Our Instructor

Sifu Rob Astill

Founder of Steady and Strong

Sifu Rob Astill is the founder of Steady and Strong, a unique program developed in Adelaide to help people build confidence, improve balance, and feel safer in everyday life.

With decades of experience across martial arts, movement, and real-world personal safety, Rob brings a calm, practical, and highly supportive approach to his teaching—especially suited to those who want to stay active, independent, and confident as they get older.

From Real-World Experience to Practical Teaching

Rob’s journey began not in a dojo, but on the rugby field. Playing for the Adelaide University Rugby Club, he developed resilience, awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—earning the “Most Improved in A Grade” award in 1992.

He later spent 13 years in the security industry, where he gained firsthand experience managing real-life confrontations. This experience shaped his belief that effective self-protection isn’t about fighting—it’s about awareness, positioning, and simple, reliable techniques.

A Lifetime of Martial Arts and Study

Seeking a more refined and efficient approach, Rob began training in martial arts under Grandmaster Felix Leong, where he trained for nine years and achieved a 2nd Degree Instructor Sash.

His studies included:

Wing Chun
Tai Chi
Muay Thai
Southern Tiger and Crane systems
Traditional weapons training

He also travelled to Thailand and China to deepen his understanding.

Through Tai Chi, Rob developed a strong interest in the principles of balance and harmony, leading him to study Taoism. In 2004, he undertook Taoist initiation, further shaping the holistic philosophy that underpins Steady and Strong today.

Creating Steady and Strong

After founding his first school in 2004, Rob spent years teaching a wide range of students—from beginners to advanced practitioners, as well as community groups and young people.

Over time, he recognised a growing need:
many people wanted to feel safer and move better, but without the intensity or intimidation of traditional martial arts training.

Steady and Strong was created to meet that need.

This program focuses on:

Improving balance and stability
Building gentle, functional strength
Learning simple, effective self-protection skills
Developing awareness and confidence
Using everyday tools such as walking sticks in a safe, practical way

A Strong Community Focus

Rob has always believed these skills should be accessible to everyone. He has delivered programs for:

At-risk youth
Indigenous communities
Children’s programs

He also completed formal training in Domestic Violence Response (2013) and contributed as a facilitator at the DV Snapshots Conference (2014).

This background informs his approach—respectful, empowering, and focused on helping people feel more in control of their own safety and wellbeing.

A Supportive and Practical Approach

Rob’s teaching style is patient, encouraging, and grounded in real life.

There is no pressure to perform or keep up—just a focus on steady progress, building confidence, and enjoying the process.

Whether you’re looking to improve your balance, stay active, feel more confident moving through the world, or simply try something new in a supportive environment, you’ll be guided every step of the way.

The Steady and Strong Philosophy

At its heart, Steady and Strong is about helping people:

Move with confidence.
Stay independent.
Feel safe.