overall level of co-operation in the family. They also have felt a great sense of achievement when they receive their medal in front of their class and parents.I recommend the Manners Program as a useful tool for parents in teaching and reinforcing positive character traits and good manners in their children.
Regards
Laura Manchester
I just wanted to say a huge belated thank you for your amazing anti-bullying 101 workshop that my 8 year old son attended with a friend.
I thought it was so beneficial & Luke remembered a lot of the information taught, hes been telling all his friends.
It should be compulsory at schools.
Caiden Morjanoff (Little Dragon)
Martial arts has helped me become more confident and courageous. When I am faced with something that, before, I would have run away, now I wouldnt. I was often teased about being smart by dumb people and people were saying FAIL! to me. Martial arts taught me fogging so when things like that happened again, I was able to defend myself with words. Sometimes, there was a bully at school who came and choked me (either with two hands or one hand) and hurt me quite a lot. and I wasnt able to escape until they stopped. Now that I know Hoshin, I was able to defend myself by twisting their thumb off my neck or doing a different move for when they have both hands choking me. Martial arts taught me discipline and self control.
Sometimes, people would do something to enrage me (and I would get angry too) but now, when they try to make me angry, I can be a bit more in control of myself. Marital arts made me more alert and aware of my surroundings, thus meaning that I didnt hurt myself too much (eg: banging my head, hitting my knee, rolling over on my ankle)
Whenever I fell over (like tripping on something) I knew (and know) that I could do a breakfall to stop most of the impact. Another thing that Hoshin helped me with, and changed me, is (rather strangely) my public speaking. I was more resilient to being nervous when speaking, making me speak clearer and louder. Hoshin has helped me with quite a few things, so I enjoy it a fair bit, and I plain on continuing with it for a long time
By Lucas Jory, a Golden Dragon
Hoshin has changed my life because I used to be bullied. But now, thanks to Hoshin, I have developed strategies and enough confidence to stop such bullying from happening again. I still plan on trying to increase my physical abilities to their maximum, like sprinting, the splits and kata. The confidence that Hoshin has given me has allowed me to share my ideas to more people and will help me direct the Hoshin movie this year. (Lucas wrote the story for this years movie, its a cracker!)
Hoshin has also given me patience and the power to ignore people when they bother me.As you can see, Hoshin has shaped me into the Kid I am today, and has helped me with life in general
Kelly and Chris
Hi Rose, just wanted you to know that even after 2 years we are still using the wonderful booklet that was given to us as part of our daughters martial arts training,manners for the modern warrior. We find it extreamly useful for our entire and extended family, thank you so very much for all you hard work and a great job. thanks again,
Ellie Jory (A golden Dragon)
Hoshin has changed me and my friends, because when my friends found out I was doing Hoshin they stopped bullying me and pushing me around and calling me names. Hoshin has changed me because I was not confident in myself but now I am.
Im also more fit and healthy from our fitness training and stronger than before. I have improved on Stranger Danger and in my manners and concentration
Marnie Govorko
Dear Sensei,
I am writing to let you know how helpful Hoshin Jutsu has been for my 5 year old Jack and his little sister Sarah. The manners program has been a fabulous extension on martial arts. My children have learnt so much form the modern manners program, it is quite amazing. They are always thinking of others and being kind and helpful. Their table manners are very unexpected and to have your 3 year old not argue back and say ok no
worries when you tell her no is truly a pleasure! Jack has taken away things like acceptance of others, good sportsman ship and very importantly, stranger danger. I dont think as a parent you think to teach children so
young the importance of strangers unless something bad has happened. This I believe should be taught to very young children at an early age and I commend you on starting this program. Thank you again for introducing the importance of these issues to my children.Kind regards
Susanne Hanke
I have 2 children aged 10 and 6. Both of them are attending the Hoshin Jutsu Martial Arts program in Avalon once a week. We have been using the Manners Programme given to us from the Avalon Dojo, since they both needed more focus on respect, courtesy, manners, time-management and anti-bullying tactics to help them through each day in and out of school. I have been struggling to get them to co-operate and listen to my requests. After a couple of terms following the simple daily guidelines of the Manners Program I can already see the enthusiasm in my children in achieving particular goals set out in the Program. Its still a long way to go but its been a great start to a positive outcome.
I thank the Avalon Dojo team for helping me find a clearer way to happy children.
Karen Hadjinicola
My son Jason started his Manners for the Modern Warrior program mid last year and whilst my husband and I always thought he was a fairly well behaved child it was amazing to see how focusing on different topics really improved Jasons manners. Jason was always quite shy talking to others and it was so amazing to watch Jason talk on the phone, family and friends also noticed the difference and commented. It also helped when talking to face to face with people, my sister was extremely impressed when Jason trying to give her an invitation very politely interrupted and asked if he could give her the invitation, she is still talking about it today.
