Soke
Sam Gervasi, one of Australia's leading exponents in martial arts and in fields
of natural health, is the founder and head instructor of the Australian and
International Ju-jitsu/Karate Dojos and the founder and principal of the
International College of Martial Arts and Natural Therapies.
Innovative and
dynamic he has blended his knowledge of boxing, martial arts and his love of the
healing arts to become one of the most well regarded and respected martial
artists in Australia.
Originating from a
small provincial town in Sicily, Italy, Soke Gervasi migrated to Australia at
the age of nine. His formative years were spent honing his skills in the art of
boxing, coached by Harry 'Snowy' Doran, 1946 Victorian Boxing champion.
A career decision and
his affinity with boxing led him in search of something offering similar
ingredients. After much consideration of other styles and clubs Soke Gervasi
came under the tutelage of Shihan Wayne Brabham, who was instructing in the art
of Ju-Jitsu. Inspired by the energetic classes Shihan Gervasi signed up (in
1973) with the humble goal to achieve a yellow belt. However with will and
determination he achieved the coveted black belt in 1978. By the time Shihan
Brabham had retired from martial arts he had graded Soke Gervasi to 4th Dan
(July 1989).
This was the catalyst
that led Soke Gervasi to travel extensively to many countries to broaden his
training and teaching, along the way gaining valuable information from many
Masters who were experts in the fields of anatomy and traditional Eastern
Medicine.
Soke Gervasi has
been able to incorporate this knowledge along with his own studies in Shiatsu,
pressure points, sports injury massage and herbal medicine to offer a well
rounded schooling in martial arts and natural healing.
Whilst undertaking
his world-wide search of knowledge Soke Gervasi was privileged to be taken
under the guidance of two of the most renowned Ju-Jitsu masters in the world,
Professor Wally Jay (10th Degree Small Circle Ju-Jitsu) and Professor Don Jacob
(9th Degree Purple Dragon Ju-Jitsu). In March 1996, Soke Gervasi was graded to
6th Dan by both professors. In the same year he was awarded the prestigious
accolade of Ju-Jitsu Instructor of the year at the Blitz Hall of Fame Martial
Arts awards.
In 1996 Soke Gervasi established
a volunteer program called Operation M.A.C.H. (Martial Arts Community Help),
with the main focus being to help those less fortunate and in genuine need of
assistance. Soke Gervasi along with his students provide volunteer help such
as gardening, lawn mowing, cleaning, painting and repairing odd jobs around the
home.
He is also a
published author of the book "The Complete Guide to Safety and Awareness" and
has published several Martial Arts magazines. His status in the Martial Arts
community has also led him to be featured on many magazine covers such as Blitz
and Impact to name a few.
A mentor to all his
students, his classes are fun, informative and above all educational. His
technique and skill in Ju-Jitsu and Karate is not only sharp and lethal but
breathtaking to watch, his whole persona radiates a serene warmth and
friendliness that is felt by all who cross his path. Soke Gervasi is a true
inspiration to students and peers alike.
MEETING THE MASTERS
Soke Sam Gervasi receiving
his diploma from
Professor Wally Jay (10th Degree Ju-Jitsu)
After travelling to many
countries training and teaching , absorbing valuable information from many
Masters who knew of anatomy and traditional Eastern medicine, and along
with his own studies in Shiatsu and Massage, incorporated into the teaching
agenda. He was also priviliged to be taken under the guidance of two of
the most renowned Ju-Jitsu Masters in the world, Professor Wally Jay (10th
Degree Small Circle Ju-Jitsu) and Professor Don Jacob (9th Degree Purple
Dragon Ju-Jitsu (Don Jitsu Ryu) Ryu). In March, 1996, Soke Gervasi was
graded to 6th Degree by both Professor Wally Jay and Professor Don Jacob.
Soke Sam Gervasi with Professor Don Jacob (9th
Degree Purple Dragon Ju-Jitsu)
Soke
Sam Gervasi,
1996 Blitz Hall of Fame Ju-Jitsu Instructor of the year.
On the 3rd November 1996, along with other Martial
Artists from around Australia, Soke Gervasi attended the 1996 Blitz Hall
of Fame Martial Arts Awards at the Carlton Crest Hotel in Melbourne, where
he was presented with his award for Ju-Jitsu Instructor of the Year.
CONTACT US ON THE FOLLOWING
POSTAL:
P.O. Box 134, Ascot Vale,
Victoria, Australia 3032.