A Lifelong Journey
I’m Greg Regan, and like many people, my introduction to martial arts began for a practical reason. Having experienced bullying at school, I wanted to learn how to defend myself. As the years passed, that initial motivation developed into a lifelong fascination with body mechanics and the principles that make techniques effective.
Nearly five decades later, that same curiosity continues to shape both my own training and the way I teach. Martial arts remain a continual journey of learning, where every class offers an opportunity to refine understanding, improve technique and discover something new.
Teaching Through Understanding
At Satorikan, I believe that students benefit most when they understand not only how a technique works, but why it works.
Rather than simply memorising movements, students are encouraged to explore the principles of balance, timing, posture and body mechanics that underpin the Japanese martial traditions which have influenced jūjutsu. Understanding these principles develops confidence, adaptability and the ability to apply techniques more naturally.
Teaching is also a continual learning process. Explaining techniques, answering questions and seeing familiar movements from a student’s perspective often leads to a deeper understanding and the continual refinement of my own technique.
A Calm and Patient Approach
Every student arrives with different experiences, abilities and goals. Some techniques make sense immediately, while others take time, patience and practice.
Questions are always encouraged, and instruction is adapted to the individual. My aim is to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, developing confidence and progressing at a pace that is right for them.
Progress isn’t measured by how quickly someone learns, but by the understanding and confidence they develop along the way.
The Dojo Environment
A dojo should be a place where people enjoy learning.
Respect, patience and mutual support create an atmosphere where students can train hard while feeling welcomed and encouraged. Whether someone is attending their first lesson or has trained for many years, everyone shares the same training space and the same opportunity to continue learning.
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is seeing that positive energy develop within the dojo as students encourage one another, work hard together and enjoy the process of learning.
Why I Still Teach
After almost five decades, the greatest satisfaction doesn’t come from demonstrating techniques or reflecting on years of experience.
There’s a particular satisfaction in seeing the moment a student’s expression changes from ‘I’m not sure I can do this‘ to ‘Ah…now I understand.‘ Those moments never become routine.
Watching confidence grow, understanding deepen and students leave the dojo knowing they’ve worked hard, learned something new and enjoyed the journey remains just as rewarding today as it was when I first began teaching.
For me, learning never really ends. Every lesson offers another opportunity for students and instructor alike to continue that journey together.
Ready to experience training for yourself?