About

Welcome to Things of Japan. I am Phillip Brain and it is my pleasure to share with you my interest in all
 "Things of Japan". 

As a child I was interested in Japan and began Judo at the Melbourne YMCA in 1952. In the years since then my interest in Japan has diversified. Had I known how unique the Japanese culture is I may have confined my interests over the ensuing 50 years.

I still am a judo Coach and have coached students at all levels; club, High School, tertiary and at Olympic level. My son Stewart and his wife Cathy have represented Australia at either Seoul, Barcelona or Atlanta OLYMPICS. Stewart won a medal at Edinburgh Commonwealth Games and Cathy won a medals at Fukuoka Women’s Open. My coaching contributed to their successes.

I first visited Japan in 1964 for hands-on coaching experience and since then 33+ trips for Judo and business have followed.

Achievements of University of Queensland Judo teams at many Australian University Games has been attributed to my coaching. I was awarded a Life Membership of University of Queensland Sports Association in 1977 for my contributions to University Judo. I began importing, wholesaling & retailing martial arts uniforms in the early 70’s and branched out to antique sword parts and Japanese antiques shortly after because of my interests in these spheres.

I was the founding sensei of Hokushin Ryu Iai Do in 1983.

In 1992 I was awarded an Australia Day medal for Judo Administration. Judo reached unheard of levels within Queensland during my 17 years as Secretary/Administrator, during which time I conceived the idea of the first Queensland International Judo Open in 1981.Many states followed my initiative and International events are run in many  States. I competed in all JUDO Masters Games until 2000. My current Judo rank is 6th Dan awarded 1993 by JFA.

In January 2000 I completed Hachi ju hachi junrei following the pilgrims route of 88 temples in shikoku, a dream of 20 years fulfilled.

Many of the photos I took at the Sydney 2000 Olympics have been published in "US Judo Journal". 

I hope you enjoy my site!

Best regards,

Phillip

"Things of Japan" ABN 25 372 718 570

P.O. Box 110, STONES CORNER, Brisbane QLD 4120

Telephone:61 (07) 38473141

Mobile: 0419 027 618

e-mail: phillipj@thingsofjapan.com.au

 

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