New Year Training Course 7th Jan 2023
In our traditional New Year training this year we were again pleased to welcome members and guests from across the UK, with mixed sessions in Karate, Judo, Iaido, Aikido and Jujutsu along with a collevction of non-perishable foodstuffs for the Northampton Hope Centre providing aid to the homeless and local familes in need
New Year Training Course 8th Jan 2022
In our first course at the Honbu for over 2 years, 22 budoka, friends old and new, came together for the Kenshindoyru traditional new year training course.
With sessions in Judo, BJJ, Karate, Iaido, Aikido and Jujutsu from Senseis Stu Edwards, Michael Gilbert-Hill and Chief Instructor, Jim Dart, friends from the Honbu, Zen Judo, Portsmouth KDR Combat Judo, Go Kan Ryu and Kettering Aikikai came together for a fun, technique-filled day of training.
February 2018 - Hosting Sensei Jose Caracena for training in Tenjin Shin'yo Ryu Kata
We were honoured in February to host Sensei Caracena for the first time in the UK on a course covering Tenjin Shin'yo Ryu Jujutsu, Zenshosen Judo and Wado Ryu Ohyo kata
December 2017 Trip to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
12th November 2017 - Shihan Dart graded to 6th Dan Wado Ryu
Shihan Jim Dart 6th Dan, Renshi, with BWKS Chief Instructor
Shihan Yoshi Shinohara, 8th Dan after his successful grading
9th & 10th September 2017 - Kenshindoryu Summer Course
We were honoured to host Shihans Bartolome Canellas, Antonio Bover and Martin Suarez at this year's course, as well as 'regulars' Sensei Mike Gilbert-Hill and Roger Knowles, Renshi.
25th March 2017 - Kenshindoryu Chief Instructor Promotion
Kenshindoryu Chief Instructor, Jim Dart, has been promoted to 6th Dan Judo and Jujitsu after being formally assessed for shodan in Toyama Ryu Battojutsu through the Kokusai Toyama Ryu Renmei, headed up by Obata T, Kaiso. In the Kenshindoryu, no Dan (Black-belt) grades are awarded, so promotions after 3rd Dan for Judo and Jujitsu can only be achieved by gaining Black belt in another Japanese martial art. This promotes continued training and learning, giving greater breadth and depth of knowledge.
25th February 2017 - Kenshindoryu Jujitsu Dan Grading
Two candidates, Sensei Joe Dignam and Guy Miller, were put through their paces by a panel consisting of Senseis Stuart Edwards, Tom Williams, James Dart and Shihan Jim Dart to achieve 2nd Dan and 1st Dan Jujitsu respectively.
3rd December 2016 - Kenshindoryu Judo and Dan-Grading
This year has seen a number of Dan grade promotions at the Honbu and the December Judo Grading rounded this off in style, with Jonathan Gilbert-Hill and Phil Mackie achieving 3rd Kyu promotion, and Mike Gilbert-Hill becoming the fifth Dan Grade promotion of the year by passing his Shodan Judo in the traditionally arduous and lengthy test of resolve and technique!
18th - 21st November 2016 - Jujitsu in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
This November weekend saw 8 intrepid KDR and IGAS members make the trip to Las Palmas to train at the dojo of Shihan Martin Suarez Fernandez, 6th Dan, who treated us to not only some excellent training, but, along with Sensei Juan Garcia 4th Dan, outstanding hospitality and friendship throughout our stay, proving that the bond of training together is as strong as ever.
23rd July 2016 - Kenshindoryu Dan-Grading
In our first Dan gradings for a number of years, the grading panel was made up of KDR 'old-guard' members Tom Williams (4th Dan Judo, 2nd Dan Jujitsu), Mike Yates (1st Dan Judo) and Dan Jones (2nd Dan Judo) as well as Chief Instructor, Jim Dart (5th Dan). As a special 'treat' we had included the 1st kyu judo grading for Michael Gilbert-Hill on the agenda, and along with the two dan grade candidates, Guy Miller attempting Judo shodan, and James Dart attempting both Judo nidan and Jujitsu shodan, Mike Yates stepped in as uke throughout the afternoon.