The way Jason deals with his friends is also a pleasure to watch, his confidence in letting friends know when they are not being nice or bullying other kids is inspiring. I wont forgot when he came home and told me that
one of his friends hid another childs lunch box, Jason told his friend that it wasnt nice and if he didnt give it back that Jason would. The boy was so startled that he gave it back. I have no fear that Jason will suffer from bullying as he has learnt how to deal with most situations and has the confidence to tell us what is going on.However my proudest moment was after he started the second course, we went to the video shop and Jason went in by himself to return the DVD. As he approached the door, a lady also approached, I watched in awe as he opened the door but as it had to be pushed, he pushed it then stepped inside and held it until she had entered. I couldnt see her faced but I am sure she was impressed as I was at his amazing manners.
I dont just recommend this program, I feel it should be compulsory at
school.Thank you Sensei for a wonderful program.
Bronwyn Leopold
think that our children have pretty good manners when compared with some others. Of course there is ALWAYS room for improvement!! nobody is perfect. I have found the Manners Program to be a great way of reminding our children of what is expected from them in regard to good behaviour/manners. Our children enjoyed the fun way and simple diagrams that Rose Smith has portrayed each topic. They were very attentive, keen listeners. We found
with this gentle reminder their manners did improve. The program also demonstrated to our children, that what we have tried to teach them, is a lesson that is not just coming from mum and dad. These same manners we have
taught them are appreciated by everyone.Many children (and parents) these days simply just have no idea on how to be polite. Its a bit of an education for a lot of people young and old!!
We can highly recommend this program for young and old.
David Smith
I have two children attending Hoshin @ Avalon and we have noticed tangible improvements in both their behaviours since they started the Manners program. This has been most marked in our 10 yr old son James. One simple example is attitude to chores. He has transformed over the last months from someone who was very reluctant to help around the home and then only doing so with lots of complaints (moaning and groaning), to someone who now
usually responds upon first request and with a much more positive attitude (and NO we did NOT bribe him or change his pocket money!!)So we have been very impressed and thankful for the Manners program
Ben Ambrose
Hoshin’s Manners program and Sensei Rose are an excellent attribute for all those who do it. The manners program incorporates several themes used by people in everyday life. I feel that my manners have improved out of sight, and I have been growing more and more mature and well mannered. My parents and I have been approached by members of the community telling us how they find that I am a courteous and caring person at my workplace, IGA and at the Surf Club. I always help out and am mindful of behaving in a well mannered way, which the manners program
aims to achieve, and I am excelling in schoolwork, and also in my track and friend efforts, inspired by Sensi Rose to try my hardest at all times and be a gracious winner and loser, which is generally fair and good sportsmanship. I think that the manners program has worked and that Sensei Rose is an excellent leader, teacher and friend.Gold Belt Student
Debbie Milsom
When People ask me about Hoshin, I describe it as martial arts with morals. I think that all children would benefit from this and it should be made compulsory in schools. Sensei Rose and her team are warm and approachable whilst emphasizing the importance of treating other people with respect.
The influence of Hoshin and Sensei Roses team is something my daughter will keep with her all her life.
Eleanor Rattray
I have enjoyed watching Bens growth and maturity with the assistance of Hoshin. I believe Sensei Rose provides the children with a sound philosophy which she does with so much passion. This has increased Bens general awareness and kindness. Thank you Sensei Rose, for your dedication to our children and our community. It makes a big difference.
R. Huges
Lovely experience for my son. Very enjoyable and appreciate the values
Marnie Hobbs
Isabella has had a fun time and learnt heaps it is good to have such a positive activity for children in the holidays
Very well run and organized Thanks
Goerge Samuel, Student
What struck me primarily about Hoshin was its emphasis on street based reality.. I was drawn by the speed in which you can become quite competent and also by the fun elements of the class its never so serious that you cant have a laugh
M Cook
Hamish has had a fantastic first time experience with their Hoshin Jutsu Holiday camp. The instructors seem to have developed a great balance of martial arts techniques with terrific team fun. Thanks Guys!
Nicky weeks, uni student
When I began training in Hoshin, I sighted something magical in life, and in myself, which I cannot quite explain but which I call the warriors path. It provided me with the final boost to release me from depression and inferiority, which I believe to be a permanent change
Senior Constable Tony Sneddon
The Instructors of Hoshin deserve commendation for all the time and effort they have contributed and the results they have achieved. They have conducted their classes with good character and professionalism and I have been proud to be involved with them. As a police officer I must maintain good ethical standards and promote them in members of the community. I see the development of these standards in Hoshin Students when they are in the classes and in their private lives.
Paul De Silva, Teacher
Hoshin has developed a unique program through application of Martial arts training to assist young people by giving them focus, self discipline and most importantly an improved image of self
Eileen Macintosh, teacher
Hoshin promotes Honestly and trustworthiness. Students learn practical skills in conflict resolution, learning how to keep a clear head in a heated situation. They learn how to totally relax body and mind, the importance of fitness and posture, healthy eating and thinking as well as leadership and respect for others. Not just a school for self defence, I commend the excellent instructors who are dedicated to the total well being of all the students they teach.