About
Streetwise Fighting Systems is born out of a desire to blend the wisdom of the traditional martial arts with the effectiveness of progressive modern combat methods. 
Streetwise Fighting Systems is home to Goju Karate Kaiku, Physical Intervention Training (PIT) and Streetwise Weapons Awareness Training (SWAT) providing vocational skills for security personnel, self defence and weapons awareness for adults and children, fighting skills on the mat, in the ring or in the cage for the competitive and structured grading and recognition for the goal driven.
Streetwise Fighting Systems International was founded by Japie Cilliers in Kimberley, South Africa. Streetwise Fighting Systems International is the progenitor of Streetwise Fighting Systems. Japie is an eclectic martial artist with training and ties to pioneering Rhodesian and South African combatives. Gio, the Chief Instructor for Streetwise Fighting Systems, trained in Goju Kai Karate with Japie during the 80's and was later introduced to Escrima by Japie in the early 90's; Gio and Japie have been associated ever since.
Gio and Streetwise Fighting Systems are based in Surrey, England. Gio started training in Goju Ryu Karate in 1975 and graded to 5th Dan Goju Karate Kaiku in December 2011, under 8th Dan Hanshi: Dr Thomas Mitchell. Gio is a conflict management and combat specialist as a result of his chosen occupation, Door Supervision. He is an "old school" Bouncer, starting the doors in the very late 80's in Cape Town, but really cut his teeth in Johannesburg through the 90's. He immigrated to the UK in 1999 and transitioned through the changes to Door Supervision resulting from regulation by the SIA (Security Industry Authority), emerging as a "modern" Door Supervisor and registered trainer of Door Supervisors. Gio is still active on the doors and holds a valid SIA Door Supervision license. He only practices and teaches what he knows, from experience, works and will keep you safe and safely out of trouble with the law. 