Over the next 4 1/2 hours in intense heat, the guys were put through their syllabus at some pace by Senseis Dart and Williams, concluding in some robust randori, shiai and jiyu kumite. Final decisions, deliberations and calculations were made, resulting in passes for all candidates, and promotion to nidan for Mike Yates who had also demonstrated his resolve and abilities in the relevant syllabus in an exemplary manner throughout. Congratulations to all, with more to come later in the year...
18th May 2016 - Kenshindoryu Ohyo Kata Course: Seishan
With a number of visitors from other clubs, this one-day course proved enlightening and entertaining for attendees, picking up applications from the Pinan kata, Kushanku, and Chinto in the first session, then covering each movement in Seishan kata in the second.
27/28th February 2016 - IGAS Course Mallorca hosted by Kano Ryu
Ten IGAS members from 3 associations (KDR, Sei Jou Kai, BJJKF) including 8 from Kenshindoryu made the trip to Mallorca for an excellent course hosted by Shihan Canellas of Kano Ryu. With instructors from 8th Dan to 5th Dan each taking 15 minute slots throughout the day we were treated to a plethora of talent and technique, while learning to communicate through training (and eating!)
18th July 2015 - Karate Kata Course at Honbu Dojo in Roade
This course was run as an introduction to Sensei Dart's forthcoming book on applications to the Pinan Kata series and covered all of the pinan kata in detail, examining every move. This turned out to be a mammoth task on the day and thanks to all attendees who had their brains fried in 4 hours of karate, jujitsu and Aiki techniques, the latter ably assisted by Sensei Mike Gilbert-Hill.
20th June 2015 IGAS Course hosted by Zen Judo Bognor
Another great day from the Bognor team with Senseis John Robertson, Joe Harbert, Mike Gilbert-Hill and Jim Dart providing Judo, Aikido, Ground-fighting, Wadoryu Karate and Battojutsu sessions. Great turn-out and professionally hosted as we have come to expect from John and his team.
6th June 2015 - IGAS Course Co-Hosted with Sei Ju Kai
A half-day training course at our honbu dojo, organised by Sei Jou Kai Jujitsu and including sessions from Roger Knowles 5th Dan, Jim Dart 5th Dan and Adrian Price 3rd Dan. A good turnout for the day and another hugely enjoyable course.
September 2014 - Kenshindoryu Summer Course
Our big event of the year saw us honoured with visiting Sensei Roger Knowles, Byron Shepherd, Scott Taylor and, of course, Bartolome Canellas Shihan from Kano Ryu and Zen Judo Espana, who brought 6 of his training partners from Palma, Majorca.
For gallery of course pictures click Summer course 2014 gallery
16th August 2014 Shinkendo UK Charity Course
UK Shinkendo Shibucho Byron Shepherd Sensei played host for a one-day training session at his Milton Keynes dojo in aid of a local charity, with sessions in Aikibujutsu, Shinkendo and Bojutsu.
July 2014 Tough Mudders
Towards the end of summer 2013, some of the KDR members decided to form a team to enter the Tough Mudder challenge. Following illness and injury, only 2 members of the original team made it to the event, but Guy Miller and Liam Whitby once again demonstrated the never-give-up attitude fostered in the clubs (not to mention a considerable degree of insanity!) to complete the course, raising over £1,500 in the process for the Stroke Association.
April 5th 2014 - Zen Judo 40th Anniversary Course
Zen Judo Bognor hosted the celebration for the Zen Judo Family 40th Anniversary, which coincided with their club 10th anniversary. A good number of kenshindoryu students made the journey to Bognor for an excellent day of training, including a Wado session from EWF member Sensei Jessica Harrison, Judo from ZJF's Sensei John Robertson, Jujitsu from BKJJF Sensei Karl Harley, Shinkendo from KDR Chief Instructor Jim Dart and Aikido from Sensei Mike Gilbert-Hill. Training was followed by pizza and Sake in the dojo which brought a truly memorable day to an end.
Grading December 2013 shared with Sei Jou Kai Jujitsu
The end of year grading saw 5 Kenshindoryu Jujitsuka advance, with 1st kyu, 3rd kyu, 4th kyu, 5th Kyu and 6th kyu grades being examined. Adding additional interest and excitement to the day was the sharing of the event with newly formed club, Sei Jou Kai Jujitsu who also had a range of grades up for promotion, including one member being promoted to Shodan. A good day of solid skills and commitment from all concerned!
IGAS Course Hosted by Zen Judo Bognor 14th Sept 13
Saturday 14th September saw an early start for the 
5 KDR members who made the trip to Bognor Zen
Judo Club for the final IGAS course of the year.
Sensei John Robertson's renowned hospitality was
much in evidence as we were treated to sessions in Zen Judo, Wadoryu Karate, Shinkendo and
Groundwork with IGAS members and guests from the local karate club, at which John trains.
Another excellent day's training and company.
June 22/23 2013 Kenshindoryu 25th Anniversary Summer Course
The Honbu Dojo at Roade once again played host to members and guests for the annual weekend summer course, this year celebrating the Kenshindoryu Silver Jubilee.
Guest instructors Shihan Yoshi Shinohara 8th Dan, Shihan Neil Malpas 5th Dan, Sensei Mike Healey 5th Dan and UK ISK Shibucho Byron Shepherd joined Kenshindoryu stalwart Senseis Jim Dart, Dan Jones, Stuart Edwards, James Dart and Roger Knowles in providing a weekend of good humoured, top quality martial arts tuition and practice in the friendly and informative manner that the association has become known for.
To commemorate the 25 years, this year's course focussed on the association's past, present and future - instructors, members and connections - with sessions from KDR Founder Jim Dart, Sensei Mike Healey who was one of Jim's first Judo instructors, Shinohara Sensei, who has been a constant friend to the association for over 20 years, Long-time members Dan Jones, James Dart and Stuart Edwards, current connections Sensei Byron Shepherd and Shihan Neil Malpas, and newer members Senseis Roger Knowles and Mike Gilbert-Hill - not forgetting future senseis, Guy Miller and everyone's favourite 'Uke', Mike Reilly.
|---------------------PAST---------------------------|----------PRESENT--------|----------------------FUTURE--------------|
Left to Right Jim Dart Gail Dart Stuart Edwards Dan Jones Roger Knowles James Dart Liam Whitby Guy Miller Mike Reilly
5th Dan 2nd Dan 3rd Dan 2nd Dan 2nd Dan KDR 1st Dan
(5th Dan Godo)
Saturday 22nd Sunday 23rd
SEE THE REST OF THE PICS HERE
June 8th 2013 - Shared Training Day @ Trowbridge Zen Judo
Sensei Mike Healey hosted a highly enjoyable and informative Zen Judo training day with participants from his own club, Thatcham Zen Judo, Bognor Zen Judo and Kenshindoryu, summed up by one person as 'Good Judo, Good People, Good food!'
13th April 2013 - Hyodokan/KDR Training Day
10 of the Judo & Jujitsu members made the short journey to Pattishall to train with Sensei
Neil Malpas' Hyodokan/Dentokan club on their club day, with participants from a number
of other AJBF clubs. Sessions in Shorin Ryu karate, Kata application, Shinkendo, Aikijujutsu
and Newaza made for a hugely enjoyable (if tiring!) 6 hours of training, following which Sensei arranged for Pizza and Beer to aid recovery!
9th March 2013 - IGAS Course - Gosport
BKJJF hosted the first IGAS Course of the year, which included excellent informative session in Judo from Sensei Ian Llewellyn, Jujitsu with Sensei Mark Corby and Sensei John Brown, Shinkendo from Shibucho Byron Shepherd and Tuite from Sensei Jim Dart.
An excellent turnout for a first-class course.
18th November 2012 - Kata Bunkai & Shinkendo
Our final course of 2012 covered the applications to Pinan Sandan, Godan and Naihanchi, and was followed by a session on the shared principles and techniques of Wadoryu & Shinkendo.
A hugely informative and enjoyable session, many thanks to Senseis Byron Shepherd and Jordan Dunkley for the Shinkendo portion of the course.
You can see a demonstration of the Naihanchi bunkai here on our karate page
8th October 2012 - ISKK Course
Kenshindoryu Honbu hosted an International Seito Karate Kenyuakai
course on 8th October and, although attracting a disappointing number
of our own members, included excellent sessions from Sensei Malcolm
Bates 6th Dan on Seito Karate, Sensei Neil Malpas 5th Dan on Shorin
Ryu and Kobudo and Jim Dart 5th Dan on throws contained in Kata.
30th September IGAS Course MK
This year's Autumn IGAS seminar was hosted by Sensei Byron
Shepherd at the UK Aikibuken dojo in Milton Keynes and,
although numbers were lighter than usual, still attracted members
from 5 different associations for an excellent day covering Judo,
Aikibujutsu, Ju Jitsu and Aikido.
MMA/Grappling Competition Success
20+ year Kenshindoryu and KDR Yudansha Elite member Sensei Stuart Edwards
achieved Gold in the MMA division and Silver in the Grappling section of the 'Gods
of War' Tournament on 14th July 2012. Stuart trains regularly with Sensei Scott
Taylor (who taught on the recent KDR Summer Course) and holds 3rd Dan in KDR
Jujitsu Kempo, 2nd Dan in Wadoryu Karate and 1st Dan Judo.
Kenshin do Karate Wadokai Joins EWF
We are pleased to announce that the Kenshin do Karate Wadokai
has been accepted into membership of the English Wado Federation
providing our members with wider opportunities on courses and in
competitions, where we will be able to benefit from EKF licencing &
insurance.
2012 Summer Course
This year's Summer Course attracted a total of almost 40 attendees from 8 different associations, and with Shinohara Sensei heading up the list of instructors it was no surprise how popular places were. Particular thanks to Sensei Launders and his Shiro no Zen Judokwai members for their support.
A packed mat started with a KDR Jujitsu session from host Sensei Jim Dart and this was followed by Sensei Byron Shepherd with another superb demonstration of his skill in Shinkendo, teaching the Ippon Dachi pair work. After lunch, Sensei George Launders taught a hugely enjoyable Judo session in which Sensei Dart managed to crock Sensei Shepherd, and the day was concluded with the first of Mr Shinohara's karate sessions - apart from the evening barbecue, of course, which proved its usual hit with the course members!
Sunday saw a quieter mat, with those choosing not to make the second day missing a great groundwork session from Sensei Scott Taylor, ably assisted by his brother, Jamie, and Shinohara Sensei's second karate instalment. This was followed by Sensei Shepherd, overcoming his injury to teach one of the best Aikibujutsu sessions we have seen. The course was closed with some Combat Judo, in which the simple message 'don't forget to let go of the breakfall arm!' seemed to elude many of those remaining on the mat - notleast Sensei Dart!
Look at the course gallery here
2012 New Year Training
14 members were sufficiently revived after the New Year celebration to attend three hours of mixed training at the honbu dojo on 2nd January. With sessions from Sensei Jim Dart in Judo, Jujitsu, Shinkendo and Wadoryu, from Sensei Mike Gilbert-Hill in Aikido and from Sensei Andy Jones in competition karate all were treated to a light-hearted return to training after the festive break. As usual, thanks to Gail for providing refreshments and cake (which seemed to be the main reason people had come along) throughout the session.
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu, Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu